Once Upon a Twilight!: Paula Stokes

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Book Review: Vicarious by Paula Stokes

Vicarious
Vicarious #1
Author: Paula Stokes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: August 16, 2016
Review Source: Tor Teen

Winter Kim and her sister, Rose, have always been inseparable. Together, the two of them survived growing up in a Korean orphanage and being trafficked into the United States.

Now they work as digital stunt girls for Rose’s ex-boyfriend, Gideon, engaging in dangerous and enticing activities while recording their neural impulses for his Vicarious Sensory Experiences, or ViSEs. Whether it’s bungee jumping, shark diving, or grinding up against celebrities at the city’s hottest dance clubs, Gideon can make it happen for you, for a price.

When Rose disappears and a ViSE recording of her murder is delivered to Gideon, Winter won’t rest until she finds her sister’s killer. But when the clues she uncovers conflict with the neural recordings her sister made, Winter isn’t sure what to believe. To find out what happened to Rose, she’ll have to untangle what’s real from what only seems real, risking her life in the process.

Vicarious is one hell of a mystery infused with secrets that will leave your head spinning. I went in thinking this story would be about a sister seeking justice but it's so much more than that.

The main character Winter is told that her sister Rose is dead and she can't believe it. Winter and Rose both had a job, their job was to record their experiences so that others may enjoy the benefits without actually doing anything. Say you wanted to skydive but you were too terrified to do it, well ViSe has you covered. You put on a headset and the way it's set up is that you'll feel as if your experiencing skydiving but in reality you're just sitting down.

Winter uses the Vise to see how her sister died and it was heartbreaking especially not having a body turn up. What would you do if there was no body to be found? Would you want answers? Winter takes action to find out precisely why her sister was murdered and as Winter starts unraveling clues she starts noticing how many secrets have been kept from her.

I have never read a book where each new clue leads to another and another and another. Every Time I thought I knew who the killer was the author would do a 180 and leave me second guessing myself. Then there's a twist that I did not see coming, talk about MIND BLOWN.

Paula stokes manages to keep me on the edge of my seat with Vicarious and you'll be left wanting the sequel as soon as you read the last sentence.

Middle School Students Take on Young Adult Books for Review!

Once Upon a Twilight donated books to Mayde Creek Junior High school in Houston, TX recently. And what do you know, three students from the school reviewed a book each and had their Librarian Mrs. Cashman email me. So I am very excited to share with you these reviews and I hope you let them know what a job well done in the comments below.

I'll will post the reviews in order of publication date.

Ruined
Ruined #1
Author: Amy Tintera
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy | Romance
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen

Amy Tintera’s new YA fantasy trilogy blends the romance of Kiera Cass’s Selection series and the epic stakes of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war; her parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined—completely lacking any magic—she is determined to get revenge.

Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy’s kingdom, posing as the crown prince’s betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will kill the king and everything he holds dear, including his son.

The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

Reviewed by Julissa Age 11

The Ruined are people with magical abilities. Emelina Flores, or Em, is on the path of revenge. Her family was murdered by Mary, the Princess of Vallos. All she has are her friends, Aren and Damian, and the small hope her sister Olivia is alive. Her plan is to kill the source, the Royal Family of Lera. She is now married to the Prince of Lera so she must choose – risk her life by not killing him or follow the plan?

I think this book is really great for romance addicts and people who like dark books. There were a few parts I had hoped would be more descriptive. I would recommend this to 13 years and up. I wouldn’t read this under that age because it’s kind of mature.

Girl Against the Universe
Author: Paula Stokes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 17th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen

From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl’s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.

Maguire knows she’s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist’s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought.

Reviewed by Corrina Age 12

Maguire has seen bad luck ever since the accident where her father, brother and uncle died and she came out with only a few scratches. Her luck is twisted when she meets tennis star Jordy Wheeler. Maybe there is no such thing as luck.

This book is packed with action, adventure and romance. I was both amazed and touched at the same time. This is one of those books that is a sit-on-your-seat-thrilling-and-I-could-read-this-over-and-over-again!

I would recommend this for ages 11-15.

Eleven and Holding
Author: Mary Penney
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Release Date: June 7th 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins

Macy Hollinquest is eleven years old, and don’t count on her to change that anytime soon.

Her birthday is just days away, but she has no intention of turning twelve without her dad by her side. He’d promised to be there for her big day, and yet he’s been gone for months—away after his discharge from the army, doing some kind of top secret, “important work.”

So Macy’s staying eleven, no matter what—that is, until she meets Ginger, a nice older lady who is searching for her missing dog. Ginger’s dog search is the perfect cover for Macy’s attempt to locate her dad. But her hunt puts her on a path to a head-on collision with the truth, where she discovers that knowing can sometimes be a heavy burden. And that change, when finally accepted, comes with an unexpected kind of grace.

Mary Penney’s earnest, heartfelt story of change, loss, and new beginnings will resonate with young readers on the cusp of new beginnings, and stay in their hearts long after it’s done.

Reviewed by Corine Age 12

Macy Hollinquest is an eleven year old girl who lives in Constant, Colorado but her life is never constant. Her friend Twee (Tui) is still in elementary school and she is in junior high. Her dad can’t be there for her birthday and her grandmas recently died. A couple months before her grandma died, an old lady named Ginger accidentally ran into her grandma’s coffeehouse avoiding a boy from hitting her. It was upsetting to Macy because she was very close to her grandma. She even kept a piece of glass from the original window. Ginger recently lost her dog, Mr. McDougall and is offering a reward. Macy and Twee work together persistently for the reward.

I enjoyed the book a lot. I give it 9 out of 10 stars. It lost a rank because it was too predictable. I think an age range from 10-15 year old boys and girls would like it if they enjoy fiction. It is an easy read.

Blog Tour: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes + Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on Liars, Inc. tour for Paula Stokes. This tour is hosted by Jean Book Nerd Tour.

Liars, Inc.
Author: Paula Stokes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: March 24th 2015
Review Source: HarperTeen

For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

For more information, check out THE OFFICIAL LIARS, INC. WEBSITE.

Liars, Inc. is everything mystery lovers expect while reading a thriller novel. We like to be kept on our toes, yank our hair out and try to be one step ahead of the story. Sometimes we succeed in guessing the correct theory, other times… we are completely blown away. This is how I felt after finishing Liars, Inc.

Max Cantrell lives the easy life. So is what it seems when first introduced. But as you read about his life, you realize his life had a rough start. As an orphan, he was in and out of home groups. Until one day he decided he had enough. Until one day he meets the perfect family. A place to call home. A place where he finds a best friend and girlfriend.

There are three things you need to know about Max:
One - his best friend, Preston, is rich. Every girl wants to be with him. He does as he pleases. He met Max while taking surfing classes. Also, he has a history with Max’s girlfriend. And he is obsessed at recording everything. But he is not whom he claims to be.
Two - Max’s girlfriend, Parvati, is a great liar. She lies like there is no tomorrow. She has her parent fooled… and maybe even Max. Even though her parent thinks she’s an angel, they think the worst of Max. They also wished she would date Preston.
Three - Max loves to get in trouble just to spend quality time with Parvati. With such reputation, together with his best friend and girlfriend create Liars, Inc. As they cheat their way to money, only Max finds himself in trouble.

The lies continue.
The danger begins.
Max is trapped and accused of killing his best friend.
In a game of liars, how does Max prove his innocence?

If you're looking for a great read and even pull your hair out, then Liars, Inc is the right book for you!

Paula Stokes writes stories about flawed characters with good hearts who sometimes make bad decisions. She’s the author of several YA novels, most recently Liars, Inc. and The Art of Lainey. Her writing has been translated into nine foreign languages. Paula loves kayaking, hiking, reading, and seeking out new adventures in faraway lands She also loves interacting with readers. Find her online at authorpaulastokes.com or on twitter as @pstokesbooks.

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

1 Deluxe Swag Pack. Includes (1 Black or White T-shirt, 1 Notebook, 1 Signed Postcard, 1 Magnet, 2 Signed Bookmarks, 1 Signed Bookplate, and a Mini Shark's Tooth Pendant) all wrapped in crime scene tape and packaged in an official evidence bag.

2 Mini Swag Packs. Includes (2 Signed Bookmarks, 1 Magnet, 1 Signed Bookplate).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes + Giveaway

Liars, Inc.
Author: Paula Stokes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: March 24th 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen

For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

For more information, check out THE OFFICIAL LIARS, INC. WEBSITE.

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

2 Signed Copies of Liars, INC. by Paula Stokes.

2 Mini Swag Packs. Includes (2 Signed Bookmarks, 1 Magnet, 1 Signed Bookplate).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

Liars, Inc.
Author: Paula Stokes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary | Mystery
Released: March 24th 2015
Review Source: HarperTeen

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Liars, Inc. made me realize one thing for sure… I need to read my mysteries. Once they get the ball rolling you’re hooked, you can’t stop, you won’t stop, well until the book ends, and you kind of have to stop then. Liar’s, Inc. was kind of a mashup between How to Get Away with Murder and Pretty Little Liars, especially with the lying.

Max Cantrell had a rough upbringing, his mother died during child birth, his father died when he was young, and he was in and out of group homes. He then lived on the streets until one day he got picked up and sent to another group home where he met the family that was finally going to bring him home and adopt him, be his forever home. He becomes best friends with Preston and soon starts to date Parvati; together they create Liars, Inc., a way to get students out of class, cover for detentions, and get permission slips signed. Preston needs a cover story from Liars, Inc. to see a girl in Vegas, but when he doesn’t return things turn back on Max, his cover story.

While Max thinks his friend just got in trouble Vegas, or is just having a little too much fun to come home just yet, he comes up with a lie, a lie he tells the police. This is where the Pretty Little Liars comes in; if they would have told the truth from the beginning they wouldn’t have gotten in such a huge mess. Plus, Stokes starts off with giving you a preview with what will be happening 6 weeks later, so you’re automatically intrigued within pages.

Fans of Pretty Little Liars and How to Get Away with Murder will love this YA mystery. I was hooked within pages and shortly consumed with Max’s story. I couldn’t leave it alone.