Nicole's YA Book Haven

Author Interview with Lisa Orchard (+ Giveaway)!

Nicole — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:05:02 +0000

Today, I have an interview with Lisa Orchard, the author of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer. Lisa was also kind enough to offer up TWO eBook copies of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer for two lucky readers, so keep reading for instructions on how to enter.

1) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I started reading books pretty early and by fifth grade I was writing my own mysteries. I guess you could say Nancy Drew inspired me. Anyway, I knew I wanted to be a writer in fifth grade. J

2) How did you come up with the story “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”?

The story is based on some of my own teenage exploits. However, these exploits are greatly embellished in the story. I wanted to be a detective when I was young and my friends and I developed our own detective squad.

3) What do you hope readers will take away from “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”?

Hmmm…good question. What I hope readers take away from the story is that old adage, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” I wanted the reader to learn right along with the characters that there are reasons why people act the way they do and not to be too quick to judge someone who’s different too harshly.

4) If there is one piece of advice that you could give aspiring writers, what would it be?

Keep writing. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done, because it can be.

5) What can we expect from you in the future? Is there anything in particular that you’re working on?

I just signed the contract for the second book in the “Super Spies” series, it is tentatively scheduled for release sometime this summer. It’s titled “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber”, and my beta readers really enjoyed it!

6) Describe “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer” in three words.

Spine-tingling suspense

Where you can find Lisa online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/lisaorchard1

About “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”:

ebook, 277 pages

Published March 13th 2012 by astraea press

Back cover blurb:

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where fifteen-year-old Sarah Cole is stuck spending the summer at her Aunt and Uncle’s with her sister, Lacey. She’s not happy with the situation until she befriends a girl named Jackie. The three girls stumble upon the ruthless murder of a reclusive neighborhood woman. One of the officers investigating the crime believes the girls are responsible for her death. Fearing that this officer will frame them for the murder, the girls organize their own detective squad. They become the Super Spies and start their own fact-finding mission. The Super Spies can’t understand why anyone would want to murder the “Cat Lady” until they start digging into her past and discover a horrible crime that happened thirty years ago. They uncover a connection between the two crimes and attempt to bring this information to the police, only to be reprimanded for meddling in the inquest. Not only are the girls upset by the admonition, but they also struggle with the fact that their exuberant investigating could provide a legal loophole allowing the killer to go free. To make matters worse, the police don’t even believe them. Frustrated by this turn of events, the Super Spies realize it’s up to them to snare the Cat Lady killer, or die trying…

Purchase links (only $2.99): Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Interested in winning one of two eBook copies? All you need to do is comment below with a valid e-mail address and which format you’d prefer. Again, this is for an eBook copy.

Of course, the usual rules follow:

Must be 13 years old or older.
Must provide a valid email address.
Giveaway runs from 5/23/12 until 5/27/12.

Waiting on Wednesday #44: Every Day by David Levithan

Nicole — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:01:37 +0000

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m eagerly awaiting the release of:

Every Day

by David Levithan

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: August 28th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Description from Goodreads:

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads.

What book are you waiting on?

Winners!

Nicole — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:50:31 +0000

I’m late with these. Sorry! Anyways, here are the winners for Obsidian and Streamline.

The winner of Obsidian is:

Alyssa S.

I’ll send you an e-mail in a bit to confirm your address.

The winner of Streamline is:

Sarah Elizabeth

Sarah, you should be receiving your eBook copy soon (if you haven’t already).

I actually submitted your e-mail to the tour host over the weekend.

Cover Reveals You May Have Missed Post (Take #17)

Nicole — Sun, 20 May 2012 04:01:33 +0000

I have a bunch of amazing covers to show you today! There will be a “Cover Reveals You May Have Missed” post every Sunday!

The Program (Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Expected publication: April 2013 by Simon Pulse

Description from Goodreads:

SLOANE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO CRY IN FRONT OF ANYONE.

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

AND THE PROGRAM IS COMING FOR THEM.

Suffocate (The Breathless Novelette series) by S.R. Johannes

ebook, 30 pages

Expected publication: May 21st 2012 by Coleman & Stott

Description from Goodreads:

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It’s a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes.If those responsible find out what she knows, they won’t stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.

Tributary (River of Time #4) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Expected publication: June 2012 by David C. Cook

Description from Goodreads: Not available.

Demons (Seers #2) by Heather Frost

Hardcover, 432 pages

Expected publication: September 11th 2012 by Cedar Fort Books
Description from Goodreads:

Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

Fall to Pieces by Vahini Naidoo

Expected publication: October 2nd 2012 by Marshall Cavendish

Description from Goodreads:

When your best friend dies, you’re supposed to know what happened. You’re supposed to know why.

But Ella has no idea what happened the night Amy jumped to her death. She has no idea why Amy would want to die.

Ella’s other friends, Mark and Petal, are hiding something. Ella thinks they know exactly what happened that terrible night. But they’re not talking. Instead, Ella, Mark, and Petal play Pick Me Ups—a game in which they jump from dangerous heights. And every time Ella falls, she begins to remember pieces of that night. . .

It’s still not enough. So Ella brings a mysterious new guy into the group, hoping he will help shake things up and unearth the truth. But Ella’s “Explosive Boy” has secrets of his own.

And there may be some secrets that Ella doesn’t want to face. The truth – the real truth – about Amy’s death might just be more than she can handle.

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Expected publication: 2013 by Bloomsbury

Description from Goodreads:

The cure for a broken heart? Go vintage and live like it’s 1962!
Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, isn’t just cheating on her. He’s cheating with an online girlfriend. So Mallory decides to swear off boys and modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time. She sets out to complete grandma’s list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous.
The list proves to be trickier than it looks. Obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how intriguing she finds Oliver (er, Jeremy’s cousin). But with the help of her sister, Mallory will finish the list and find peace. Somehow.
GOING VINTAGE is the story of a girl figuring out the truths and illusions of life and love, both in the nostalgic past and in the very real now.

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

Expected publication: September 11th 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Description from Goodreads:

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Note: This is a brand new cover for My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. I actually prefer this one to the old cover, what about you?

Which is your favorite cover?

Checking In.

Nicole — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:29:41 +0000

My posts have been sporadic over the past month or two, and for that I’m honestly sorry. I have been online (on Tumblr and on my personal Twitter account), but I haven’t been in the mood to blog. My grandmother is going downhill fast, and it’s looking like she’s nearing the last month or two. I have posts scheduled (author interviews, blog tours, etc) that’ll be posted up until the 16th of June, when this blog officially closes.

I’m not trying to be a crappy blogger, I swear. It’s just hard to force myself to commit to blogging when my mind is elsewhere.

Waiting on Wednesday #43: Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

Nicole — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:32:11 +0000

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m eagerly awaiting the release of:

Lovely, Dark and Deep

by Amy McNamara

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Description from Goodreads:

About a high-school senior, who, in the aftermath of a car accident that kills her boyfriend and throws her carefully planned future into complete upheaval, retreats to the deep woods of Maine to live with the artist father she barely knows and meets a boy who threatens to pull her from her safe, hard-won exile.

Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads.

What book are you waiting on?

{Blog Tour} Review: Swipe (Swipe #1) by Evan Angler

Nicole — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:13:52 +0000

Swipe by Evan Angler

Paperback, 275 pages

Published: May 8th, 2012 by Thomas Nelson

Review Copy: Received as part of the blog tour.

Purchase: Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Description from Goodreads:

Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers.

My Review:

Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
In all honesty, I’m not even sure where to begin this review. I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Swipe”. It sounded promising, which is why I jumped at the chance to join the blog tour, but I can’t say that I loved it. I liked it, I did. But I guess I just expected/wanted more? This isn’t to say that “Swipe” isn’t a wonderful middle grade read, because honestly, I do think it’ll be a hit amongst younger readers. I just didn’t fall in love with the story like I hoped.

Dystopia is the “in” thing right now. The YA market is full of dystopians right now, and it is getting incredibly hard to find a unique dystopian. The concept behind “Swipe”, while not entirely original, does manage to stand out. In “Swipe”, once you reach the age of thirteen, you are Marked and considered to be an adult. The Mark is a special tattoo that is used “for everything from employment to transportation to shopping”. But this wouldn’t be a story worth reading if the teenagers accepted their Marks; there are those that are Unmarked, such as the Dust, who add a bit of welcome mystery to the story. Ultimately through, for me, the biggest reason as to why “Swipe” stands out is because one of the main characters is a young boy, Logan.

In the end:
“Swipe” is an exciting middle grade read that will easily appeal to both middle grade boys and girls.

View all my reviews

Make sure to follow the blog tour:

Psstt: the * denotes paperback giveaways, so if you’re interested in reading this one, keep your eyes open.

Schedule:

http://storybookescape.blogspot.com/ : May 14 – Review*

http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blogspot.com/ : May 14 – Review*

http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com : May 14 – Review

http://themagicatticreads.com/ : May 14 – Spotlight*

http://understandingshaestory.blogspot.com/ : May 14 – Review

http://alluringreads.blogspot.com : May 14 – Review

http://read-a-holicz.blogspot.com : May 15 – Review

www.living-fictitiously.blogspot.com : May 15 – Review*

http://adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com/ : May 15 – Why We Differ? Guest Post

http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/ : May 16 – Review*

www.goodchoicereading.com : May 16 – Swipe Playlist

Www.epiloguerreview.blogspot.com : May 16 – Review*

http://www.angelafristoe.blogspot.com : May 16 – Review*

bookmarkbelles.blogspot.com : May 16 – Reviews*

http://cecesreviews.blogspot.com : May – 16 – Review

http://www.NicolesYABookHaven.com : May 16 – Review

www.readandrepeat.co.uk : May 16 – Review

bookbriefs.blogspot.com : May 16 – Review

http://edandemreviews.blogspot.com/ : May 17 – Review*

http://clairelouisereads.blogspot.com.au/ : May 17 – Review*

http://thebookgalaxy.blogspot.com : May 17 – Review*

http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com : May 17 – Review*

http://www.blookgirl.com : May 17 – Review*

http://jessysbookends.blogspot.com : May 17 – Review

http://alifepixelated.blogspot.com : May 18 – Review*

http://winterhavenbooks.blogspot.com/ : May 18 – Review*

http://alwaysyaatheart.blogspot.com : May 18 – Review*

http://www.thebooklife.com : May 18 – Review*

Books With Marshmallows : May 18 – review

http://www.bloodsweatandbooks.blogspot.com : May 18 – Review

www.novelsontherun.blogspot.com : May 19 – Review*

artsymusingsofabibliophile.blogspot.com : May 19 – Review*

http://kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com/ : May 19 – Review*

http://readeroffictions.blogspot.com : May 19 – Review*

www.thehauntedrose.blogspot.com : May 19 – Review*

http://wefancybooks.blogspot.com : May 19 – Author’s Top Ten

http://behindamillionandonepages.blogspot.com : May 19 – Review*

Mini Cover Reveals You May Have Missed Post (Take #16)

Nicole — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:01:27 +0000

I have a bunch of amazing covers to show you today! There will be a “Cover Reveals You May Have Missed” post every Sunday!

When We Wake by Karen Healey

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: March 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Description from Goodreads:

My name is Tegan Oglietti, and on the last day of my first lifetime, I was so, so happy.Sixteen-year-old Tegan is just like every other girl living in 2027 – she’s happiest when playing the guitar, she’s falling in love for the first time, and she’s joining her friends to protest the wrongs of the world: environmental collapse, social discrimination, and political injustice.

But on what should have been the best day of Tegan’s life, she dies – and wakes up a hundred years in the future, locked in a government facility with no idea what happened.

Tegan is the first government guinea pig to be cryonically frozen and successfully revived, which makes her an instant celebrity – even though all she wants to do is try to rebuild some semblance of a normal life. But the future isn’t all she hoped it would be, and when appalling secrets come to light, Tegan must make a choice: Does she keep her head down and survive, or fight for a better future?

Award-winning author Karen Healey has created a haunting, cautionary tale of an inspiring protagonist living in a not-so-distant future that could easily be our own.

Falling For You by Lisa Schroeder

Expected publication: 2013 by Simon Pulse

Description from Goodreads:

Rae’s always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her…and the less she wants to give.As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous.

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows

Expected publication: 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

Description from Goodreads:

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz

Hardcover, 272 pages

Expected publication: January 2013 by Simon Pulse

Description from Goodreads:

Hannah Moskowitz’s (author of BREAK and INVINCIBLE SUMMER) TEETH features a sixteen-year-old boy whose family, in an effort to cure his ailing brother, relocates to a remote island where legendary magic fish are said to have healing powers, and he discovers the island has terrible secrets, including a half-teenager, half-fish.

Awry (The Archers of Avalon #2) by Chelsea Fine

Expected publication: June 2012

Description from Goodreads:

Three curses. Two brothers. One love triangle.
Sometimes love is meant to be. But sometimes love…is the death of you.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlet has just died. Only, dying isn’t unusual for a girl under a centuries old curse that left her semi-immortal.

This time, though, she comes back to her current life instead of awaking in a new one, and she realizes the curse is changing. Together with the immortal Archer brothers, Scarlet must piece together her life and try to break the curse before her impending death comes again.

Elixir (Covenant #3.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Expected publication: November 2012 by Spencer Hill Press

Description from Goodreads:

Aiden’s novella

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.
Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for.
Even if it means making war against the gods.

Which is your favorite cover?

Waiting on Wednesday #42: The Turning by Francine Prose

Nicole — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:27:03 +0000

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m eagerly awaiting the release of:

The Turning

by Francine Prose

Hardcover, 144 pages

Expected publication: September 25th 2012 by HarperTeen

Description from Goodreads:

Jack is babysitting for the summer on an isolated island with no Wi-Fi, no cell service, and no one else around but a housekeeper and two very peculiar children. He immediately senses something sinister-and it’s not just the creepy black house he’s living in. Soon he is feeling terribly isolated and alone, but then he discovers there are others. The problem is, he’s the only who can see them. As secrets are revealed and darker truths surface, Jack desperately struggles to maintain a grip on reality. He knows what he sees, and he isn’t crazy…Or is he?

Where does reality end and insanity begin? The Turn of the Screw reinvented for modern-day teens, by National Book Award finalist Francine Prose.

Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads.

What book are you waiting on?

Review: “Untouched (Denazen #1.5)” by Jus Accardo

Nicole — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:45:41 +0000

Untouched by Jus Accardo

ebook

Published March 28th, 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Review Copy: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Description from Goodreads:

Until he met Dez, Kale’s days were filled with violence and death. He was used as a weapon of destruction by the power hungry men of Denazen. He’s a Six. A person with an abnormal ability. Some people call them gifts, but not Kale. Kale’s touch means instant death.

But now there’s Dez, the girl he can touch, and they’re hunting down Sixes and warning them about Denazen. Kale is learning about the world outside captivity and trying to put his dark past behind him. But they underestimated how badly Denazen wanted him back.

When Dez sacrifices herself to save the new Six they’d rescued from falling into the corp’s hands, Kale is lost. Denazen has brought out its best to get the job done. Samsen, a nightmare from Kale’s past—the only person he’s ever truly feared—has come for them, and it soon becomes obvious he has his own twisted agenda.

Kale will need all his training to get Dez back and ensure they make it out, free—and alive. But will it be enough?

My Review:

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed “Untouched”, I did. But I wanted more. I know, I know, this is only a novella to hold the readers over until “Toxic” is released, but I needed more.

Let’s discuss the great things about “Untouched”, shall we?
Kiernan, a character that I hope will play a larger part in “Toxic”, is introduced in “Untouched”. She is a lot like Dez, so she’s easy to like. In fact, I may actually like her better than Dez. She’s witty, her power is awesome, and she’s seriously kick-ass. The scene with the broom? Can I high-five my computer screen, or would that be strange? ‘Cause she is pretty awesome in that scene.

The relationship between Dez and Kale: I loved the development of their relationship throughout “Touch”. What’s even better is that in this novella, you get to see just how much Dez means to Kale, as the story is told through his point of view. He would do anything for her, and he manages to prove that near the end.

What I didn’t like:
Honestly, my only problem with “Untouched” is that I needed more. I would’ve liked to learn a bit more about Kiernan. I would’ve even liked to see the Kale and Samsen battle play out a bit more.

One of my favorite quotes:

“Sometimes I wonder at your complete disregard for safety…” Her lips tilted upward and a grin lit her entire face. Leaning close, warm breath caressed my neck as she whispered, “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Accardo, Jus (2012-03-27). Untouched (Kindle Locations 782-784). Entangled Publishing. Kindle Edition.

If you haven’t already, may I suggest you pick up a copy of “Touch”? Seriously, if you haven’t checked out this series yet, you’re missing out.

View all my reviews