P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 30

February 29, 2012

FEATURING: Rachel Coles and PAZUZU'S GIRL!


Today on the blog, I'm excited to feature my author pal, Rachel Coles! You may remember Rachel as I featured her back in September for her book INTO THE RUINS. Now, Rachel is back and ready to tell us about her new book!

PAZUZU'S GIRL by Rachel Coles


Add PAZUZU'S GIRL to your GOODREADS TBR list right now!

From Goodreads:

Morpho Wilson thought her life was difficult enough. Her father is Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian demon of plague and the Southwest wind. As a teenager Morpho struggles against her father, while trying to adjust to high school in a new neighborhood. The family is constantly moving in an attempt to elude Pazuzu's murderous ex-wife, a demoness known for killing children.

Then something unique happens. A socially-impaired classmate becomes so intrigued by Morpho that he pursues her, despite the mystery surrounding her family and the danger that accompanies it.

But before their romance can grow the demoness tracks Morpho down, and now only needs an ancient artifact called the Tablet of Destiny to complete the destruction of the world. The tablet confers on its owner the ability to control the fate of everything and everyone on earth.

Once the tablet is discovered in the Middle East, the oldest and most powerful gods begin a battle for its possession, with the human population caught in the middle. Morpho, her family, and her new friend must decide, do they escape from the horrifying demoness or fight for their own destiny. How far will Pazuzu go to save his daughter from a hellish fate? Will his banishment from Heaven so many millennia ago end up being a curse...or a blessing?


****

AND NOW RACHEL...

Thank you for having me on your blog today to talk about my new novel Pazuzu's Girl! One of the questions that people have asked about the novel was what inspired me to write it, and who were my biggest influences or favorite authors.

Pazuzu's Girl actually started out as an idea for National Novel Writing Month. I'd never heard of NaNoWriMo, and I'd never written a novel before, and so with the encouragement of the critique group that I go to, I got an idea and started writing. Pazuzu's Girl came from a moment of entertainment I got imagining how a demon would handle a teenage daughter, and wondering, as my own young daughter rolled her eyes at me, in a gesture entirely too old for her age, what it will be like when she's a teenager in a few years.

My favorite authors, who I hope have been positive influences on all of my writing, not just the novel are:

Neil Gaiman—for everything he ever wrote
Dan Simmons—for his Hyperion and Endymion novels
David Brin—for his Uplift novels and Kiln People
Terry Pratchett—for his Discworld novels
Ray Bradbury—for Halloween Tree, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and The October Country
and last but definitely not least, Clive Barker—for Weaveworld, Everville, Imajica, and the Books of Blood

If you ever get a chance to read any of these books and authors and haven't already, you are missing out. Neil Gaiman is my hero in his ability to create modern myth out of old myths and archetypes, often myths not as well known to the western world. This distinction also goes to Clive Barker. They both have a tremendous ability to send shivers up your spine and use eloquent language to do it. David Brin and Dan Simmons have the unique ability to not only engage in all-encompassing worlds that you can lose yourself in, but worlds and events that are paradigm-changing. Ray Bradbury defined an entire age of science fiction and realistic fantasy with turns of phrase that I still find myself going back and reading over and over thirty years after I first read them. Terry Pratchett's humor is unsurpassed in literature, fantasy or otherwise. These are all my writing heroes, and I hope that I have taken some lessons from them when I wrote Pazuzu's Girl.

*****

Pazuzu's Girl is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Journalstone website. It is available in both paperback and e-book.

If you want to contact me, I can be reached on Facebook at Rachel Bernstein Coles, Twitter at rcoles66, or my website at rachelcoles.wordpress.com

Thank you again to PJ for hosting me! Solstice is an amazing book, and PJ a talented story-teller and creator of myth and I'm honored to be on her site.

*****

Thank you so much, Rachel, for your kind words and for being here today!
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Published on February 29, 2012 03:00

February 28, 2012

GIVEAWAY—INVISIBLE SUN by David Macinnis Gill

For those of you who don't remember or who didn't read the blog a year ago, BLACK HOLE SUN by David Macinnis Gill was one of my absolute favorite reads of 2010. So when it came to my most anticipated sequels, David could not get this one out fast enough (which means you need to write faster, David).

I was thrilled to snag an ARC of this sequel at ALA Midwinter.

INVISIBLE SUN by David Macinnis Gill (Greenwillow, March 27, 2011)


I'm going to give you five reasons you have to read INVISIBLE SUN, and then you get a chance to win an ARC of it!

1) The writing in INVISIBLE SUN is top-notch. Actually, as each page went by, I was more and more impressed with just how fantastic of an author David really is. This book was like a showcase of his writing ability.

2) The characters cared about each other, which of course, is our goal. But the level of their caring leaped off the page. It was deep and it made me care so much more.

3) Okay, I'll admit it. I was so into this book and then something happened and I was furious. So mad I was ready to send David an email pronto. As then, as I finished reading, the situation resolved and left me hanging and waiting for book 3. I love when I read a book where the plot and consequences matter so much to me.

4) The main characters, Durango and Vienne, are just plain awesome. They are independent yet need each other. There is nothing they can't do, yet still they have so much to learn. I love that!

5) The future shown is INVISIBLE SUN, though dark, is compelling. It's the perfect mix of science-fiction and dystopia and young adult fiction. The adventure is something teens will crave, both boys and girls, fans of science fiction or not.

Highly recommended! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Actually read both books. It's YA writing at its best.

Source of book: From publisher at ALA midwinter

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR LIST RIGHT NOW!




From Goodreads:

Obsessed with MUSE, the clandestine project that created the AI in his brain, mercenary chief Durango draws the ire of the government when he steals part of the secret project data and hightails it with his lieutenant, Vienne, to an ancient monastery. There, he meets the monks who raised Vienne from an orphan and also encounters soldiers working for his old nemesis, the crime lord Mr. Lyme. Lyme controls the territory surrounding the monastery, as well as the datacenters housing the rest of MUSE.

Undeterred, Durango and Vienne pull off an ill-advised raid on Lyme's complex. During the ensuing battle, however, Vienne is captured, and Durango is beaten and left for dead. Now, wounded and shaken, Durango must overcome bounty hunters, treacherous terrain, a full scale civil war, and a warrior monk with an eye for vengeance (not to mention his own guilt, self-doubt, and broken arm) to find Vienne and free her from Archibald, a brain-washing pyromaniac with a Napoleon complex who wants to rule Mars--and kill Durango in the process.


***

Now for your chance to win an ARC of this amazing book! It's easy! Two things to note...

1) This giveaway is open until 11:59 on March 10, 2012
2) Contest is US and Canada only!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.

Good luck!
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Published on February 28, 2012 08:01

The Knife and the Butterfly Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered to win! The winner of

THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY by Ashley Hope Pérez (Carolrhoda Books, February 1, 2012)


is...

Savannah Sullivan!

***

Don't forget I'm also giving away

THE CHRONAL ENGINE by Greg Leitich Smith (Clarion, March 20, 2012)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Published on February 28, 2012 07:43

February 22, 2012

Austin SCBWI Conference Wrap up

I can't say it any better myself, so sit back and enjoy the awesomeness that is our Austin SCBWI community!

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Published on February 22, 2012 16:46

There is no way to get upset about this.

From my daughter...

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Published on February 22, 2012 07:27

February 21, 2012

GIVEAWAY: THE CHRONAL ENGINE by Greg Leitich Smith

Up for giveaway today is an ARC of the hottest new upcoming book by Austinite Greg Leitich Smith!

THE CHRONAL ENGINE by Greg Leitich Smith (Clarion, March 20, 2012)


Here's what I have to say about THE CHRONAL ENGINE:

1) If you're looking for a fast-paced middle grade adventure/science-fiction story, then this book is for you! The action starts on page one, and it never ends.

2) THE CHRONAL ENGINE is what happens when JURASSIC PARK meets GIDEON THE CUTPURSE. Yes, dinosaurs and time travel all in one awesome place.

3) The characters have serious spunk. They never stop trying to reach their goals. (I think we could all learn a lot from them.)

4) Did I mention Greg Leitich Smith was just awarded as one of the ambassadors of kid-lit in Austin by Austin SCBWI?


5) I've noticed the fun can be revised out of middle grade fiction. Not at all the case with THE CHRONAL ENGINE. This is the kind of adventure I would have desperately wanted to go on as a kid (or heck, even as an adult). It's smart and witty and 100% engaging!

So, yes, boys or girls, third grade or up, don't miss this book! You'll pick it up and won't put it down until you're finished!

Source of book: From publisher by request

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TO-BE-READ LIST RIGHT NOW!

From Amazon:

When Max, Kyle, and Emma are sent to live with their reclusive grandfather, they think he's crazy, especially when he tells them about his time machine. But after Emma is kidnapped at the exact time that her grandfather predicted, Max and Kyle are forced to believe his eccentric stories—even the one about the Chronal Engine in the basement.

Now, to save Emma, Max, Kyle, and their new friend Petra must pile into a VW Bug, and use the Chronal Engine to take the road trip of a lifetime—right back to the Cretaceous period. With dangers all around, the teens find themselves dodging car-crushing herbivores in addition to the terrifying T. rex. In this ancient environment, can three contemporary teens hunt down a kidnapper, forage for food, and survive long enough to return home?


***

Now for your chance to win an ARC of this amazing book along with a signed postcard! It's easy! Two things to note...

1) This giveaway is open until 11:59 on March 3, 2012
2) Contest is US and Canada only!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.

Good luck!

*****

And don't forget I'm also giving away

THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY by Ashley Hope Pérez (Carolrhoda Books, February 1, 2012)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Published on February 21, 2012 19:01

February 20, 2012

THE BREAKAWAY by Michelle Davidson Argyle

If you haven't been noticing, Rhemalda Publishing has jumped onto the publishing scene and is coming out with some unique YA novels with covers that are just gorgeous! You can find out more about Rhemalda Publishing on their website!

The latest Rhemalda title I've had the pleasure of reviewing is

THE BREAKAWAY by Michelle Davidson Argyle (Rhemalda, May 1, 2012)


Before I talk about the book, I want to mention that Michelle is my friend. She's been nothing but supportive in the years on the Internet we've known each other, and I am thrilled to read her books!

Okay, five things about THE BREAKAWAY and Michelle...

1) First, it is an intense story about a serious situation. I know this sounds kind of basic, but let's face it. I'm normally all about fantasy and science-fiction. So if I say that THE BREAKAWAY is realistic fiction, that doesn't quite seem to cover it. It's about a kidnapping and the time of captivity.

2) It's a complete page-turner. I mentioned intense in (1) above, and truly, this is the best word to describe it. I did not have any idea what the main character, Naomi, was going to do next. Would she try to escape? Would she fall in love? I couldn't (and didn't) stop reading.

3) It has complete crossover appeal. The main character, Naomi, is a teen for sure. But the main love interest is not. He's older and he's into way more serious dealings than what subject to sign up for at school and who his latest crush should be. He's an adult, and given this, I think adults would enjoy the story equally.

4) Michelle Davidson Argyle is one of the hardest working people I know. She inspires me to keep writing when I see how much she accomplishes. I think she has about two hundred more books in the works.

5) Sheer premise alone is reason enough to read this story. Seeing the struggle of the main character as she weights the pros and cons of her captivity and her less-than-stellar home life provides such a great, gripping read.

In short, I totally recommend this one for (mostly) girls, 9th grade and up, those who are fans of realistic, somewhat darker fiction.

Source of book: Provided by author by request

Add it to your Goodreads to-be-read shelf now!




From Goodreads:

When Naomi Jensen is kidnapped, it takes her parents two days to realize she's missing. Escape isn't high on her list of priorities when all she has to return to is an abusive boyfriend and parents who never paid much attention to her. For the first time in her life she's part of a family—even if it is a family of criminals. But she's still a captive. In a desperate attempt to regain some control in her life, Naomi embarks on a dangerous plan to make one of her kidnappers think she's falling in love with him. The plan works too well, and when faced with the chance to escape, Naomi isn't sure she wants to take it.
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Published on February 20, 2012 19:46

February 19, 2012

FEATURING Beth Fantaskey and JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE



I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Beth Fantaskey and her brand new release!
(and this was totally supposed to post on Friday! I'm not sure what happened!)

JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE by Beth Fantaskey (Harcourt, January 10, 2012)


Beth has agreed to stop by today and give us a top ten list, her choice!

Top Ten Things I Need for a Day of Writing (Not Necessarily Needed All at Once)

XL coffee with cream from Short Stop mini-marketLucky socks32-oz. "Fizzonator" mug filled with Diet CokeHarrisburg Patriot-News newspaper, for daily Jumble puzzle break1965 Rodale Synonym FinderPandora.com or WQSU radio stationEmpty paprika tin from Budapest, now filled with business cards and computer passwords GoogleFuzzy green slippers, worn over lucky socksBlue robot windup toy for momentary diversion
If you've never checked out Beth's books, there is no better time! You can find out more about them on Beth's website!




From Amazon:

The highly anticipated sequel to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.
It's one thing to find out you're a vampire princess. It's a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband's name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius's time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it's too late?
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Published on February 19, 2012 18:31

February 17, 2012

Five on a Friday...

...which I know I haven't done in ages!

Happy Friday! Hope you all have the most wonderful day ever :) And here we go!

1) Today starts our local Austin SCBWI conference! If you write books for kids or teens and you've never made it to a conference, what are you waiting for? Seriously! It's a great opportunity to meet other writers (and find potential critique partners), network, and learn a ton about the world of writing and publishing. I'll be picking up Jill Corcoran (not my agent, but from everything I've heard, she's awesome) at the airport this afternoon, and then the fun begins! I'll even be presenting tomorrow afternoon, so if you're going to the conference and your schedule permits, stop in to hear everything I can share about Photoshop and book trailers in under an hour :)

And look! The Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels make goodie bags for our out-of-town faculty.
And we have a query critique basket up for silent auction, too!


2) Last night marked the last ever Cub Scout event for my son! He got his Arrow of Light (and can I mention I made a very nice arrow for him). It was awesome to look back on the last five years and see what a great accomplishment it really is.


3) If you've been dying to read THE EMERALD TABLET (you know, the first book in my middle grade fantasy/sci-fi trilogy), there is no better time than now! Amazon has the hardcover marked way down, but there are only a few left in stock!
(link here for Amazon)

The hardback cover


The paperback cover (coming this summer)

4) And as for reading, I'm currently reading (and loving) EARTHSEED by Pamela Sargent (Tor Teen, February 28, 2012). You know this book was originally released back in 1983 (I think), and I am amazed at how current the book feels now 30 years later. It's all about a bunch of teens on a generational spaceship heading for a new planet and I am loving it! It's fresh and clever and totally worth the read.
(and look...Paramount pictures has optioned it.)



5) On the Wizard101 front, I'm now a level 39 wizard and going strong! If you've never played, there is no better time to start :)

Don't I look cool!

Happy weekend!
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Published on February 17, 2012 06:59

February 15, 2012

FOLLOWER LOVE Winner!

Thank you to all you awesome people who stopped by to enter my giveaway! You guys rock!

The winner of PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver (Harper, February 28, 2012)


is...

Nicole Pelliccia!

*****

And don't forget I'm also giving away

THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY by Ashley Hope Pérez (Carolrhoda Books, February 1, 2012)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Published on February 15, 2012 18:52