Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 15

November 25, 2015

Time for the Black Swagday Giveaway Extravaganza!!!

I can't believe it's already time for my annual Black Swagday Giveaway--but.... *double checks calendar*....Yep! THE TIME HAS COME!

(*whispers* If anyone can figure out how to pause time, that'd be AWESOME. kthanxbai)

Since this is the time of year where everyone has gifts on their minds--and I personally feel that books are THE BEST gifts anyone can give--I love doing this giveaway to help you guys make your gifts even more special (and btw--gifts for yourself totally count). But it only lasts for a few days so don't miss your chance!

So here's how this works.

If you buy any of my books (Keeper of the Lost Cities, Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, Let the Sky Fall, and/or Let the Storm Break*) this weekend--which just so happens to be the biggest shopping weekend of the year, between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday--and fill out the form at the end of this post, I will send you the corresponding swag pack below.

*I'm not including pre-orders of Let the Wind Rise because I'll be doing a separate giveaway for that closer to the book's release


And here's what's up for grabs:
If you buy any of the KEEPER books and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:
















- a signed bookplate 
- a signed, limited edition Verdi art print
- a Black Swan sticker
- a 5x7 character art print (featuring the awesome illustrations by Courtney Godbey)


AND, if you buy more than one KEEPER book, I'll throw in extra goodies as well--and if you want an example of what some of those goodies could be, here's a pic:


(Obviously you won't get everything you see in this pic--but you'll get some of it, chosen randomly at mailing. And the more books you buy, the more you'll get)


And if you buy LET THE SKY FALL and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:




- a LTSF signed bookplate- a LTSF bookmark- a LTSF sticker
- a Keep Calm and Let the Sky Fall sticker


AND if you buy LET THE STORM BREAK and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:


 - a LTSB signed bookplate- a LTSB bookmark- a LTSB sticker 
- a Keep Calm and Let the Storm Break sticker


All of this swag is only available here and hand signed by me!
*And should supplies run out of any particular item, it will be substituted with a comparable piece of swag


Everyone who fills out the form below between today (11/25/15)  and 11:59 pm pacific time on Monday, 11/30/15 WILL get their swag mailed to whatever address they provide. I'll do my best to have them in the mail straight away, so that you get it in time for whatever you're celebrating. No proof of purchase required. If you say you bought it, I believe you. But remember, every time you lie, it makes Keefe, Fitz, and Dex cry.
It also doesn't matter where you buy the book (though supporting your Local Indie Bookstore guarantees you a life of sunshine and happiness) or if you buy a paperback or a hardcover (ebooks and audiobooks count too!). And you're welcome to buy as many books as you want! (Just make sure you fill out the form accordingly so I know to send you the proper amount of swag).
Giveaway is also open internationally!!!
**Please note** This giveaway ONLY applies to books purchased between 11/25/15-11/30/15, and does NOT include books previously purchased. Of course I super-appreciate if you've bought my books before now, but I've also done previous giveaways that you would've had a chance to take part in (sorry if you missed them). So this is only for new purchases, and if you are desperate for the swag, you could always buy a book to give as a gift (what better gift could there be, really?) and keep the swag for yourself--I won't tell! :)

Um... I *think* that covers everything--but if I missed something, of course feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments (but make sure you leave those comments in the post on my website, not on goodreads or any of the other places this blog feeds out to, otherwise I won't see them). 
If the form won't load, click HERE to access it. Otherwise scroll down!


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Published on November 25, 2015 03:30

November 23, 2015

MMGM Links (11/23/15)

Ha--for the first time in weeks I don't have a zillion updates to hit you with. But I will say that I have a fun giveaway coming up on Wednesday, so you might want to check back then.

On to the MMGM links!
- Kim Aippersbach has 5 short reviews of 5 funny books. Click HERE to see what they are.
- Cindy Reads A Lot is cheering for THE TAPPER TWINS GO TO WAR (WITH EACH OTHER). Click HERE to see why. 
- Mark Baker is spotlighting ASTRONAUTS, SPIES, AND HIPPOPOTAMI--A STUART GIBBS COLLECTION. Click HERE to see what he thought.   
- Suzanne Warr is thrilled by SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS: THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS. Click HERE to find her feature. 
- Rosi Hollinbeck is reading--and GIVING AWAY--MISTER MAX: THE BOOK OF KINGS. Click HERE for details.
- Greg Pattridge is seeing life through THE DIAMOND LOOKING GLASS. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read has a list of bookish things he's thankful for. Click HERE to see what they are.
- Jess at The Reading Nook is raving about THE WRINKLED CROWN. Click HERE for her feature. 
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.   
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on November 23, 2015 03:30

November 16, 2015

MMGM Links (11/16/15)

Home from tour! (OMG I AM SO TIRED). But I still have ONE final NEVERSEEN event in SoCal this coming Friday. Here's the details, if you're in the area:


Friday November 206pmBarnes & Noble Oceanside2615 Vista WayOceanside, CA 92054t.
Okay--on to the MMGM links!

- The Paige Turner is out of her mind for OUT OF MY MIND. Click HERE to read her review. 
- Cindy Reads A Lot is featuring THE ALCHEMIST'S THEOREM: SIR DUFFY'S PROMISE. Click HERE to see why. 
- Mark Baker has chills for THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN. Click HERE to see what he thought.   
- Mary Kincaid is spotlighting THE WALK ON. Click HERE to find her feature. 
- Rosi Hollinbeck is reading--and GIVING AWAY--a THE DISAPPEARANCE OF EMILY H. Click HERE for details.
- Greg Partridge is going on a journey to MOONPENNY ISLAND. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Andrea Mack wants everyone to CONNECT THE STARS. Click HERE to see why. 
- Dorine White has a special announcement about her series. Click HERE to check it out.
- Jess at The Reading Nook is gushing about A TALE OF HIGHLY UNUSUAL MAGIC. Click HERE for her feature. 
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!  
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.     
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on November 16, 2015 03:30

November 9, 2015

MMGM Links (11/9/15)

Greetings from Arizona!

Yep--still touring. I still have two events left--one you see below, and one in Idaho Falls on Friday, 11/13 at 6pm (see my events page for further details)


And if you're planning on coming to the Changing Hands event tomorrow, don't forget that we're doing something special at that event. Everyone who comes wearing a cape will get a special EXCLUSIVE swaggish button you can see in the photo below, which I haven't given out anywhere else (and don't worry about feeling silly--I'll totally be wearing a cape too!)  b
Lots of you are also asking about when you'll get your swag pack from the NEVERSEEN pre-order giveaway, and the answer is SOON. I promise they'll go in the mail as soon as I'm home from tour to assemble them. In the meantime, thanks for your patience.
Also, if you missed the pre-order giveaway, you still have a way to get a swag pack--but only through 11/10. If you call Changing Hands and order a signed copy of NEVERSEEN by 7pm (AZ time), or place an order through their website (go HERE). Any books purchased through Changing Hands will not only come with the swag pack everyone got through the pre-order giveaway, but it'll come with the extra character art postcard and the alicorn button too. But this offer only lasts through tomorrow so better jump on it if you don't want to miss out.

Okay--on to the MMGM links! (And sorry if I missed you. I have another EARLY day tomorrow so I'm scrambling a bit)
- Mark Baker is featuring another one of my books, so once again I must put on my Shameless Author Hat. But this time he's reviewing NEVERSEEN (eeeeeee, I have yet to read any reviews for the book!!!) Click HERE to see what he thought.   
- Michael Gettel-Gilmarten is *also* making me put on my Shameless Author Hat, with a post this week called "I met Shannon Messenger"--which he did! It's always so fun to meet people who follow this blog. HERE's his thoughts on the experience.
- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read has a blast from the past with THE LAST RIVER . Click HERE for his feature.
- Greg Partridge wants everyone to go with him on THE WORST CLASS TRIP EVER. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Sheri Larson has a guest post from author Sean Cummings, and a GIVEAWAY of TO CATCH A CAT THIEF. Click HERE for all the fun. 
- Kim Aippersbach once again has two features: WISH GIRL and MY LIFE IN DIORAMAS. Click HERE to see what she thought. 
- Suzanne Warr is gushing about THE VOLCANO GODDESS WILL SEE YOU NOW. Click HERE for her review.
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on November 09, 2015 03:30

November 3, 2015

I now give you....NEVERSEEN!!!!

I can't believe we've finally reached that time again, guys. NEVERSEEN officially launches into the world today!!!!

*unleashes the confetti cannons*
I know some of you have already gotten your copies at my pre-launch events--and thank you in advance for not posting spoilers in the comments on here if that's the case. But for the rest of you, TODAY IS THE DAY where once again, Sophie's story becomes yours.

I've held onto it for all these months, refusing to answer your spoilerish questions, and now I hand it over to you--all 688 pages! (!!!!)


Launching a book is always such an indescribable process--somehow equal parts exciting and humbling and heartwarming and terrifying. And those emotions only seem to get stronger with each book I add to the series, because I know how deeply invested all of you are in the world and characters of the Lost Cities.

I've done my best to do the story justice, and I truly hope you love the book as much as I do. I hope you laugh and cry and want to throw the book across the room and then hug it and reread again. It has some moments you've been waiting for--and maybe some you were even expecting--and probably several others you never saw coming. But whether you're surprised, or thinking I KNEW IT, I hope you're just as excited by the possibilities as I am.

And yes, I know that because of [redacted for spoilers] you're all going to be EXTRA impatient for book 5--and yes, you DO have to wait another year. I wish there were a way to pour the story out of my head and onto the page. But since I'm stuck wrestling it out the old fashioned way, thank you for your patience.

And thank you for reading. And for buying my book, or requesting it at your library, or posting about it on your social media, or posting reviews on amazon and goodreads and Barnes and Noble,  All of those things are the reason this series keeps on growing. It's also why I dedicated the book to you:


I hope to meet as many of you as I can while I'm on the road. If you're in Seattle, San Jose, Tempe, or Idaho Falls, I'm coming to see you--here's where you can find me (you can also find a full list HERE):

And I still have some awesome giveaways and whatnot in the weeks ahead. (Oh, and if you took part in the pre-order swag giveaway, don't worry, your swag will be in the mail as soon as I'm home from touring!) 
Okay, I think that's enough Shannon-rambling for one day--especially since you guys have a VERY THICK BOOK to read. Keep the tissues handy. And for those having to wait, here's a word cloud with the most commonly used words in the book (once you read, you'll understand why I made it shaped like a tree)

Happy reading!!!
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Published on November 03, 2015 03:30

November 2, 2015

MMGM Links (11/2/15)

Greetings from Portland!

Yep--believe it or not, I'm already on tour. So if you haven't checked my events page yet, here's where you can find me over the next couple of weeks:



Also, today is the LAST DAY to get your free swag through the NEVERSEEN pre-order giveaway. It ends tonight at 11:59pm (PT)  so if you haven't taken advantage yet, click HERE. (and then the swag packs will go in the mail as soon as I'm home from tour to assemble them)

And um, tomorrow? NEVER SEEN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES INTO THE WORLD (though I know some of you lucky ducks found early copies in your stores). It's my twistiest book yet, so I really hope you enjoy.

Okay--on to the MMGM links! (And sorry if I missed you. I have an EARLY day tomorrow so I'm putting this post together earlier than normal. Doing my best to fit in ALL THE THINGS whilst on the road--and on deadline)
- Mark Baker is featuring ... *meep* the KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES series! (I always feel so shameless when I link reviews of my own books... But, there you go.) Click HERE to see what he thought.   
- Patricia Tilton joins the MMGM fun with a feature on CONNECTING THE DOTS. Click HERE to welcome her to the group! 
- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read is raving about BUNNICULA. Click HERE for his feature.
- Greg Pattridge is spotlighting EPIC ZERO. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Sally's Bookshelf is cheering for LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA AND THE CUPCAKE QUEENS. Click HERE to find her review.  
- Kim Aippersbach has two features: THE NEST and CLOVER'S LUCK. Click HERE to see why. 
- Rosi Hollinbeck is reviewing--and GIVING AWAY--LINCOLN'S SPYMASTER: ALLEN PINKERTON, AMERICA'S FIRST PRIVATE EYE. Click HERE for details.
- Dorine White is gushing about THE TURTLE TWINS AND THE CREATURE FROM JEKYLL ISLAND. Click HERE to see why.
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.  


If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on November 02, 2015 03:30

October 29, 2015

TOMORROW!

Just a quick reminder to all you awesome SoCal Keeper fans that the official NEVERSEEN launch party is tomorrow.

Yes--TOMORROW.

As in, October 30, 2015.

There will be free swaggish goodies! And prizes! And Shannon-rambling! And MALLOWMELT CUPCAKES! Oh, and NEVERSEEN!!!

Here's the event details--and you can learn a little more about how it'll work HERE.



Hope to see some of you there!

*runs away with flailing muppet arms to PREPARE ALL THE THINGS*

(And if you can't go to the launch party--or any of my other upcoming tour events--and want to get the free swaggish goodies, remember, there IS a way. The NEVERSEEN Pre-order giveaway is almost over though. It ends 11/2/15, so if you haven't ordered your copy and filled out the form yet, you better get on that. Go HERE.)


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Published on October 29, 2015 03:30

October 26, 2015

MMGM Links (10/26/15)

We're almost there, guys. The NEVERSEEN launch party is THIS Friday. As in five days from today. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN???

In case you live in SoCal--and missed the details when I posted them a few weeks back--here's the lunch party info again:


And, a couple of other big reminders:

My fall tour dates have been posted, so if you live near Beaverton, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, San Jose, California, Tempe, Arizona, and Idaho Falls, Idaho, go HERE for event times and locations.

Time is running out to take advantage of the NEVERSEEN pre-order giveaway. It ends November 2, so if you haven't taken advantage yet, click HERE.

Okay--on to the MMGM links!
- Mark Baker is cheering for the BIG Game. Click HERE for his review.   
- Jess at the Reading Nook has an interview with author Cynthia Voight. Click HERE for all the fun. 
- Andrea Mack is gushing about THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH. Click HERE to see why.
- Greg Partridge is raving about THE THIEF OF ALWAYS. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Sally's Bookshelf is championing FREEDOM'S PRICE. Click HERE to find her review. 
- Suzanne Warr is spotlighting THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND. Click HERE to see why. 
- Rosi Hollinbeck is reviewing--and GIVING AWAY--CONNECT THE STARS. Click HERE to read their review.
- Dorine White has an excerpt of THE DIAMOND LOOKING GLASS and info on a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details.
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.  


If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on October 26, 2015 03:30

October 19, 2015

MMGM Links (10/19/15)

In the middle of an all nighter I'm pulling to finish this revision on time, so...these may be the most scattered links yet. But hopefully they're right.

Oh, and a couple of other things. First-- NEVERSEEN TOUR DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!!!!


If you have trouble loading that graphic, you can find the full event list HERE.

And since I know some of you are probably looking at that and thinking, "none of those cities are near me!" I do have a way for you to get the same swag I give out at events. Click HERE for details on the NEVERSEEN Pre-Order Giveaway! 

Okay--on to the MMGM links!
- Natalie Aguirre has a guest post by Gayle Rosengren, and a GIVEAWAY of COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET. Click HERE for details.   
- Mark Baker is solving the mystery of THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE. Click HERE to find his review.
- Andrea Mack is gushing about CRENSHAW. Click HERE to see why.
- Greg Partridge has feels for ALWAYS OCTOBER. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 
- Jess at the Reading Nook is cheering for the LAST IN A LONG LINE OF REBELS. Click HERE to find her review. 
- Suzanne Warr is raving about FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY GREW. Click HERE to see why. 
- The Rad Reader is buzzing about THE LIGHTNING THIEF. Click HERE to read their review.
- Dorine White is spellbound by THE CASTORS OF DOOVIK. Click HERE to see why. 
- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    
- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 
- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.  


If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)
If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me. 
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Published on October 19, 2015 03:30

October 13, 2015

The post you've been waiting for--THE NEVERSEEN PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY!!!!!

It's here! It's here! It's finally here!!!!

THE NEVERSEEN PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY IS HERE!!!!

Now that we're three weeks away from the launch of NEVERSEEN (*flails and hyperventilates*), it's time to make sure you guys have a chance to get some goodies! Thank you all for waiting so patiently.

(And warning: this is a long post with LOTS of important information, so make sure you read it all carefully so you don't miss your opportunity)

Some of you know how this works, but just in case you're new here, this giveaway is my way of trying to make up for the fact that it's impossible for me to tour to every city. If I could figure out a way to teleport, I'd meet each and every one of you in person. But since I can't, I like to make sure you all at least have a chance to get some of the fun things I give out at signings. So everyone who pre-orders a copy of NEVERSEEN before the cut-off date (11/2/15) AND fills out the form at the end of this post*, will get this awesome NEVERSEEN swag mailed directly to them:
In case you can't tell from the picture, you'll get:One hand signed, limited edition "Iggy has the Blues" postcard art printOne hand signed NEVERSEEN bookplateOne Neverseen symbol stickerOne Black Swan sticker
And yes, EVERYONE who pre-orders the book and fills out the form before the cutoff date will get that!!!!!
*cue infomercial announcer voice*
But wait--there's more!
 I will also choose twenty (20) of you at random and give you this: (yes, in *addition* to the other swag!)


And again, in case you can't tell, that is:One character art postcard (which is two-sided, by the way--but I can't show you the other side yet because some of the amazing character art has yet to be revealed)One shiny alicorn button (the same alicorn buttons I'll be giving out at my launch party)


You don't have to do anything special to enter for the extra goodies. I'll choose the winners randomly from all the people who fill out the form for their swag. So that's the only requirement: you must fill out the form at the end of this post. Which of course means you also must pre-order a copy of NEVERSEEN
And because I like to keep things simple, I'm not requiring proof of purchase. If you say you bought it, I trust you. I'm counting on you guys to be honest. But remember, lying makes Dex come up with mean pranks to play on you--meanwhile honesty makes Fitz and Keefe invite you to play base quest with them! :) I also won't be announcing the winners of the additional goodies. If you win the extra swag, you'll find out when your prize arrives in the mail.

I'm also willing to mail the prizes anywhere--even internationally. And it doesn't matter if you pre-order an eBook or a hardcover. As long as it's NEVERSEEN, it counts. And you can buy your copy anywhere books are sold. Of course I recommend shopping local from your favorite indie and supporting a local business. But it's up to you where you want to shop. (and scroll down for one more option before you make your decision)

I also know lots of you pre-ordered yours months and months ago. (which is so incredibly awesome, btw.) And if that's the case, you can definitely still fill out this form and get your free swagBut if you haven't bought it already, you must pre-order your copy before 11:59 pm (pacific time) on 11/2/15 AND fill out the form before then. After that I'll close the form and there will be no more ways to enter.

And there's no limit on how many swag packs you can get--as long as you buy the corresponding number of books. So if you buy five books, you can get five swag packs. Just make sure you tell me how many copies you bought so that I know how many swag packs to send you.

Also: since I'm leaving for tour before this contest even ends, there *will* be a delay on when your swag gets mailed to you. But I PROMISE I'll have them all in the mail before November 30th. (most likely much sooner). Sorry for the small wait, I can't mail stuff while I'm traveling.

(And by the way--if you haven't checked to see if I'm touring in your area, see my events page HERE. I hope I'll get to meet at least some of you!)

One final thing to keep in mind--since this is the point where many of you start panicking and emailing me saying BUT WHAT IF I'M NOT ONE OF THE LUCKY 20 WINNERS??????  I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT THE SPECIAL POSTCARD AND ALICORN BUTTON!!!!!! And in the past, I haven't had much I could tell you except, "sorry, it's all up to chance." But this year, the awesome people at Changing Hands Bookstore have helped me come up with a solution. 

So here's the deal: if you really really really want the extra postcard and the alicorn button (plus the other swag)--and can't make it to my launch party on 10/30 (or my Changing Hands event on 11/10)--there IS a way to guarantee you'll get them. If you buy your copy of NEVERSEEN through Changing Hands, they'll send you all the swag I've mentioned in this post, except the signed book plate, since your book will actually come hand signed by me. Changing Hands will ship anywhere--even internationally (there IS a shipping fee. You can call them for an estimate). And here's the important part--and it's a little confusing so make sure you read it carefully: If you decide to buy your copy of NEVERSEEN through Changing Hands in order to get the special goodies, you should NOT fill out the form below. Go to Changing Hands website HERE (or call them--they're super friendly) and order NEVERSEEN before 7pm (pacific time) on Tuesday, November 10th (yes, you also get a few extra days. They'll take orders until my event). And that's it. That's all you have to do. Changing Hands will take care of the rest and when your book arrives--voila! Awesome swag!  Another advantage to this: this is the only way to have your book personalized to you. I know I used to personalize all the bookplates, but that's gotten WAY too time consuming. So if you want a personalized, signed book--AND all the fun goodies I'm giving away--Changing Hands is the only way to go. But again, you HAVE to buy your book from them.

Um........... I *think* that covers everything--but if I missed something, feel free to ask in the comments. (note: I will only answer questions posted in the comments on my website. If you're reading this on Goodreads or any of the other places it feeds out to, make sure you go to shannonmessenger.com to ask your questions)

And .... I guess that's it. Though I do want to once again thank all of you for incredible support. It has been absolutely AMAZING watching this series grow, and it wouldn't be happening if you weren't  telling your teachers and friends, and posting your edits on instagram, and sending me your fan art, and all of the other amazing things you guys do. Keep it up--its working!

Only three weeks left until NEVERSEEN--EEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, here's the form you need to enter, and if for some reason it doesn't load, click HERE to find it)

*Please note: you must be 13 years or older to fill out this form. If you're not, please have your parent or guardian fill it out for you


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Published on October 13, 2015 03:30