Blog Tour: Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi | Playlist | Giveaway

Welcome to out stop on Furthermore tour for Tahereh Mafi!
This tour is hosted by PenguinTeen and we are thrilled to be part of this epic tour!

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Furthermore
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Released: August 30th 2016
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

 

The bestselling author of the Shatter Me series takes readers beyond the limits of their imagination in this captivating new middle grade adventure where color is currency, adventure is inevitable, and friendship is found in the most unexpected places.

There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn't miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it's been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she's about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she'll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Her only companion is a boy named Oliver whose own magical ability is based in lies and deceit--and with a liar by her side in a land where nothing is as it seems, it will take all of Alice's wits (and every limb she's got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself--and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.

Furthermore is very vivid. The world building is out of this world. Full of colors that makes you want to dive in and explore this beautiful world. A place where colors is life. Who wouldn't want to dive in and explore along with Alice and Oliver?

Yet, Furthermore is more than a story of adventure. Furthermore is an inspirational tale. While Alice and Oliver are on a task to find Alice's father, whose been gone from home in Ferenwood, these two will learn many things. First thing first, these two are heroes. Going to a place it is rumored to exist and not knowing anything, making this place dangerous. Yet this did not stop them. Where there is a will, there is a way. And the two of them will encounter obstacles, which they will fight back to conquer at the end.

As Alice and Oliver make their way in Ferenwood, Alice learns to embrace her gifts. She learns to love herself. She comes to terms to be the only one with no color. To live colorful, even if she isn't. And even though Alice and Oliver are not in great terms when they begin this mission, they learn to trust and depend on each other. Furthermore is a story of friendship.

A magical place, full of wonders and creatures, self-discovery and self-loving, Furthermore is indeed a delight read. Furthermore is a standalone so be sure to check it out! You don't want to miss out on this beautiful story that embrace weird as good.

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Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series. She can usually be found over-caffeinated and stuck in a book. You can find her online just about anywhere at @TaherehMafi or on her website,www.taherehbooks.com.

“TAHEREH’S FAVORITE THINGS” GIVEAWAY PRIZING
Tahereh’s Favorite Things!
Four different prize packs including various items picked out special by Tahereh will be offered in giveaways across the Blogosphere. Collect them all!

Tahereh’s Favorite Things: Prize Pack #1
One (1) winner from your site receives:
· a copy of Furthermore
· a set of 3 Rifle Paper Co. Journals
· a “Break the Rules” Letter Opener

Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Penguin Random House.

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Follow the tour:

8/22: Buttermybooks

8/23: Hollywood the Write Way

8/24: Great Imaginations

8/25: Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist

8/26: Once Upon a Twilight <- US!

8/29: Bibliognome

8/30: Brittany’s Book Rambles

8/31: My Friends Are Fiction

9/1: Reading One Book at a Time

9/2: Mundie Moms/Kids

9/3: Tales of the Ravenous Reader

9/5: GreenBeanTeenQueen

9/6: The Mod Podge Bookshelf

9/7: Oh the Book Feels

9/8: Cracking the Cover

9/9: Owl Always Be Reading

Blog Tour: The Rule of Mirrors by Cara M. O’Brien | Playlist | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on The Rule of Mirrors tour for Cara M. O’Brien. 

This tour is hosted by Fierce Reads.

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The Rule of Mirrors
The Vault of Dreamers #2
Author: Cara M. O’Brien
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: February 16th 2016
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

The fast-paced, psychologically thrilling sequel to The Vault of Dreamers follows Rosie after her consciousness has been split in two.

The entire country was watching when Rosie Sinclair was expelled from Forge, the prestigious arts school that doubles as a reality TV show. But few know how Dean Berg was mining students' dreams in laboratories deep below the school. And no one, least of all the Dean himself, knows that when Rosie's dreams were seeded into the mind of another patient, Rosie's consciousness woke up in that body--a girl far from Forge, a girl with a completely different life from Rosie, a girl who is pregnant.

Told from alternating points of view between Rosie as she makes sense of her new identity and the shattered subconscious that still exists in her old body, this sequel to The Vault of Dreamers will keep readers on the edge of their seats and leave them hungry for more.

Playlist for The Rule of Mirrors, by Caragh O’Brien

This eclectic playlist includes songs that I listened to while I was writing The Rule of Mirrors and others that match the characters, mood, and themes of the series.  The songs circle around reflections, dreams, identity, longing, and comfort.  Since I often have an internal radio going in my head, it isn’t unusual for me to hum or sing along to a tune that nobody else hears.  I sometimes catch myself humming while I write, even.  I’m not sure what that means, but there it is.

Exclusive: Christina Lauren's #WickedSexyLiar Playlist

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Wicked Sexy Liar

Wild Seasons #4

Author: Christina Lauren

Release Date: February 2nd 2016

Publisher: Gallery Books

When three college besties meet three hot guys in Vegas, anything can—and does—happen. Book Four in the New York Times Wild Seasons series that began with Sweet Filthy Boy (the Romantic Times book of the year that Sylvia Day called “a sexy, sweet treasure of a story”), Dirty Rowdy Thing, and Dark Wild Night.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well. 

Did you miss our 5 trees review of Wicked Sexy Liar? CLICK HERE to read it. 

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We’ve loved doing these playlists for OUaT, and this one is absolutely no exception. As we’ve mentioned before, the playlist is done by me, Lo, as Christina doesn’t listen to music while she writes. And I usually pick out ~2-3 songs to loop over and over as I work. This is helpful for a number of reasons: one, it makes it easier to start to ignore the lyrics, and just get into a rhythm of drafting. And two, because we are usually working on more than one project at a time—drafting one, revising another, and proofing a third—having songs associated with each book helps me get my brain in the right mode when I switch back and forth between projects.

Luke and London had a very different vibe than the angsty sweetness of Lola and Oliver (e.g Ho Hey by the Lumineers) or even the rough-and-tumble of Harlow and Finn (R U Mine by Arctic Monkey). Luke and London are playful—but tentative. London is resisting Luke, and in turn, Luke is a bit baffled by his desire to win London over.

The songs that help me feel this the most were:

Blog Tour: The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman | Playlist | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on The Dark Days Club tour for Alison Goodman. This tour is hosted by PenguinTeen.

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The Dark Days Club
Lady Helen #1
Author:  Alison Goodman
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 26th 2016
Review Source: Viking Books for Young Readers

New York Times bestseller Alison Goodman’s eagerly awaited new project: a Regency adventure starring a stylish and intrepid demon-hunter!

London, April 1812. On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall’s presentation to the queen, one of her family’s housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?

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THE DARK DAYS CLUB Book Playlist

The Dark Days Club is set in the Regency in 1812. If I did an actual playlist from that era it would be full of jigs and Beethoven and Handel, which is not a bad thing… but not everyone’s cup of tea. So here is a more modern musical playlist for The Dark Days Club, with a short side trip to the Regency in the form of an English country-dance.

The Clash – London Calling

The Dark Days Club is set in London, a city that was glorious and grungy in 1812 and was still glorious and grungy in 1979 when The Clash recorded this song. Come to think of it, I was there late last year and nothing has changed–London will always be glorious and grungy! 

The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
One of my all time favorite songs, and any playlist I create for this book will include it because it resonates so much for me. Lady Helen’s life has already been mapped out for her by her family and society, but she longs for something more. For me, Bittersweet Symphony is about how hard it is to change, especially when you are already on a particular path. The violin intro to this song always sends chills down my spine, and the video clip is brilliant. 

Avicii –– Wake Me Up 

A song about finding yourself and your people.

Bill Withers – Lean On Me

The original of this beautiful song. I’ve put it in the playlist to signify Helen’s growing friendship with her maid Darby. It’s also here because it is one of my personal favorites, and my gorgeous nieces sang it at my wedding (Awww!).

John Butler Trio – Mystery Man

The enigmatic Lord Carlston arrives on the scene.

Madison Avenue – Don’t Call Me Baby

Helen and Lord Carlston do not really hit it off. 

Evanescence - Bring Me To Life

Helen discovers unexpected talents. 

English Country Dancing – Sir Roger de Coverley

This clip is from the Jane Austen Ball in 2012 and shows the finishing dance called Sir Roger de Coverley, which was usually danced at the end of a ball (when everyone was a bit tipsy from the very alcoholic punch). It is one of my favorite dances and one that I teach. 

Foo Fighters – The Pretender

Helen is not sure if she can trust Lord Carlston or not. Is he a pretender?

Queen – Another One Bites The Dust

No playlist of mine is complete without a bit of Queen.  Things are getting a lot more dangerous for Helen.

Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight

While the lyrics of In The Air Tonight are more about revenge (not part of The Dark Days Club story), the driving sense of menace and foreboding in this song are perfect for Helen’s predicament as she faces a huge decision. Brilliant drum break too.

Natalie Imbruglia – Torn

Great song from a fellow Aussie. For Helen, hard decisions must be made.  

Shirley Bassey – This is my Life

Something to remember when facing a dangerous dilemma.

Rachel Platten – Fight Song

Helen must dig deep to find the strength she needs.

Credence Clearwater Revival – Bad Moon Rising

A song of warning for Helen. Whatever her decision, it will change her life forever. As the song says, “Don’t go around tonight, it’s bound to take your life, there’s a bad moon on the rise!”

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Alison is best known for her New York Times bestselling fantasy duololgy EON and EONA, and her ability to dance a mean English contra-dance. She also writes award winning science fiction and crime fiction, and lives with her lovely husband and their machiavellian Jack Russell Terrier in Melbourne, Australia.

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NEXT ON THE TOUR

A Dream Within A Dream - 1/21 - review

Blog Tour: This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee | Playlist | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on This Monstrous Thing tour for Mackenzi Lee. This tour is hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club Tours.

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This Monstrous Thing
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: September 22nd 2015
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

  

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

Playlist

“Genesis 30:3” by the Mountain Goats
Corresponding TMT Chapter: Prologue



-“Romans 10: 9” by the Mountain Goats
Corresponding TMT Chapter: 1



-“Machine” by Regina Spektor
Corresponding TMT chapter: 2


-“Don’t You Want to Share the Guilt?” By Kate Nash
Corresponding TMT chapter: 4


-“A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard” by Jeremy Messersmith
Corresponding TMT chapter: 7


-“Mary” by Noah and the Whale
Corresponding TMT chapter: 8


-“The Chain” by Ingrid Michelson
Corresponding TMT chapter: 10


-“Autoclave” by the Mountain Goats
Corresponding TMT chapter: 13


-“Coalhouse’s Soliloquy” from Ragtime
Corresponding TMT chapter: 15


-“Empty Rocking Chair” by Parsonsfield
Corresponding TMT chapter: 16


-“Low Rising” by the Swell Season
Corresponding TMT chapter: 17


-“After the Bombs” by the Decembrists
Corresponding TMT chapter: 18

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Mackenzi Lee is reader, writer, bookseller, unapologetic fangirl, fast talker, and perpetually-anxious badass. She holds an MFA from Simmons College in writing for children and young adults, and her short fiction has appeared in Inaccurate Realities, The Friend, and The Newport Review. Her young adult historical fantasy novel, THIS MONSTROUS THING, which won the PEN-New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award, as well as an Emerging Artist Grant from the St. Botolph Club Foundation, will be published fall of 2015 by Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins.

She loves Diet Coke, sweater weather, and historical fiction. On a perfect day, she can be found enjoying all three. She currently calls Boston home.

   

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Book Review: Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren + Playlist

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Dark Wild Night
Wild Seasons #3
Author: Christina Lauren
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: September 15th 2015
Review Source: Gallery Books

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what didn't happen in Vegas seems to follow them everywhere.

Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

... Or so goes the official line.

In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now ... and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.

Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life...

** This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

Whenever a new Christina Lauren book comes into my possession I barely have it in my hands for 24 hours before it gets read. I cannot and will not let it sit idly on my shelf unread, such blasphemy. This kick ass duo does it again with Dark Wild Night and continues to put a permanent blush on my cheeks.

Lola and Oliver are just friends, at least that’s what they keep trying to tell themselves, but ever since their drunken Vegas wedding neither of them can keep the other off their brain. So while they’re both busy ignoring the signs that they are both madly in love with each other they work on staying in the friend zone and having an amazing friendship and blah blah blah. Okay it wasn’t blah, but it’s perfect actually, the tease of knowing how bad each other wants one another and just waiting for it to happen and while we wait we actually get a sense of who the characters are. I’ve read a ton of New Adult/Adult romances and my issue that always comes up is not getting to know our characters, they never seem to build much of themselves outside of the bedroom. CLo’s characters all get real life situations, they deal with things everyone deals with and that is why I love these books. I fall for these characters because they become someone I can relate to, especially Lola. She just published her first comic book which took off with a bang, and is already on its way to becoming a major motion picture. She deals with the feminism that women face daily in Hollywood and in everyday life and she’s having a hard time dealing with it all. Life becomes overwhelming at times and it’s hard to balance everything and keep your head on straight. And then sweet, geeky, sexy Oliver is always there for Lola. He helps her through her overwhelming meetings, deadlines, and he’s there for her when her best friends are busy forging their path in life. Their friendship is strong and they get scared on taking it to the next level because they don’t want to ruin what they’ve built, they’ve become each other’s crutch. But when they do take it to the next level someone needs to turn up the AC because boy does it get hot! Honestly though, if you’ve read anything by these girls, you know they know how to make us blush tenfold.

“She leans in, looking at my eyes so closely as if searching for a stray eyelash, to steal a wish. Her gaze swims a little, but I like tipsy Lola. She cracks out of her shell and looks at the world around her. Right now I want to be that entire world. I want to be all she sees.” 

Ultimately I will shame you for not having read anything by Christina Lauren, and if you have, let’s be best friends. Because if you love kick ass chicks, swoon worthy men, and a great story line, these books are what you need to read. Seriously though, these books are one sitting books, you can’t stop, there’s never a good time to set it down. I try to read before going to bed and then it’s like 5 am, my alarms about to go off and I know I’m screwed for the day, but it was worth it. And that’s why coffee was invented for the book readers that just cannot put their books down.

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A Message from Christina Lauren:

Doing a playlist for each book has been one of my favorite things in the preparing-to-write phase. But with Dark Wild Night, there was one song that, every time I heard it, I thought of Lola and Oliver. Christina doesn’t write to music, but even she agrees it just feels like them.

That song is Ho Hey by the Lumineers. It’s the pacing, and the melody, and the calm of it – it has Loliver written all over it, and the first time we wrote the book, I listened to it on a loop while writing Lola’s chapters.

And then we rewrote the book (it wasn’t quite right the first time around) and I needed something to add to that song to make it feel different the second time. So, the second song for Dark Wild Night was Riptide by Vance Joy.

Both of these songs, whenever I hear them, just make me feel so nostalgic for Lola + Oliver. We are so excited for this book to be in readers’ hands, and hopefully when people hear these songs after they’ve read, they know exactly what I mean!!

Happy Reading!!

Xx

Lo