Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 29

Review: Abandon Book 3: Awaken By Meg Cabot

Title:  Abandon Book 3:  Awaken

Author:  Meg Cabot

Publisher:  Point

Publication Date:  July 2, 2013 

Page Count:  336

Where I got it:  Publisher via Netgalley

Where you can get it: Amazon

How much: List Price:  17.99

Format I read it in:  eARC

Challenges:  ARC August Challenge, 2013 ARC Reading Challenge, Netgalley Knockout Challenge

 

 

 

Description/Blurb:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, the dark reimagining of the Persephone myth comes to a thrilling conclusion.

Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.

My Thoughts: ★★★★★

I cannot believe I read this entire series in less than a week, and not only did I read it, but I fell in love with it.  I am sad to no longer be able to get to see the characters, who felt like old friends by the time I fnished reading.

Meg Cabot has done an amazing job of retelling this bit of mythology and bringing to life the story of Hades and Persephone in a way that I don’t think anyone else could have done.  Often, recreations of historical or mythological situations are done poorly or just do not hold my interest, but this story just sucked me in in a way I don’t think anyone else could have.

I love the way you could see the bits of of the story coming together, like I could almost see the wheels turning in the heads of each of the characters.  And the conversation at the very end between Pierce and John left me absolutely breathless and speechless.

I was pleased to see that the way the sex scene was laid out and described in book 2 was not repeated here.  To me it was just a bit over the top and ..  Well, cheesy really.

I find that the more I love a book, the harder it is for me to find a lot to say about it without giving away spoilers.  So I will leave with the following:

This series is an absolute must read for anyone who has entertained an interest in mythology in any way.

 

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. 

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Review: Abandon Book 3: Awaken By Meg Cabot is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Review: Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Title:  Welcome To Last Chance

Author:  Cathleen Armstrong

Publisher:  Revell

Publication Date: August 1, 2013

Page Count:  288

Where I got it:  From Revell for review as part of a book tour

Where you can get it: Amazon

How much: List Price 13.99

Format I read it in:  Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description/Blurb:

The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort–especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?Cathleen Armstrong pens a debut novel filled with complex, lovable characters making their way through life and relationships the best they can. Her evocative descriptions, observational humor, and talent at rendering romantic scenes will earn her many fans.

My Thoughts: ★★★-1/2

Wow.  As I sit here having just finished reading this book, I find myself struggling to find the words to correctly convey my impression of the book without it being colored with too much emotion.  But I felt every single emotion on the spectrum while I read this story.  I felt an instant connection to Lainie because, well, I was that girl with he colorful past who was accepted with open arms in a new community and the past just didn’t matter anymore.

So I felt a very strong connection to the characters, and I fell in love with the town and the people in it.  But as I am reading, I had this intense nagging feeling pulling at the back of my neck, telling me that something is not as it seems.

The character of Steven kind of bothered me and I really do not know why.  Something just didn’t sit right about him.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but there were a few plot wholes that I just could not reconcile.  The main action that you are anticipating from the beginning of the book shows up in the last 2 chapters or so, and then it feels rushed, like it is there because it is supposed to be.  And then from what happens at the culmination of that to the conclusion of the story.  I feel like I have a lot of unanswered questions.

But the story was written well enough to be believable.  The community felt as real to me as the one I live in, and I could feel the love of the people.  I shed a tear when Lainie said the prayer that showed that she had changed, and felt the warmth that filled her following that.  From the description on Amazon, it looks like this will be part of a series, and I cannot wait to read what more is to come.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. 

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Review: Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Rabid Reader Recap (7) 8/4/2013 through 8/11/2013

This post is in something of a similar style to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, as well as Showcase Sunday hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea; and Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

     

So, there has been a fair bit of excitement around here this week!  I participated in the 2nd Annual Authors are Rockstars Tour, and got to interview Amanda Hocking!  So, this has increased my traffic this week and I am just so excited to have gotten to be a part of this.  And,  there is a giveaway with that post, and it runs until the end of August, so go enter if you haven’t already!

School starts in these parts in just a few days, this Wednesday in fact.  So, I had to brave the world of Walmart a few days ago to acquire all of the school supplies my youngins will need this year, and the lists of things they needed was absolutely insane.  And then it occurred to me that, come November, I will probably have to do all of this crazy shopping again, because my youngest will start the special ed program our schools have for children with disabilities an delays once she turns 3.  My oldest attended this program around when he turned four because of a slight developmental delay and he did amazingly well with it and fully caught up to his age peers within the span of a single school year.  Of course, Ninja Turtle’s issues are far more severe than her older brothers were, so we aren’t expecting quite the same result, but I cannot wait to see how this effects her, since she will finally be getting her much-needed therapies.

So enough babbling for now, and onto the posts!


So, the posts.  Here is what we had.


 Authors are Rockstars! Just Another Rabid Reader Interviews AMANDA HOCKING!!!!!! (and a surprise giveawway!)


Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot


Review of Abandon by Meg Cabot


BWRTours Presents: Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock


BWRTours Presents: An Interview with Judyann McCole, author of Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock

See?  3 reviews!  I am doing much better now.

Coming up this week:

Clean Teen Blog tour, in which I will have excerpts of several books put out by Clean Teen Publishing
Review of the much awaited conclusion of the Abandon series by Meg Cabot
More surprises and fun, awesome stuff.  You will have to come back to see!

Onto the Books.  I was a bad, bad girl this week.

 

Level 2 by Lenore Applehans – Traded for on Paperback swap
The Kill Order by James Dashner – ordered with points from RandomBuzzers
A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer - ordered with points from RandomBuzzers

I didn’t do so well with my Netgalley ban this week, however.  For brevity sake, I shall just show you their cover images:

 

See?  Very, very bad, but there were a few must have titles that showed up and I just could not restrain myself.  And some of these were from publishers who have me on autoapproval so I could not resist.

What did you all add to your shelves this week?  What amazing posts did you put up?  Let me know so I can come and see!

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Rabid Reader Recap (7) 8/4/2013 through 8/11/2013 is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Title:  Abandon Book 2:  Underworld

Author:  Meg Cabot

Publisher:  Point

Publication Date:  May 8, 2012

Page Count:  336

Where I got it:  Publisher for Review

Where you can get it:  Amazon

How much: List Price:  9.99

Format I read it in:  Finished Paperback

 

Challenges:  ARC August Challenge, 2013 ARC Reading Challenge

 

Description/Blurb:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, the dark reimagining of the Persephone myth begun in ABANDON continues … into the Underworld.Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance . . . on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there . . . and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

My Thoughts: ★★★★★

**WARNING: I try to be spoiler free, but there was one scene I just had to talk about, so I apologize ahead of time!**

Wow.  Just Wow.  I am really loving this series, even with the creepiness that goes along with it.  Imagine being 17 years old and trapped in a world you never even knew existed prior to, well, dying and coming back to life.  And then, you get sucked back there when you aren’t dead any more.

My heart broke for Pierce when she started learning the truth about what has happened to her and who the people around her really are.  I don’t know how I would have handled things if I had ever been in the same situation.

I love the way this is written, and the modernized interpretation of the mythology is absolutely enthralling.  I am, however, always amused about how sex is handled in young adult novels.  The culmination coming in  what is almost described as starbursts and sunshine and all that fluffy stuff just really makes me flip into a fit of giggles.  It did not detract from the story at all.  I think it is a testament to the nature of reality anymore, though, at the same time.

I really enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to dive into Awaken, the third book in this series, and find out how it all works out for Pierce and John and Alex and Kayla, because things just got very, very real for all of them.

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. 

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Review of Abandon by Meg Cabot

Title:  Abandon

Author:  Meg Cabot

Publisher:   Point

Publication Date:  April 26,2011 

Page Count:  320 Pages

Where I got it:  Publisher for review

Where you can get it:  Amazon

How much: List Price 17.99 Hardcover,

Format I read it in:

Challenges:  ARC August Challenge, 2013 ARC Reading Challenge

 

 

Description/Blurb:

New from #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, a dark, fantastical story about this world . . . and the underworld.

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can’t help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she’s never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she’s moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can’t. Because even here, he finds her. That’s how desperately he wants her back. She knows he’s no guardian angel, and his dark world isn’t exactly heaven, yet she can’t stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

My Thoughts: ★★★★★

So, evidently, I find myself very drawn to series related to mythology.  Which is kind of funny because I loved mythology in school, but haven’t really even considered it since then.  But this is the second series I have begun reading that ties back to mythology.

The story of Hades and Persephone is a fascinating one, and if you are not familiar, go Google it.  Take a minute, I will wait.  You will love it, trust me.  It speaks to pretty much half of the teen romance out there.  Good girl, bad boy, sucked into a whirlwind of I don’t know what.  But this is not necessarily a bad thing.

The spin on the mythology is just unique enough to create an interesting story and to suck the reader into the world that Meg Cabot has created without it feeling like there was any effort involved at all.  I was so enthralled with the story that played out on the pages that I could not put it down.  I just had to find out what was in store for Pierce and for John.  I got way more than I bargained for, and you will too.  If you have not read this book yet, you really should.  It is not often that I this emphatically implore people to read certain titles, but this is one of those cases.  I really cannot think of a demographic over 15 who will not enjoy this book.  Well, maybe guys in camo in the desert.  They might not like it.  But other than that, yeah.

The book is full of action, fight scenes, a little bit of romance, angsty teen drama, divorced parents.  It really has it all.

 

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Review of Abandon by Meg Cabot is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Authors are Rockstars! Just Another Rabid Reader Interviews AMANDA HOCKING!!!!!! (and a surprise giveawway!)

 

Oh.  My.  Gosh!  I was so excited to sign up to be a part of this, and then even more excited to get chosen for my first choice, Amanda Hocking.  I am not going to lie.  I had major, complete and total fangirl moments many days since receiving the email.  It happens that I received a copy of Lullaby in the mail the same day as I got this email, and my copy of Lullaby came signed from The Book Depository.  Ask my husband, I was dorked out for the whole day.

For anyone who has not read this author’s work and doesn’t understand, I point you to the facts as to why I think Amanda Hocking is a total rockstar.  Let’s see.  Amazing storytelling abilities.  Once of the first Young Adult novels I read as an adult was the Trylle series, and I was so completely sucked in that I bought copies for like 5 different people, including a woman in her 70s who loves fantasy and has become enthralled with the series as well.

The other thing is that Amanda Hocking has sort of the Cinderella story in publishing.  She started out self publishing her books, an then along the way got picked up by a major publisher and has quickly become a widely popular an well known author.  Amanda’s books transcend age lines because everyone finds something that they can relate to and enjoy in them.  In talking about the upcoming event, I only had one friend who didn’t know who she was, and that friend basically lives under a rock in regards to the literary world.

As a writer myself, I am inspired by this young woman every day because it tells me that my dreams are reachable, even if the path I take to get there is not the one I had originally planned and that anything is possible.

So that, there is why I absolutely adore Amanda Hocking and why I think she very deservedly is a rockstar author!

And now, I got the pleasure of sitting down and interviewing her, so that we could all get a glimpse inside her head and see what makes her tick!  I sent off a list of many questions and asked that she answer at least 5 of them.  She did way better than that, so here we

Let’s Start with a few fun ones:JARR Asks:  Which version of vampires do you like better : True Blood (Based on Charlaine Harris’ novels) or Twilight?

AH:  True Blood. I like my vampire stories with a bit more blood.

 

JARR says:  Me too!  I was enthralled with Twilight, but when I found True Blood, I was like, “This is what vampires are supposed to be

 

JARR Asks:  I noticed you mention Red Bull on your Blog.  Regular or Sugar Free?

AH:  I actually really like the Red Bull Zero.

 

JARR Says:  I am a Red Bull purist, although I have found I do like the cranberry flavored one that is out now.

JARR Asks:  White, Dark, or Regular chocolate?

AH:  Dark.

 

Okay, and now that we are all warmed up, let’s get into the meat of thngs!

JARR Asks:  What do you do when you are not writing?

AH:  I am a fairly boring person, and I always think that I should come up with more exciting hobbies so I can answer questions like these. I read, watch a lot of movies, play video games, and hang out with friends. I also have a dog and three cats that keep me pretty busy.

 

JARR Says:  Oh, nothing wrong with those hobbies.  They are pretty much all I do.  I work, I write, I read.  I play on Steam.  That is about the extent of it.

JARR Asks:  Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write?  Who and how/why?

AH:  My family was always very supportive of my writing, and I think that I’m constantly influenced by everyone and everything. That sounds like a glib answer, but it’s true. My inspirations come from everywhere.

JARR ASKS:  When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

AH:  I started writing as soon as I could write. It was something that I literally always did and always wanted to do. I finished my first novel when I was seventeen (which would be in 2002), and it wasn’t very good.

JARR Asks:  How did you choose the genre you write in?

AH:  It was a genre that I’d always enjoyed. I especially loved horror and fantasy when I was growing up, but the YA market wasn’t quite what it is today. It’s really exploded in the last decade. I also think I’m still basically a kid, and that’s what draws me to the YA genre. It’s fun to read and it’s fun to write.

 

JARR says:  I feel the same way.  I feel like sometimes the story just takes over and the characters and the genre choose me.

JARR Asks:   Where do you get your ideas?

AH:  Everywhere. That sounds overly simplistic, but it’s true. I also draw heavily on various mythology. I was really into the different myths and monsters of different cultures when I was a kid, and I think that I still incorporate that into my stories.

 

JARR Asks:  Do you work with an outline, or just write?

AH:  I always outline. It makes it so much easier and faster to write.

 

JARR Says:  I really, really need to learn to

 

JARR Asks:  Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

AH:  When I was kid, the authors that I read the most were Judy Blume and Stephen King, and considering I write young adult romance infused with monsters and horror, I can definitely see their influence.

 

JARR says:  Omigosh!  I love both of those authors.  I read my first King work when I was about 10 years old.  Totally creepy and I just could not get enough!

JARR Asks:  If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

AH:  Not at all. Everything needed to happen the way it did for things to work out this way, and I couldn’t be happier about where things are now.

JARR Asks:  Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

AH:  No. I had the advantage of starting out self-publishing, so I could literally publish anything I wanted. There were some books that I thought I wanted to publish, but then I went back and re-read them and realized they were terrible. But I always figure that if I write something, and it’s good, it’ll find a place.

 

JARR says:  This is precisely why I will self publish my work.  I prefer to be able to have that kind of control and if it feels like it is good enough to go out, I get to decide that.  Of course, then people can just not read it and I shall feel the sting of the epic fail.  

 

JARR ASKS:  Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

AH:  There are definitely things that draw from my real life, but nothing in my books is really biographical. It’s usually little things or nods to pop culture that I enjoy. (For instance, I mention the movie Jaws in almost every one of my series, because it’s one of my favorite movies).

 

JARR Asks:  What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

AH:  With Elegy, there were a lot of favorite parts. But I think especially the last quarter of the book was fun. It’s the end of the series, so everything has been building up to this big finale, and it was fun putting it all together.

 

JARR says:  I am so looking forward to reading this.  I have a shiny copy in hardcover sitting on my shelf just waiting for me!

 

JARR asks:  Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

AH:  Oh, yeah, definitely. In the Watersong series, there were a couple characters that I fell in love with, and I’d love to see them in appear in other books. I’m not sure if they will, but they were so much fun to write, it’s sad to let them go.

 

JARR says:  Part of me wants to ask which ones, but really, I know better.

JARR Asks:  Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

AH:  I would just like to thank everyone for sticking with me for so long, and I hope that fans of the Watersong series enjoy the conclusion in Elegy.

 

On behalf of readers everywhere, let me just say an emphatic thank you for writing such amazing novels for us to immerse ourselves in and get lost in.

Some links to my reviews of some of Amanda Hocking’s books:

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking
Review: Ascend, Book 3 of the Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking
Just Another Rabid Reader Reviews Torn, Book 2 of the Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking

And of course, you should definitely check out Amanda Hocking’s Blog

 

Well there you have it my friends!  Amanda Hocking.  I am still shocked that she took the time to answer my questions and I am trying not to get tooo excited about it.

 

But wait, there is more.  Didn’t you see the surprise in the title?  Yep!  I have a lovely giveaway to offer.  And there will be 2 winners.  And you have until the end of the month to get entered into this one, and 2 people will get to pick a print version of any book in The Watersong series.  And, and, and, it is INTERNATIONAL!!!!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 

 

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Authors are Rockstars! Just Another Rabid Reader Interviews AMANDA HOCKING!!!!!! (and a surprise giveawway!) is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

BWRTours Presents: Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock

Title:  Adela Arthur and The Creator’s Clock

Author: Judyann McCole

Publication Date:  July 24, 2013

Page Count:  346

Where I got it:  Author for Blog Tour

Where you can get it: Amazon (more options below)

How much: List Price 13.99 print, 4.99 ebook

Format I read it in:  Ebook

My Thoughts: ★★★-1/2

I was really exciting to get to tour this debut novel from a new, young author who has the desire to bring the magic of the books that she loved as a child to the forefront of the literary world for other young people to enjoy.

I found the story interesting and pretty fast paced and easy to fall into.  The world building was interesting and the characters were ones that it was easy for me to relate to, even being twice their age.

There were similarities between this story and some of what are viewed as the greatest YA/Middle grade fantasy stories out there, but rather than finding those a distraction or a negative, I found the ways that the author made this story stand apart from the other stories.  Rather than finding the similarities distracting, I found the differences fascinating.  It was just different enough to be unique in it’s own right and held this ADHD reviewers attention and interest.

There were a few editing hiccups along the way, and for some readers that may be distracting.  However, for a first novel by an as yet unknown young author, I have seen much worse out there.  And editing can always be updated and an updated ebook can be released so there is definitely hope!

I look forward to getting to know more about the characters as the series progresses and cannot wait to read the next book!

About the Authonr:

…Roman Catholic

A lover of Books, Florence + Machine, The color Teal, Asian Food, Chocolate, Pandas, and  The Rain.

Also A fan of writing in odd places like in bathtubs, under staircases, in a tree, or maybe zoo.

 I was born in Montreal, Canada and  a few years later my parents moved home to the States where I’m currently attending College. I began writing when I was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but in my head I was Maya Angelou. I loved Why The Caged Bird Sings and always saw myself as the caged bird. I asked myself what is my thing? What am I good at? It sure wasn’t math or science and I was okay in music. In middle school I was the girl with the purple clarinet, however that did not help my ability to play; I was simply okay. I played volleyball and basketball because I am tall and figured you can’t go wrong with that.

I don’t know why I never thought about writing. As I was searching for a niche in everything else I was also writing stories about a girl searching for where she belongs and people my age going on wild adventures. One day a teacher of mine, Ms. E. McAllen, asked me what I loved to do and it finally hit me. I love being a storyteller. But I was afraid no one would want, or care to read what I had to say. Until another teacher, Ms. K. Cole  gave me the pep talk that changed my life.

I would not have the strength to grow the hell that is getting published and I would not be an Author if it were not for my pen name Judyann McCole.

My Debut Novel, Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock, will be out this summer.

MOONRISE will be in stores Fall of 2013.

 

About the Book:

To Who Ever This May Concern;I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland; that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths.  Legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires; after all that is what I used to believe.

 

I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…

 

I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought.  But there are…

 

I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am…

 

I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.

 

The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.

 

Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life…

 

ADELA ARTHUR

 

Where to Find Judyann:

Website - http://judyannmccole.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/judyann.mccole/friends

Facebook Fanpage -https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judyann-Mccole/133064490201081

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JudyannMcCole

Where to Buy the Book:

Amazon (Paperback $13.99, Kindle $4.99)  http:/www.amazon.com/gp/product/1490322345/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1490322345&linkCode=as2&tag=bt0a8e-20

Barnes and Noble (Paperback $13.99, Nook $4.99) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adela-arthur-and-the-creators-clock-judyann-mccole/1116139325?ean=9781490322346

Kobo (eBook $4.99) http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/adela-arthur-and-the-creator-s-clock

Smashwords (eBook $4.99) https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336001?ref=BWRTours

Tour Schedule: http://bwrtours.net/?p=433

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author for a blog tour  in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. 

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

BWRTours Presents: Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

BWRTours Presents: An Interview with Judyann McCole, author of Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock

 

This week, I have the pleasure of being a part of a blog tour through Black, White and Read Tours.

Last week, we brought you an interesting creative nonfiction.  This week, Just Another Rabid Reader seems to have returned to it’s young adult fantasy roots, and I had a chance to “sit down” with the author and ask a few questions.  Without further adieu, here is the Q&A with Judyann McCole!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

As you know I’m Judyann McCole. I’m a lover of movies, all movies, if it’s playing I watching. I was born in Canada and I’m about to be come a sophomore in college! I’m also in love with the color teal and I think I always mention that color at least once in everything I write.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I think about what I could be writing. Seriously it’s hard to shut my brain off which is why I watch movies when ever I can as a break.

Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?

I would have to say my high-school teachers. I’ve always loved writing but I’ve never tried to get published because I never had the confidence to do so. It’s intimidating, there are so many great authors out there. But they pushed and somehow I’m here talking to you. So I couldn’t be happier or more grateful.

Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of fiction?

Query an Agent, get rejected, rewrite, and repeat a few dozen times. It sounds harsh but that’s the process. It’s super discouraging but the moment you get that one agent, or publishing house that asks you for publication…believe me you feel amazing.

Do you have a day job as well?

Yes I work in a bookstore. Which is probably why I always have books on the brain. I’ve learned a lot from my job though,

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I wrote my first novel at 17. It took me two months. However that book will never see the light of day. I then wrote Moonrise, a novel coming out this fall in a month and a half, during my first semester of college. Then finally Adela Arthur and the Creator’s clock, which will be out this summer. That book took me about two months. After months of editing I’m excited for people to actual read it.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I don’t think I really write with a genre in mind. I just want to tell a story. It’s only after I’m done do I have to figure out where it belongs. Adela Arthur is young adult and I’m sure there will more in this genre. But I also want to write realistic fiction as well.

Where do you get your ideas?

I don’t even know. It starts off as a single thought or action that happens in my life, like looking in the mirror, that triggers something. Within a few days it morphs into a monster and all of a sudden looking in a mirror turns into a world behind mirrors with dragons, elves, and giants.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

All the time. When it happens I turn on Florence + the Machine, lay on my bed and just listen to the music. Music helps me a lot. If that fails, I go to sleep or my roommate drags me out.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

It really depends. For Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock there was no out line. But then I get half way through the second book in the series and I just hit a wall. I turned on my power music and had so many idea’s rushing into my mind at once I had to outline each chapter.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I’m a huge lover of Dr. Seuss, C.S Lewis, George R. R Martin, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. There are so many authors I love but reading their work always tuck with me. Yes even Dr. Seuss, it’s hard to read his books and not smile.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

No. I’ve learned so much that I believe all the challenges I’ve faced and will still face will only help me as a writer. I also have people asking for advice I’m glad I’m able to help others avoid the potholes I hit.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Marketing…the hardest job a new author has to do and it’s the hardest one. We work so hard to write but again there is a huge sea of books out there. What works best is to plan. Plan out when is the best time for your book to hit the market. Contact blogs, start your own blog, and also get out on to facebook and join book groups. Link a copy of your book in your email. Basically become that annoying parent that never stops talking about their kid.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

I’m still a new writer so not yet. However with the amount of stories in my head I having a feeling my day will come.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

My book Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock is about 16 year-old Adela Arthur, who through unfortunate circumstances finds out she isn’t “human” per se and that she is from a world behind mirrors. The only thing is she was sent to the “human world” with others of her kind as a sort of refuge. But upon finding out her fate she realizes she is no longer safe among the humans has to go back. Sadly it’s a one way mirror, if she cross over she can never come back to the world she once knew as home.

Is anything in your book  based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I really wish it was real but sadly it’s all purely imagination. There are some themes that play into real life but other then that nope.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I have to say it was the preface. As I was writing I knew readers would have no idea what was going if the preface was connected to the story. However as you go on you realize it’s a super important event in the story plot line. I would have made it the first chapter however the story is about Adela Arthur and that character.

How did you come up with the title for your current novel?

Titles and summaries are always so hard for me because you want it to make sense to the book but you also want to be attention grabbing. I had a list of titles but none of them worked with this genre. It wasn’t until one of my friends said to of the titles together did a light bulb go off.

What project are you working on now?

Well, I have another book in the fall so I have edits on that. I will be having two series out at once so I’m going to have my hands full.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

Yes there are some character’s I want to write whole novels about. However, that all depend is there is interest or not.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism I’ve ever gotten came from a review who said; “no matter what you write, it will always be compared to Harry Potter and it won’t live up to that. It’s an okay book not a great one.” Ouch!  After that I really didn’t want to publish anymore. The best compliment also came from a reviewer; “Are you going to save my life and give me the second book because I’m dying here!”

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

No matter how many doors get slammed in your face never stop writing. I know it’s hard and sometimes just painful but stay true to your art…imagine how much worse everything would be if you gave up your passion?

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Yes. Buy a copy of Adela Arthur and pass on the light everyone you met . I would also like to say thinks for reading!

 

 

About the Author:

…Roman Catholic

A lover of Books, Florence + Machine, The color Teal, Asian Food, Chocolate, Pandas, and  The Rain.

Also A fan of writing in odd places like in bathtubs, under staircases, in a tree, or maybe zoo.

 I was born in Montreal, Canada and  a few years later my parents moved home to the States where I’m currently attending College. I began writing when I was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but in my head I was Maya Angelou. I loved Why The Caged Bird Sings and always saw myself as the caged bird. I asked myself what is my thing? What am I good at? It sure wasn’t math or science and I was okay in music. In middle school I was the girl with the purple clarinet, however that did not help my ability to play; I was simply okay. I played volleyball and basketball because I am tall and figured you can’t go wrong with that.

I don’t know why I never thought about writing. As I was searching for a niche in everything else I was also writing stories about a girl searching for where she belongs and people my age going on wild adventures. One day a teacher of mine, Ms. E. McAllen, asked me what I loved to do and it finally hit me. I love being a storyteller. But I was afraid no one would want, or care to read what I had to say. Until another teacher, Ms. K. Cole  gave me the pep talk that changed my life.

I would not have the strength to grow the hell that is getting published and I would not be an Author if it were not for my pen name Judyann McCole.

My Debut Novel, Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock, will be out this summer.

MOONRISE will be in stores Fall of 2013.

 

About the Book:

To Who Ever This May Concern;I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland; that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths.  Legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires; after all that is what I used to believe.

 

I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…

 

I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought.  But there are…

 

I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am…

 

I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.

 

The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.

 

Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life…

 

ADELA ARTHUR

 

Where to Find Judyann:

Website – http://judyannmccole.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judyann.mccole/friends

Facebook Fanpage -https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judyann-Mccole/133064490201081

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JudyannMcCole

Where to Buy the Book:

Amazon (Paperback $13.99, Kindle $4.99) http:/www.amazon.com/gp/product/1490322345/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1490322345&linkCode=as2&tag=bt0a8e-20

Barnes and Noble (Paperback $13.99, Nook $4.99) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adela-arthur-and-the-creators-clock-judyann-mccole/1116139325?ean=9781490322346

Kobo (eBook $4.99) http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/adela-arthur-and-the-creator-s-clock

Smashwords (eBook $4.99) https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336001?ref=BWRTours

Tour Schedule: http://bwrtours.net/?p=433

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

BWRTours Presents: An Interview with Judyann McCole, author of Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Rabid Reader Recap (6) 7/28/2013 through 8/4/2013

This post is in something of a similar style to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Her Blurb about the post says :

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

So, this week the blog was kind of quiet.  But, listen, let me explain.  My oldest child turned 10 on Thursday.  Seeing as he is officially into the double digit years (holy crap, that technically makes him moving into preteen territory doesn’t it?  I am in trouble), the birthday needed to be a huge production.  So, I had like 20 people in my tiny house on Thursday.  At the same time, my dog finally got a haircut.  Here, look, I will show you.  

Isn’t he a handsome devil!

And also, my kids got a huge surprise and their grandma that they have not seen in forever came to visit for the early part of the week, so it was something in the manner of organized chaos around here.

So, the posts.  Here is what we had.

 ARC August Challenge


Netgalley Knockout Challenge.


Rabid Reader Ramblings: I am Officially a Published Author!


Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking


Bout of Books 8.0 Goals and Updates

I know, not a lot of reviews.  But, but, did you see my Ramblings post up there?  You have to check that one out.  That is the best part of my week.

The books..  Well, I thought I was going to be able to say I was a REALLY good girl this week.  But I wasn’t.  It just didnt happen.  I had just one book come in before Friday, but then 3 more arrived on Saturday, and I did the Netgalley thing again.

Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong – Received from Revell for a book tour, look for that post some time after the 11th.  I am halfway into this one and it is awesome so far.
Resilience Throughout Recovery by Angela Grey – Librarything.  It’s about mental health and a topic I think needs more attention.
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel – Paperback swap.  I read the first book in this series about a year ago and loved it so much and am so excited to read this next chapter in Ever’s life.
Projection by Risa Green – From my lovely contact at Soho Press who seems to know me so well already and I am so excited to read and review this one.

Not Pictured:

Pivot Point by Kasie West – I bought this one for Kindle.  My Book BFFs group is reading this one as a readalong and I am so excited to participate.  I am up to chapter 10 and it is so good.

Netgalley:

The 228 Legacy By Jennifer Chow – I was approached by the author about hosting a blog tour, so figured I would grab the book the easy way.
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman – Oh my gosh….  I finally got approved for this one.  I have been hearing such amazing things and I had to read it.
Havisham by Ronald Frame – This just sounded so new and different that I wanted to give it a try.

So, yes, as you can see, I was not very good with my Netgalley ban this week at all!

Edelweiss:

What if…  By Shirley MacLaine – Okay, I just could not help my self.  It’s Shirley MacLaine.  I was fascinated!

So, I was a bad, bad girl about adding way more than I removed from the TBR this week..  But, I signed up for a few challenges that will hopefully help me get the numbers down.

What did ya’ll do this week?

 

OOOH!  And I completely forgot to mention, Authors are Rockstars is under way an in two days, Amanda Hocking will make an appearance on Just Another Rabid Reader for an interview.  And there just might be a big surprise to go along with that post, stay tuned!

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

Rabid Reader Recap (6) 7/28/2013 through 8/4/2013 is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

ARC August Challenge

 

 

A big thank you to Read, Sleap, Repeat for hosting this awesome challenge!

We all know what having that TOWERING pile of review books is like, right?  Right?  Okay, phew, thought it was just me for a second!

I signed up for Netgalley Knockout, and I am also doing a year-long ARC challenge as well, but let’s face it, where is the pressure in a year-long one?  I need to be motivated.  So, I am going to set a goal of at least 12 books for August, and at least half of that needs to be print books…  So, goal is 6 e-ARCs, 6 print books.  I can do that, right?  You guys believe in me, don’t you?  **crickets**…  I see how it is!

So anyway, Challenge time here we come.  I can do this.  Are you going to do it with me?  Let me know!

© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.

ARC August Challenge is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader