Author Interview + Giveaway: Jason Ancona (Blog Tour)

Here today, continuing his blog tour, is Covert Youth Agency author Jason Ancona. Along with this great interview is a chance for you to win an ebook copy of Jason's book!

In high school, where would you have fallen into place in the world you've created in C.Y.A.?

As much as I’d love to have been like Pi, I was never that smart. Or strategic. Most of my friends were straight “A” students; I was merely a “B/C” student. I was goofy, like Tollhouse, and often joked around a lot with people so that I wouldn’t get picked on. Like Pi, I longed to be with a girl that I was friends with. But she was way out of my league. Playing Dungeons and Dragons or Laser Tag, painting figurines, going to comic book conventions, and geeking-out on computer games wasn’t cool back then.

How would you react to know a group of students at your school took it on themselves to investigate cheaters?

I don’t condone cheating, but I never stopped it if someone was looking over at my test. I probably didn’t stop it because I was weak. And because I wanted my peers to like me. To better address your question, “How would you react to know a group of students at your school took it on themselves to investigate cheaters?” If those students were willing to take the backlash that would be sure to come, then good for them -- shows initiative. And fortitude. However, it’s not something I would have done.

If you’re talking about cheating in regards to a boyfriend/girlfriend, I wouldn’t have been invested in it unless it was someone I knew or liked. The reason Pi took the case was because it was Vera. If it was anyone else, it’s unlikely he would have committed the Covert Youth Agency to work on it.

If you could pair Pi and Vera with any characters from any book, who would you pick for them?

Pi wouldn’t want to be paired up with anyone else; he’d just want to be alone with Vera. Since I’m picking, I would choose Harry Potter and Hermione Granger from that series. I love those two, and of course the magic. Although Pi and Vera would just be Muggles.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Normally, I’m a chocolate guy. Chocolate-chip cookies, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, mint-chocolate-chip ice-cream cake… Mmm… it all sounds so good to me. But lately, my new addiction is cake batter frozen yogurt from Menchies. I can’t live without it. Sooo good. I do put Snow Caps on it to give it the necessary chocolate component, stirring the crunchables in thoroughly, for an even mix.

What kind of cake/confection would you describe yourself as?

These food questions are making me hungry. Hmm… I’d probably be like a Rolo. First, you’d have to get through the aluminum foil, which is a pain in the butt. And then crunch through the hard chocolate shell. But once you get into the middle, it is soft and gooey. Which is me.


Thanks so much for those hilarious answers!

Now for your chance to win an ebook of Covert Youth Agency: The Case of Tangled Love, fill out this form!

This IS international.

Contest ends Monday, October 18.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

SUMMARY:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The short, spoiler free version:

Picking up where book two left off and again delving into events that are in no way predictable, Mockingjay ties up this trilogy with a bang. Hard to digest in some parts, and a gripping look at the raw, real nature of war, Collins has held nothing back with this one. Everything is intensified, and though there is a clear shift in Katniss herself, given everything leading up to it, this is understandable. There will quite possibly be no other dystopian that will top the scope and brilliance of this set.

The extended, SPOILER version:

This is admittedly a hard review to write. I can't do it justice without spoilers, and I also am just not sure I can do it justice overall. The bottom line is that Collins has written a phenomenal series, and despite my problems with this book, it easily deserves 5 stars for magnitude and scope. The way everything is tied together is absolutely astounding. Things come completely full circle in this one, from the death of Prim- the very thing Katniss tried to prevent and therefore inadvertently triggered this series of events- to the torture Peeta endured and the drastic changes in Gale.

Katniss has never been an easy character to like. She isn’t especially empathetic, but she is strong in unforeseen ways and loyal in beautiful ways. Though wishy washy in her feelings with Peeta and Gale, her intense determination to survive is the core of her character in terms of this series. Watching her almost waste away and be in a dissociative state in this book was frustrating and hard to read, but considering what she had faced up to this point, it was understandable and even realistic. It took a lot to push her there, and it took a lot to snap her out of it. Katniss’ character does not react how anyone now normally would- but how can she, considering not only the way she grew up, but everything she endured after the first Hunger Games. As she says in the book, she has killed people. Not just people, but children.

I was never really Team Peeta- he bothered me to a certain extent, but I completely see the necessity for Katniss to end up with him. I would have been shocked if it didn’t happen and his quiet, kind nature that carried through even after his horrible torture spoke thousands more about his character than any words could truly do. Though this is a fiction setting and the type of torment inflicted on him doesn’t exist, forms of it could with our modern technology. It is almost gutting to realize how much of this fiction setting could be true and impossible to even imagine being in that situation. Peeta’s desire to die isn’t selfish in this case- but noble because is knows what a danger he is. The way he figures out what is real and what isn’t is fantastic, and it is the little things like that which truly give brilliance to Collins’ creation.

Gale was another hard character to read about in this book. A complete shift from the boy we thought we knew early on, it is easy to see how living in this situation would create someone so bloodthirsty. Though I would have liked a little more resolution with him, the very fact that it was essentially his creation and tactics which lead to Prim’s death is cause enough to severe anything he may have had with Katniss. Already turning cold, I did worry about his future outside of how he ended, having lost her.

The beginning was slow for me, and it wasn’t until about a hundred pages in that I really started getting into it, but then again, war is very much a waiting game with just bits of excitement. While I did feel like the last hundred or so pages were very jam packed and almost overwhelming in information, I imagine that is exactly how Katniss felt as well. With nothing to do but push forward, even when she might want to give up, I was tugged along right with her. Finn’s death was horrible to read, and everything about him from the reason he seemed so mental to what happened after he won his Games really did justice to everything Collins had already set up.

Most importantly, what I appreciated more than anything else and think Collins absolutely nailed was the idea that no side is necessarily right in a war. Though the Rebels’ cause seemed great, once the inner workings of it were brought up, it was clear that it wasn’t really anything above the Capitol itself. A drive for power and a selfish need for survival even at the expense of others drove this book. The actions of the Tributes easily reflects that of the Capitol, and the way everything tied together and the overall metaphor of this series still astounds me, even a month after reading.

While I did have to digest this book and the closing to the series for a day before I fully appreciated it, Collins has written something astounding, gutting, and maybe even a little too realistic for some parts of the world. It’s almost easy to imagine being in the well to do, no worries Capitol, knowing what exists in other parts of our world while we often seem to do little about it. Overall, Mockingjay was a successful end to a bold series, and will stay memorable for years to come.

Details:
Source: Received for review from Amazon
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 24, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0439023513
ISBN-13: 978-0439023511

Book Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Blog Tour Stop)

SUMMARY:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


OPINION: 3 STARS

The Short Version:
Interesting in premise and launching quickly into the action, Nightshade seemed to focus more on the love triangle between Calla, Ren and Shay than on really propelling the plot. While hints of the overall plot and conspiracy type situation were interspersed, the majority seemed to really center on those three. Calla is an interesting character, both flawed and strong, and Ren is especially intriguing in nature and action. The world building was done in an interesting way that I had a hard time with, but overall, the way Cremer has presented her wolves is unique and most definitely made into something all her own. With also a unique culture for the wolves and setting, there are some great elements in this book and it ends, overall, on a great note to launch into the next book.

The Extended Version:
Calla is an interesting character both in personality and mindset. Having grown up not only as an alpha, but knowing she would, upon turning eighteen, be united with Ren, has left a clear impact on her thoughts and actions. She is fiercely loyal to her pack and her future, and though this isn't immediately easy to comprehend as a reader, Cremer mixes it into the story and reemphasizes it subtly throughout. Calla is surprisingly oblivious to things, often too distracted with simply being an alpha to see what is in front of her, and some of her interactions with both Shay and Ren did bother me, but overall, I found her to be likable in a gruff way, and understandable as a product of her culture and community.

Ren is strikingly sexy, dangerous in way inherent to his alpha male nature, and the constant mixture between human and wolf instincts played strongly through him. A playboy and flirt, he seems to have had many conquests but sets his sights on Calla at the start of the book, particularly now that their impending union is drawing near. They both take their union duties seriously, and much of their character strengths and connections draw up through this. Ren is a mix of things both good and bad, flawed in interesting ways but so many of the scenes with Calla held such sweet underlying natures that he was easy to fall for.

Shay admittedly bothered me, and often seemed to be there primarily to just create a love triangle. I had a hard time understanding Calla's attraction to him, and many of his actions bothered me, but he still added humor and drove the plot in a few places. He tested Calla's character in needed ways, and plays an interesting part in things overall, some of which were predictable while others blindsided me.

The rest of the members of both the Nightshade and Bane packs had varied personalities, and their interactions spoke both to their individual pack mindsets and as one soon to be united pack. They all showed an interesting mix of their two sides, and the connection between them all was written fantastically and strongly. The two alphas challenged each other often with their packs by their sides, while still finding common, mutual ground. The packs alone gave plenty of insight into the world they were brought up in, and the lore surrounding them was slipped in throughout in an easy way.

One of the angles of this book I think Cremer absolutely nailed was the culture itself, giving it so many links to cultures that exist currently in our world. This isn't a system that is perfectly unflawed and without corruption. The full nature of the world Calla lives in doesn't even come out in this book, but hints of the darker side are brought in early. From adults using the Guardians for their own purposes, to Guardians taking up those positions to protect others, and their own forms of torture and law enforcement, it speaks such raw truths and is presented in both a smooth but unflinching manner. The darker areas aren't harked on and thrown in the reader's face repeatedly, but they are presented in a way for a strong impact. Though I did find it frustrating when Shay more or less told Calla her culture was crap, I could understand his perspective and annoyance with it. Even the differences in jobs for the alpha male and female are easy to understand but frustrating in nature and course. There are such truths and connections Cremer has built with this angle, and overall, she handled it magnificently.

Though the world building came across as choppy to me, at least at the start, it tied together towards the end. I spent a good beginning chunk of the book not completely understanding Calla's world, even as she made references to it, but after a certain point, Cremer started revealing in a steady way without data dumping and overloading the reader. The overall plot and nature of things is clearly well thought out and intricate.

I did feel much of the world and plot itself was washed out and pushed aside in light of Calla's apparent strong feelings for both Shay and Ren. I had a hard time following her reasons for these back and forth feelings, as she seemed to have little interest even in Ren before the opening of this book, and I also thought it was dragged out too long. I had a hard time getting into the book because it seemed to center on this angle, without giving much other plot, but once things started picking up about half way through, Cremer really started throwing some good hooks and building things to a surprising ending. Cremer's writing, however, is very strong, painting some fantastic pictures and using quite a few unique ways to express and show things. Though there was repetition in how often Calla was turned on, Cremer used plenty of fresh things for other angels.

With a large cast of characters, all of whom are well developed and portrayed, and plenty of unique plot aspects, Nightshade is, overall, a great debut and an interesting reading. Leaving off on a good point to tie several things of this book up but leave mystery of the next installment, Cremer's plot intricacy is stunning overall. In a world filled with secrets, and with Calla harboring plenty of her own secrets, Cremer has created a unique recipe for potential disaster.

Details:
Source: ARC received for review from publisher and used as part of a promotional blog tour with The {Teen} Book Scene
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Philomel (October 19, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 039925482X
ISBN-13: 978-0399254826

In My Mailbox and Meeting Kiersten White and Sophie Jordan!

So... this week was.... FRICKIN AMAZING... because I met Kiersten White and Sophie Jordan! Ahh!!! I have been looking forward to this signing since the summer time, well before either book came out.... and they are as amazing in person as they are online. But before I get to that awesomeness.... we'll do the IMM portion of this post.

For Review:

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst
Spray by Harry Edge
(Thank you to Sarah Beth + Simon & Schuster, and Feiwel & Friends)

Borrowed:
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Bought:
Slayed by Amanda Marrone
Fearscape (The Devouring #3) by Simon Holt
End of Days by Max Turner
Ruined (Compilation of How to Ruin: A Summer Vacation/My Teenage Life/My Boyfriend's Reputation) by Simone Elkeles

And now for the signing portion! They both talked about their books some, then opened it for questions.... and Kiersten pelted people with York peppermint candies for asking questions. It was a nice reward, and she did make a direct hit on an unsuspecting person. It was comical, honest. Then after the talking came the signing... I waited until last because one, I had a lot to get signed- six books for each- plus my orange Chucks, and I had both sign my Oh, Bleep Paranormalcy shirt (yes, that shirt will be going to signings now to get signed, too). We chit chatted, and I tried not to look like I was freaking out too much but they could probably tell because I'm sure I said something totally awkward and stupid but... there are a few authors for every book lover that they REALLY REALLY REALLY want to meet, and BOTH of these ladies were in my top five. But hey, I made it out without my head exploding so I think it was a success!


As you can tell... they signed ALOT of stock. And because I'm me, I encouraged them to, um, race... They did it in two sets, but Kiersten had help with her first set- the Borders worker opened the books to the title page for her... and Kiersten had about a six book head start, but the second set... Sophie won. I encouraged their battle. It was amusing.

After that excitement, I took pictures with them. see? They are as cute and awesome in person as online. And I completely was freaking out because I was standing right beside them! Eep!

And here's my signed books that I bought at release but are now signed... Kiersten's inscription is, well, awesome! I grinned when I saw that. Eep! Now it's on my shelf right next to my signed ARC in which she says I'm anything but normal, which is true. She understands me oh so well.


And the Firelight inscription. Anyone else think Sophie's signature is just awesome? Plus her title page is pretty and it just looks awesome. So, I'm REALLY freaking happy! EEP!


So, that was my week... and I am *still* reeling on the fact that I met them! I also replenished my stock of Firelight swag... and got some extra Paranormalcy bookmarks for swag packs and to send out with contest prizes... and to leave randomly at stores. Baha. YAY.

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Author Interview + Contest: Andrea Cremer

She's got the book with one of the most gorgeous, widely known covers. She's got a ton of unique promotion already happening all around. She's even had school visits before the official book release. And now today, she's here on my blog and I'm insanely excited for it! So without further probably lame introductions... I bring you Andrea Cremer, the awesome woman behind Nightshade.


If you were in Calla's position but knew what problems would arise from rescuing the hiker, would you still do it or leave him?

I hope I would still take that risk. If I could watch another person die, when I could have done something about it, I wouldn’t feel like a very good person.

What kind of supernatural/paranormal creature would you be, if given the option?

Oooh – that’s tough. I think I’d be a Pegasus because I love horses but I’d also want to be able to fly.

If you could pair Calla and Ren with any characters from any book, who would you pick for them?

I’m assuming you mean romantically? For Calla I’d pick Gale from Hunger Games because he’s a fighter and he’d enjoy spending time outdoors with Calla. Ren needs someone who can keep him on his toes, so I’d pick Isabel from The Mortal Instruments.

What is something illegal you've fantasized about doing even though you wouldn't actually do it?

Are you trying to get me in trouble? Not to be a bore, but there’s nothing really. The only thing I can think of is that I love movies like Oceans 11 and if I could be part of an amazing heist – particularly one that involved close contact with George Clooney – I’d be game.

What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

Gingersnap


Thank you, Andrea, for those great answers! And now do you want a chance to win an ARC of this book- which even has the gorgeous cover art on it? I thought so.

To enter, just fill out this form!

Comments are welcome and appreciated, but no entries will be accepted there.

Contest is US only, and ends October 17.

Book Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

SUMMARY:

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Distinct in nature and refreshing in execution, Shade mixes several realistic and paranormal elements into one fantastic read. Aura is an easy character to like, both intense and laid back. Her reactions to Logan’s death are completely realistic despite the paranormal setting, and her desire to hold on to him even as a ghost is both understandable and heartbreaking. The setting and plot are unique and well played out, and the writing if incredibly smooth. With hints of a love triangle, a lingering boyfriend’s ghost, a hot Scott, and a great plot, this debut is a thrill throughout.


The Extended Version:
Despite her ability to see ghosts, Aura is easy relatable and compassionate in nature. Her emotions, particularly on the night of Logan’s death, are achingly realistic and beautifully handled throughout the book. Though she’s got her flaws, she pushes forward. Still deeply in love with Logan, and wanting to hold on to him, her sacrifices to spend time with him as a ghost are easy to understand. Aura’s character and emotions resonates throughout the book, from guilt and regret to confusion and desperation.

Logan is a mess of sorts, and both frustrating and likable. He clearly loves Aura, even if music got in the way sometimes, and the dynamic of their relationship in both life and death carries a strong focus throughout this book. The ghost aspect is smoothly blended into the story, in part due to how accepted the presence of ghosts are throughout the world presented. There is a strongly human element even with the ghosts, masterfully blended what should be a clear cut line. Logan is incredibly memorable as a character, and swoonworthy in several ways- ethereal or not.

Then there’s Zachary, a Scottish exchange student who adds quite a bit of flare to Aura’s life. He is present often, and the nature of his growing relationship with Aura has plenty of its own twists and turns. Add in his accent, his actions, and his responses, and this is one fantastically well done character. From intrigue to romantic interest, Zachary is a great part of the story.

The worldbuilding is fantastic, giving plenty of description and understanding to the reader while still keeping plenty of secrets for future installments. Smith-Ready’s writing is beautifully done and both gives voice and connection to Aura. The plot moves at a very steady pace, mixing the romance with plenty of things surrounding Logan postmortem, and throwing in things related to Zachary. There are several brilliant twists, and a fantastic climax, all leading up to what I consider to be a stunning ending. Though frustrating in potential abruptness, it gives a great leading point for the next book and sends the reader’s mind whirring with possibilities and theories.

Details:
Source: Purchased
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416994068
ISBN-13: 978-1416994060