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: Nightfall by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski + Playlist

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Nightfall
Author: Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre:  Dystopia 
Released: September 22nd 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
 

A story where edge-of-your-seat horror meets post-apocalyptic thriller, perfect for fans of Lois Lowry and The Mazerunner

On Marin’s island, sunrise doesn’t come every twenty-four hours—it comes every twenty-eight years. Now the sun is just a sliver of light on the horizon. The weather is turning cold and the shadows are growing long.

Because sunset triggers the tide to roll out hundreds of miles, the islanders are frantically preparing to sail south, where they will wait out the long Night.

Marin and her twin brother, Kana, help their anxious parents ready the house for departure. Locks must be taken off doors. Furniture must be arranged. Tables must be set. The rituals are puzzling—bizarre, even—but none of the adults in town will discuss why it has to be done this way.

Just as the ships are about to sail, a teenage boy goes missing—the twins’ friend Line. Marin and Kana are the only ones who know the truth about where Line’s gone, and the only way to rescue him is by doing it themselves. But Night is falling. Their island is changing.

And it may already be too late.

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Playlist

Marin’s playlist

1. Safe and sound by Taylor Swift - Marin would listen to this because it would remind her of what she’s fighting for – so that she, Kana and Line will survive.  She’s fighting to be reunited with the life she should’ve had.

2. Too young by Sabrina Carpenter - Marin has sort of a crush on Line, but she also feels at times that it’s too soon – especially because she needs to fix things with her brother Kana.

3. Team by Lorde - Marin loves the feeling of friends having her back, and knowing that she'll always have people with her. Also, she beaks Kana’s trust, and it's important to her to regain it.

4. We'll be the stars, by Sabrina Carpenter - Marin would listen to this especially at the very end of the book - because she wants the feeling of importance, immortality, and friendship that this song really emphasizes.

5. Hey brother by Avicii - Marin would like this because it reminds her of the way things used to be with Kana.  She wants him to know she's always there for him.

6. Demons, by Imagine Dragons - Marin knows there are demons within all of us – but she could have never guessed how real this turns out to be.

7. Heroes, by Alesso - Marin would love this song because she really wants to feel like she's needed by her friends. She wants to feel like she's appreciated, and during Nightfall, she feels like everyone is angry with her for different reasons. 

8. Secrets, by OneRepublic - Marin would listen to this song because it reminds her of the secrets that have swirled around her from the very start of the book.

9. Ordinary Human, also by OneRepublic - There's one line in the song that goes, “but I'll be an ordinary human, before the sun goes down today" that I think really describes how Marin feels during the Night. It describes how Marin just wants to be a girl who does normal things. She's just an "ordinary human", but she's stuck on an island with no one but Line, Kana, and the evil that comes out in the dark.

10. The Other Side of Me, by Celia Rose – my singer/songwriter wife, Celia Rose, wrote and recorded this song inspired by Marin.  I think of Marin whenever I hear this song – it’s especially for those moments in the book when Marin is struggling, but knows how fiercely she loves her brother and Line.  http://www.celiarosemusic.com/nightfall

Marin’s playlist

1. Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift: The title screams it all! Nightfall focuses on a creepy island where night falls... and stays for many years. The mood of the lyrics describe Marin thoroughly—she's trying to escape all of the madness that everyone knows will come, but she ends up being stuck with two others, trying to get "in the clear." 

2. Immortals by Fall Out Boy: This definitely seems like something Marin would listen to. It's hard-rock, punk and all about people who try to manipulating humans, making us something that we don't want to be, just as Nightfall is changing her. 

3. Hallelujah by Panic! at the Disco: Marin sees mistakes in everyone, easily, and constantly blames herself for staying on the island alongside Line and Kana. But then again, she has to move on and see the good in what they have left. 

4. Best Friend by Foster the People: Marin's an edgy, kick-butt teenager who is more than willing to stick it to a few adults.  She would listen to some indie-pop like this song, and it's all about friendship as well: Line, Kana and hers. 

5. Just Desserts by Charli XCX and Marina and the Diamonds: Marin does have a girly side – hard as it may be to believe.  I imagine this song on her playlist, which would probably leave readers questioning if there's a real message to it: Is it about Line?

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Jake Halpern is an author, journalist, and radio producer. His first book, Braving Home (2003), was a main selection for the Book of the Month Club by Bill Bryson and was one of Library Journal's “Best Books of the Year.” His next book, Fame Junkies (2007), was the basis for an original series on NPR's All Things Considered and portions of the book were published in both the New Yorker and in Entertainment Weekly. Jake’s most recent nonfiction book, Bad Paper (FSG), was excerpted as the New York Times Magazine and it was chosen as an Amazon "Book of the Year." Jake’s debut work of fiction, a young adult trilogy, Dormia, has been hailed by the American Library Association's Booklist as a worthy heir to the Harry Potter series. In September of 2014, Jake signed a two book deal with Putnam / Penguin for two more young adult novels. As a journalist, Jake has written for The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Sports Illustrated, The New Republic, Slate, Smithsonian, Entertainment Weekly, Outside, New York Magazine, and other publications. In the realm of radio, Jake is a contributor to NPR's All Things Considered and This American Life. Jake's hour-long radio story, "Switched at Birth," is on This American Life's "short list" as one of its top eight shows of all time. One of Jake's stories is the basis for a new movie being produced by 20th Century Fox and Heyday Films (which made the Harry Potter movies). Last, but not least, Jake is a fellow of Morse College at Yale University, where he teaches a class on journalism. He recently returned from India where he was visiting as a Fulbright Scholar.

Peter Kujawinski is an author and diplomat, currently serving as US Consul General for Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. His next book, Nightfall, will be released this September by Penguin Books for Young Readers. He co-wrote the Dormia series with Jake Halpern and has written for The New York Times.

Follow the tour:

The Passionate Bookworms – 25 Random Things - 9/23

Lili’s Reflections – interview - 9/24

The Young Folks – review & giveaway – 9/25

Readers in Wonderland – Book Playlist #2 - 9/28

The Book Cellar – interview - 9/29

The Book Smugglers – review – 9/30

Winterhaven Books – interview - 10/1

A Reader Under the Sea – review & giveaway – 10/2

Blog Tour: Under the Spotlight | Angie Stanton | Playlist | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on the Under the Spotlight tour for Angie Stanton. This is book three in The Jamieson Collection! This tour is hosted by Inkslinger PR.

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Under the Spotlight
Author: Angie Stanton
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: May 5, 2015
Review Source: Harper Teen

After an embarrassing stint on a reality-TV music competition years ago, Riley vowed never to sing again. Now she's behind the scenes, working at the prestigious Sound Sync recording studio, and life is looking up. But then Garrett Jamieson, the oldest brother in the famous Jamieson brothers band, crashes into her world.

Garrett has hit rock bottom, and he is desperate to reinvent himself. After calling in a few favors, he ends up working at Sound Sync to learn the ropes of record producing from the industry's best. And he can't believe his luck when he discovers that Riley has been keeping a secret—she is an amazing singer. By producing her album, he's sure to top the record charts again. But Garrett is forced to use every trick in his arsenal to persuade the sassy girl to record.

Riley refuses to sing—or even entertain the thought of it—and sparks fly as Garrett finally meets his match. But in the heat of the moment, one stolen kiss changes everything. Will Riley be the first person to finally rein Garrett in, or will Garrett succeed in getting Riley back under the spotlight?

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Under the Spotlight Playlist

By Angie Stanton

Many authors write or brainstorm to music, including myself. Music can transport us to another place, coaxing us to feel every emotion from great joy to devastating grief. 

Here is my playlist for Under the Spotlight:

All of Me by John Legend

I still remember the first time I heard this song one day while writing. It came on the radio, and the lyrics jumped out at me. What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out. Our heroine, Riley, is a spitfire and Garrett is attracted to her like a moth to a flame.

We are Young by Fun.

YOLO! Remember when this song came out? It was everywhere and the perfect anthem for living large, which is what Garrett does. We are young, so let’s set the world and fire, we can burn brighter than the sun.

People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson

Don’t you love Kelly Clarkson? This song is great. It’s about people who have a tough situation in life, like our heroine, Riley Parks. Sometimes we want to throw in the towel because we’ve hit rock bottom, but this song gives such hope.

Fall for You by Second Hand Serenade

The best thing about tonight is we’re not fighting…Garrett and Riley knock heads a lot and this song shows the journey from fighting to finding true love.

Teach Your Children by Crosby Stills Nash and Young

I came across a version of this song done by Hanson. Teach Your Children by Hanson. It’s the three brothers singing around one microphone. I actually put this song in the book at a really emotional time. I’ve watched it many dozens of times while writing Under the Spotlight.

Back to December by Taylor Swift

Garrett is a handful to say the least. Eventually he comes to realize he’s a jerk and this song epitomizes his apology.This is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you, saying I’m sorry for that night.

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Angie Stanton never planned on writing books—she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural America with her brothers’ 4-H pigs as pets, she found that dance didn’t quite work out. Instead, she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history. When not writing, she loves watching natural disaster movies, going to Broadway musicals, and dipping French fries in chocolate shakes.

Giveaway: $25 Amazon Giftcard

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Release Day Blitz: Unraveling You | Jessica Sorensen | Excerpt | Playlist | Giveaway

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Lyric Scott has always had a good life. Outgoing, spunky, and musically talented, she’s constantly surrounded by family and friends, yet she still feels that there’s something missing. Then she meets her new next-door neighbor Ayden Gregory. Mysterious, sweet, and sad, Ayden is the exact opposite of Lyric and exactly what she needs to fill the void in her life.

Ayden Gregory has been through more than most people and believes his life is always going to be rocky, so when he’s suddenly adopted, he’s thrown for a turn. But even with a new, loving family, he still finds himself haunted by the memories of his old life. The only true breath of fresh air is when he’s with his best friend, Lyric Scott.

As Lyric and Ayden grow closer, the lines of their friendship start to blur. But when Ayden's past unexpectedly pushes its way into his new life, their friendship and newfound attraction will be tested.

Excerpt

When he grows silent again, I crack an eyelid open. He’s dazing off over my shoulder with undiluted pain in his eyes. The realness of him causes my heart to stutter, and my fingers yearn to jot down unwritten words.
God, what has he been through to create such a look?
When his focus lands back on me, his eyes burn fiercely, as if he’s terrified out of his damn mind “Shut your eyes,” he whispers, almost horrified.
I do as he says without question, trusting him completely, even though his intensity is enough to make the calmest person in the world feel disconcerted.
He sticks the earbud in my ear and the gloomy, unhurried beat of Radiohead’s “How To Disappear Completely” soaks through my wounded soul.
“You picked the perfect song,” I mutter as the music engulfs me. “This is exactly what I—”
His lips brush mine, stealing the words right from my mouth. My breath catches in my throat and my first instinct is to pull away. But I don’t want to pull away. I want to stay. Let him erase that last few hours from my mind.
I keep my eyes shut, too afraid to open them as his lips timidly start to move against mine. Just a whisper of a graze. A heart-stopping brush. A soul-drowning taste. He does it again and again, taking his time, erasing all the ickiness from tonight. As I absorb each soft graze, his tongue slowly follows, slipping into my mouth. I gasp, but still don’t open my eyes. I barely move. Can hardly think. And when he pulls back, gently biting at my bottom lip, I stop breathing all together.
That burn songs promise.
Blazes in me.
Hot and scorching.
So sweltering and mind-numbing.
I feel it in my veins.
Liquid fire.
Passion.
Driving me insane.
And the bar set so high.
Ayden has soared over.
Past the heavens.
And captured me eternally.
“Go to sleep, Lyric,” he whispers, his breathing ragged.
I nod, still terrified to open my eyes. Terrified I’ll lose this moment.
A moment I know I’ll be able to fill pages and pages with the most powerful lyrics I’ve ever written. All about him and that kiss.

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The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.  

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Release Day Blitz: Wreck Me | Jessica Sorensen | Excerpt | Playlist | Giveaway

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When Avery Hensley met Conner Wellings, she thought she’d found the guy she was going to spend the rest of her life with. She got married young and had the most beautiful son in the world.

Life seemed perfect.

But not everything is what it seems.

Turned out Conner had another side to him, a darker side that Avery didn’t see coming. He wrecked and broke her into a thousand pieces, leaving Avery to put herself back together. From then on, Avery vows never to let a man into her life again.

But then she meets Tristan Morganson. He’s sweet and sexy and wrecks Avery in a different way than Conner did, the kind of way that makes her feel alive again, the kind of way that makes her think maybe not all guys are bad. But can Avery trust him enough to let her walls come crumbling down?

Excerpt

As if I’ve lost my mind, I wet my lips with my tongue, a move I haven’t done in years. A slow smile curves at his lips.

“You did that on purpose,” he murmurs while eyeing my mouth and moistening his lips with his tongue.

“No I didn’t.” I suck my bottom lip into my mouth.

What the hell am I doing?

Stop leaning in Avery.

But we move like magnets. He leans in a little. I lean in a little. Me. Him. Me. Him. There’s hardly any space left between us. I can feel the warmth of his breath. Smell the delicious scent of his cologne. He’s still holding the cigarette and smoke circles around us mixing with the intensity of the moment. Am I going to do this? Let my wall down for another guy?

No.

Yes.

No.

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The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.  

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