Celebrating The 125th Anniversary of THE NIGHT CIRCUS

**waves to red scarf wearing reveur** In honor of today's 125th anniversary of the Night Circus, I am excited to share an interview with Erin Morgernstern...and a chance to win a copy of her fabulous, magical debut THE NIGHT CIRCUS! For those that have not read this masterpiece, if there is one book you MUST read and experience this year, I suggest this one!

Mel: What inspired you to write a story centered around a circus?

Erin: The circus came as a surprise, I was working on a different manuscript and got bored with the story so I sent the characters to a circus and the circus was immediately more interesting. I thought it had a lot of potential to explore as far as where it came from and who its inhabitants were, it was an imaginary place I felt like spending a lot of time in, even though I’m not a big fan of traditional circuses. Mine is more like performance and installation art encased in tents.

M: Everywhere I turn, I see your beautiful, descriptive writing mentioned. What was the most enjoyable part of The Night Circus to write?

I think the whole thing was enjoyable in a way, but the actual descriptions of the circus itself were probably the most fun since they involved the most unadulterated creative freedom, deciding how each tent was arranged, how things looked or felt or what they smelled like.

M: What do you hope readers take away from reading The Night Circus?

E: I hope after finishing the book readers might take away a renewed sense of wonder, I think it’s a sense that needs renewing once in a while.

M: Your book started out as a Nanowrimo project, do you have any suggestions for those taking part in a few months?

I think the most important part is to have fun with it and not worry about every little sentence, just keep moving on to the next and the next and the next. Never delete anything, and I don’t recommend re-reading until afterward. Also, stock up on caffeine and snacks. I am fond of things that hit the salty/sweet snack cravings in one go, like chocolate-covered popcorn.

M: What role would you take on if you were to run away & join the circus?

I don’t really have any good circus skills so I’d probably end up selling tickets or something like that. If I could join my circus I think I’d like to be a living statue, but I’d need a lot of practice.

A big thank you to Random House Canada and Erin!

Guys,  there is a Night Circus game!! Click here to check it out

For your chance to win a copy of THE NIGHT CIRCUS, please fill in the form below:

Back To The Books Giveaway Hop

Thanks to I Am a Reader, Not A Writer and Buried In Books for hosting this fun event.

Choose your ARC!

• Wildefire by Karsten Knight
• Abandon by Meg Cabot
• The Isle of Blood (Monstrumologist #3) by Rick Yancey - the series readers fought to continue! (in stores Sept 13)
• Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
• Goliath by Scott Westerfeld (in stores Sept 20)

You must also be a blog follower to enter (see the GFC on the right side). Leave a comment telling me what upcoming book you are most eager for and fill in the form below.



Here is the list of other blogs participating in the hop, go forth & enter!

Giveaway and Interview with David Nicholls, Author of One Day

If you are anything like me and enjoy a realistic love story with broken characters, ONE DAY is for you! It will make you laugh and cry, so be prepared with a box of kleenex.  If you haven't read my review, you can check it out here.

I recently had the chance, along with a few other bloggers, to chat with David Nicholls . It was the chance of a lifetime as I absolutely loved One Day! Not only did David write the book, he also wrote the screenplay. I've already set a 'date' with my BF, Jackie, to see this movie which comes out next week (August 19th).

For the movie, I thought finding the right chemistry between the actors would be critical. This is a love story after all, that takes place over twenty years. Also, Dexter's character growth is phenomenal. He isn't the nicest guy for a while and yet somehow in the story you still fall for him and are able to overlook his faults. Here's David's reponse:

We had to find two people who could age up and age down convincingly, two people who seemed to complement each other, two people who seemed to have a kind of spark and an attraction. Often with movies, there's a constant question through the whole writing process, which is are they sympathetic, are they likeable. Dexter in particular does some pretty harsh things and behaves quite badly in the course of the film. And I think in casting Dexter, we wanted someone who wouldn't kind of compromise on that bad behavior, but who would be comprehensible and forgivable and redeemable, who had a kind of a charm even at the lowest points. And I think Jim (Sturgess) gets that really beautifully.

Since the story takes place over twenty years, I was curious about how to show that in the movie. I am not normally one to love many pop culture references but it seemed that maybe this was the way to do it? The first day we meet Em & Dex is July 15, 1988 , but when reading the book, I felt it was more a timeless story and we just see the characters grow over the twenty years. Here's what David had to say:

There are a few of those. Definitely fashion. Weirdly, I have much stronger memories of the late '80s than I do of the early '90s, I think because I was at University. And at University, you are particularly aware of your cultural tastes and your image and that you were very keen to make a statement. So, I found '88 much easier to conjure up than '93. It took me a while to track down when I got my first mobile phone and in exactly what year.

I definitely wanted to get some of the fashion in and also some of the politics and the critical issues of the day. But, the two things that I made a conscious decision not to include were the death of Princess Diana, which obviously was a huge landmark in British culture, and 9/11, which there's a fleeting reference to a bomb attack in London. But, I couldn't find a plausible, useful way to make that part of the narrative. So, I wanted the politics and the cultural background to be correct, but I also wanted it to be the background, for it to be just the stage on which the characters perform rather than the prime subject matter.

Well David, you sure did a great job on achieving this in the book, now I can't wait to see ONE DAY on the big screen.

 Thanks so much to Big Honcho Media and Focus Features for making this possible.
One of my readers will win a great One Day prize pack, courtesy of Focus Features....

One (1) winner will receive:
·         Copy of the movie-tie in edition paperback book
·         Clear cosmetic case
·         Necklace
·         Moleskin Journal

Prizing value: $30.95

Giveaway provided by Focus Features

To enter leave a comment telling me your favorite fictional couple and fill in the ONE DAY contest form below.




In Theatres August 19

Official website          http://experienceoneday.com

Facebook                    http://www.facebook.com/OneDayMovie

Download the One Day Reader’s Guide

http://fif.s3.amazonaws.com/oneday/readersguide.pdf

Enter the GoodReads “One Day Summer Reads” Sweepstakes

http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/5

ASHES, ASHES Plague and Pestilence Blog Tour + Giveaway!

I am excited to share an interview with Jo Treggiari today. Her dystopian, ASHES, ASHES takes place in a world that eerily is similar to what we live in now, such as tsunamis and plague breakouts, just on a smaller scale. This is really what drew me into the book, seeing how easily the world could change. One aspect of the book that I was hoping would go into more depth (due to the conspiracy theorist in me) was the scientists actions. As people's actions are quite different when put into a life-or-death situation, I often wondered if they were evil or just desperate when reading the book.

I hope you enjoy the interview! Thanks to Scholastic Canada, one lucky commenter will win a copy of ASHES, ASHES . This is open to Canadian residents only and ends at June 27th 11:50 PM EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org, please leave your email so that I may contact you should you win!

 If you were stuck in a dire situation and could only salvage three things, what would they be?

Bird Flu, SARS and today's erratic weather came to mind as I was reading ASHES, ASHES. How did this story idea come to you?

All those things came to my mind as well. We live in scary times and I guess since I have young children, every tragedy I read about or hear about affects me deeply. I don’t know if there are worse environmental disasters than there used to be (an aspect of global warming) or the media is just more intense about every storm that devastates a region, but it sometimes feels as if something cataclysmic happens every week and that we are completely unprepared. There was the tsunami in 2004, which affected me personally- one of my best friends almost died in it- and then that was followed by Hurricane Katrina, and then Haiti, and I guess I just started wondering if it was the beginning of the end for the human race. We can build weapons and skyscrapers but we are totally at the mercy of the weather.

The plague affected the world, why did you choose NY state as the setting?

I lived in NY for almost 10 years. I guess it’s sort of weird that I took a place I love and re-imagined it as a devastated wasteland. I suppose it was the contrast between the reality of a concrete and steel Manhattan and the ruin I depict in my book. Also NYC is such a symbol of human ingenuity and power, so to literally and figuratively bring that tumbling down made for a really interesting place to set a book.

I'm curious as to why you picked that title S'ans for those who survived the disease but are were left horribly scarred and insane. I often found myself saying 'sanes' and 'sans' in french translates to 'without'.

Oh, I like the French ‘sans’- that sort of works well with the S’ans’ status in society. They are ostracized much like lepers would be.

It’s actually a contraction of “Sitalans”, a word I adapted from the Hindu small pox Goddess Sitala Matan. People who were afflicted with small pox would pray to her.

I also thought it could be slang referring to sanatoriums which might have housed plague victims in the early days of the disease. And of course it makes you think of ‘insane’ as well which plays into people’s fears about the S’ans.

Lucy pretty much lost everything to the plague. Do you think you could have survived alone as long as she did?

I think I’d probably need a dog for companionship. I’m also not sure if I could survive losing my entire family to the plague but the human will to survive is incredibly strong. I do have some survival skills and could probably build a shelter. I’m not so sure about chopping animals’ heads off but I do know how to tie a snare for trapping, although currently I am a vegetarian.

Lucy carried a backpack with her, containing useful & cherished items. If you could only carry three things, what would they be?

A knife. A tinder box or magnifying glass for starting fires. A photo of my kids.

What are you working on now (please say book two!)?

I just finished a novel which follows 2 punk rock girls and their crazy adventures over the course of a day and night in 1983 California. And I’m working on an urban fantasy- coming of age tale with great white sharks. I am also working on another book set in the Ashes, Ashes world.

About the book:
A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

About the author:
I was born in London, England but grew up in Canada, Roccasinibalda, Italy and California.Somehow I found myself on the beautiful south shore of Nova Scotia, where I now live.
I used to work in the music industry and eventually owned my own indie record label. The first CD we ever put out was by a gangsta rap group. We also did alt rock and punk.
I have trained as a boxer. I could have been a contender. (Not really).
I started writing stories for my little sister when I was about 8. Often I would rework fairytales so that the princesses had a little more grit. Then I would write them out on white paper, roll them up and tie with a red ribbon.
Later on in high school I penned personalized naughty limericks by request.
I love dogs and octopi.I blog. And I enjoy baking desserts. I am a tattooed person.
My first book, a middle-grade fantasy THE CURIOUS MISADVENTURES OF FELTUS OVALTON, came out in 2006. I am thrilled to be working now with Scholastic, Inc. My post-apocalyptic adventure YA, ASHES,ASHES will be published summer 2011.
I've just finished a punk rock YA- FIERCE and am working on an urban fantasy, BRINY DEEP.

Places to find Jo:
http://www.blogger.com/www.jotreggiari.com
Jo Treggiari on Facebook
Jo Treggiari on Twitter

Chapter One of Ashes, Ashes Audiobook on Youtube
Interview with Jo Treggiari on YouTube

SHIFT Blog Tour - Deleted Scene Guest Post with Jeri Smith-Ready

I'm so excited to have Jeri Smith-Ready on the blog today as part of her SHIFT tour. Jeri will be around the blogosphere plus there's daily prizes & a grand prize too! Last year, I fell in love with SHADE and have been dying (no pun intended) ever since to read SHIFT. The combination of love, music, a unique spin on a supernatural world (should I mention a hottie with an Irish accent?) had me hooked. Take it away Jeri!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Mel for hosting me today on the SHIFT blog tour! After the post, check out your chance to win books and a special prize.

I’m insane about revising. I don’t just revise or even rewrite a book—I dismantle it and rebuild it from the ground up. A first draft is just a guess.

That means that when I delete a scene, it’s usually because I’ve changed the story. Sharing it requires lots of explaining. (“Um, okay, imagine that instead of a ghost in the woods, they meet a shotgun-toting survivalist with a pack of dogs consisting of two deerhounds, a beagle, and a Jack Russell Terrier. She holds them hostage and demands they make her a baby to replace the kid she lost in a government siege.”)

So I was stumped as to which scene I could share with you. Then yesterday, someone on Twitter told me how much they loved SHIFT’s first chapter. I was thrilled to hear this, because I rewrote that chapter approximately a million times. It seemed like the perfect choice for a deleted scene.

So this was the original opening for SHIFT, from Logan’s point of view (warning: if you haven’t read SHADE, this contains a subtle spoiler, but nothing you can’t figure out from reading the back cover of SHIFT):

I. Intro

While I was a shade,
I could see everyone
And no one.
An empty eternity of souls,
Alive, dead, crying, laughing.
Once
I thought I saw her face
But it was devoured by the dark.

While I was a shade,
I went everywhere
and nowhere.
Following the shrinking shadows
Like stepping-stones across a rising river.
Once
I thought I found her bed,
But it was lost in the light.

While I was a shade,
I heard everything
and nothing.
All sounds in the world,
Whirled inside me at once.
Once
I thought I heard her voice,
But it was swallowed by the silence.

Until now.

Later, Logan has two interludes, the non-spoilery parts of which I’ll include here:

Interlude #1

While I was a shade,
Aura started sleeping
On her right side
On the right side
of the bed,
So she couldn’t see the empty space
where I used to lie.

Now that I’m a ghost,
she still sleeps on her right side
on the right side.
So I lie here talking to the back of her head
Until she sleeps.

Then I walk the streets of Dublin
or New York
or Washington
or even here in Baltimore.
But it’s not the same as before,
when I knew I’d return to her side.
Now I’m just killing time,
Since time can’t kill me.

And

Interlude #2

While I was a shade,
my family pictured me in hell.
I wasn’t, not really.
But that didn’t stop some of them
from trying to join me there.

I watch Mickey and Siobhan
walk across our high school stage
where we once performed.
The adoring crowd whistles and claps.
But my brother and sister
hold no instruments
and sing no songs.
They collect their diplomas
and stride into the future,
on a path I can never follow.

Why did I originally include these?

1. The book needed more Logan than I had scenes to give him. Though he’s dead, he brings loads of life and energy to the story.


2. In the first draft, SHIFT’s scenes were clustered into three time frames: Spring Equinox, Prom, and Summer Solstice. The interludes summed up the events occurring in those six-week gaps.


3. The interludes give SHIFT a three-act structure and a musical feel, which fits with the drama and themes.


4. I just plain liked them.

Alas, none of my early readers really got what I was going for. They thought the
interludes were Logan’s poems or songs, not realizing they were part of the narrative, just told in a different voice and style. When I explained them to my editor, she felt that SHIFT should be consistent with SHADE and keep to Aura’s point-of-view, to avoid confusing readers.

She was probably right about that. A writer creates expectations with the first book, and the sequels should fulfill or exceed them, not totally mess with them.

The bigger issue: the story’s time gaps. The events Logan mentions in the interludes— the spoiler-y parts I cut out for this post—deserved to be shown, not just summarized. I had to smooth out the transitions between those chronological “lumps of action.”

Ultimately, those “between times” ended up being some of my favorite scenes. I made Logan part of the action, not just an observer. I made Aura live through the post-Prom pain in person.

In short, I made the book better. That’s what rewriting is all about. While it was tough to cut these pieces that I loved in themselves, it was definitely for the best. I’m so glad I could share them with you today!





P.S.: For more of Logan’s lyrical musings, check out the short story “Bridge,” in the upcoming ENTHRALLED anthology, out September 20.











What do you think of this deleted scene and my decision to cut it? (For comparison, the final version of Chapter One is on my website . In general, do you enjoy reading deleted scenes and hearing the stories behind their “disposal”? Do you watch the deleted scenes section of DVDs?

Also, do you agree that each novel in a series should have the same feel, or is it okay for authors to “color outside the lines” and try new things with each book? What about when an author starts a new series—are you disappointed or excited when it’s a little different from what they’ve done in the past? What is it about a series or an author that keeps you coming back? Inquiring minds are dying to know!

Answer one or more of these questions, or ask Jeri a question, in the comments below to enter today’s drawing. There will be two winners.

The Prizes:

Winner # 1 gets a signed copy of SHIFT, plus a Keeley Brothers button (autographed on the back), courtesy of Jeri.












Winner #2 gets an unsigned copy of SHIFT, courtesy of Jeri’s publisher.












Additionally all commenters will be entered into a draw to win the Grand Prize - annotated copies of SHADE and SHIFT, an early copy of SHIFT (book three of the series, of which there will be no other ARCS) and an iPod Shuffle!

Open to international entries! Winners will be drawn after 24 hours.




Author Bio: Jeri Smith-Ready’s next release is SHIFT (May 3), the second in the YA ghost trilogy that began last year with SHADE (which just came out in paperback April 5). She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her at www.jerismithready.com, or better yet, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jerismithready) or Twitter (@jsmithready),where she spends far too much time.

*Throws confetti* And the winner is....

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway last week. Congrats to April on winning a signed copy of Madame Tussaud and a pair of Marie Antoinette cupcake earrings!!!!

Guest Post & Giveaway Time with Michelle Moran

I am so honored to have Michelle Moran on the blog today. Not only a fantastic author, she is one of the friendliest authors out there...plus I really really enjoy her blog updates about ancient findings!

Michelle's newest book, Madame Tussaud is set for release this coming Tuesday (February 15th), my review will be out shortly. In the meantime, I have great news for my readers too! Thanks to Michelle, I have a chance to giveaway a signed copy of the book along with and adorable pair of Marie Antoinette cupcake earrings ! After reading Michelle's interesting guest post below, leave a comment telling me if you've ever been to a wax museum & if so where, then fill out the form to enter..easy, peasy.

Please give a warm welcome to Michelle....

MADAME TUSSAUD: The Woman

When most people hear the name Madame Tussaud, the first thing that comes to mind are the eerily lifelike waxworks which crowd her museums throughout the world. But who was the woman behind the name, and what was she like in the flesh?

Madame Tussaud’s story actually began in 18th century Paris. While most people know her from her famous museum in London, it was in France, on the humble Boulevard du Temple, where Marie first got her start as an apprentice in her uncle’s wax museum, the Salon de Cire. At the time, the Boulevard du Temple was crowded with exhibits of every kind. For just a few sous a passerby might attend the opera, watch a puppet show, or visit Henri Charles’ mystifying exhibition The Invisible Girl. The Boulevard was a difficult place to distinguish yourself as an artist, but as Marie’s talent grew for both sculpting and public relations, the Salon de Cire became one of the most popular attractions around. Suddenly, no one could compete with Marie or her uncle for ingenious publicity stunts, and when the royal family supposedly visited their museum, this only solidified what most showmen in Paris already knew — the Salon was an exhibition to watch out for.

But as the Salon’s popularity grew, so did the unusual requests. Noblemen came asking for wax sculptures of their mistresses, women wanted models of their newborn infants, and – most importantly – the king’s sister herself wanted Marie to come to Versailles to be her wax tutor. While this was, in many ways, a dream come true for Marie, it was also a dangerous time to be associated with the royal family. Men like Robespierre, Marat, and Desmoulins were meeting at Marie’s house to discuss the future of the monarchy, and when the Revolution began, Marie found herself in a precarious position. Ultimately, she was given a choice by France’s new leaders: to preserve the famous victims of Madame Guillotine in wax, or be guillotined herself.

Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution is the story of Marie’s life during one of the most tumultuous times in human history. Her survival was nothing less than astonishing, and how she survived makes for what I hope is a compelling read.

Visit MichelleMoran.com
Check out Michelle's blog at michellemoran.blogspot.com

Win an advanced copy of Sins of the House of Borgia!

Like historical fiction? Here's your chance to win an advanced copy of Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower, which is set for release on March 8th. Entry is easy, peasey, just leave a comment then fill in the form below.

Book blurb from Goodreads.com:

In 1492, when Ferdinand and Isabella expel the Jews from Spain, six year old Esther Sarfati finds herself travelling to Rome to join her father, a successful banker who has helped his fellow Spaniard, Rodrigo Borgia, finance his bid for the Papacy. Nine years later, as Pope Alexander VI, he repays the favour by offering Esther a place in the household of his daughter, Lucrezia, who is about to marry Alfonso d'Este, heir to the Duchy of Ferrara. Against her own better judgement, but in accordance with her father's wishes for her future, Esther converts to Christianity and enters Lucrezia's service as lady-in-waiting. Flattered by Lucrezia's favour, seduced by the friendship of her cousin, Angela Borgia and swept off her feet by Lucrezia's glamorous and dangerous brother, Cesare, she is drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit which will test her heart to its utmost and burden her with secrets she must carry to her grave. Set against the glittering background of the court of Ferrara in the early sixteenth century, this is the heart-breaking story of what happens to an innocent abroad in the world of the Borgias.

Review & Giveaway: The King's Daughter by Christie Dickason

Paperback, 512 pages

Released: November 23rd 2010

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks

ISBN13: 9780061976278

The court of James I is a volatile place, with factions led by warring cousins Robert Cecil and Francis Bacon. Europe is seething with conflict between Protestants and Catholics. James sees himself as a grand peacemaker—and what better way to make his mark than to use his children in marriage negotiations?

Into this court come Henry, Prince of Wales, and his sister Elizabeth. Their louche father is so distrusted that soon they are far more popular than he is: an impossibly dangerous position for a child of the king. Then Elizabeth is introduced to Frederick of Bohemia, Elector Palatine. He’s shy but they understand one another. She decides he will be her husband—but her parents change their minds. Brutally denied their support, how can Elizabeth forge her own future?

At once a love story, a tale of international politics and a tremendous evocation of England at a time of great change, this is a enthralling novel to thrill all lovers of fine historical fiction.

My Rating: 4 /5

My Thoughts:
This is the story of Elizabeth, Daughter of King James I. Having lived a sheltered childhood being brought up away from court and her family, she is desperate for knowledge. It is when she returns to court that she realizes her place, as a female heir, is to be used for political gain. Her father ensures she knows that he is the one to decide whom she shall marry - even if it's the devil!

Christie tries to stick as much as possible to historical facts and it is obvious that she has thoroughly researched this time period. James I is cold and is very obsessive about his safety, going so far as to keep his own children separated from each other. Henry, the eldest son, is headstrong & loved by all, his love for his sister was so strong - it is heartbreaking at the end. Baby Charles is weak and spoiled. Robert Cecil & Francis Bacon add to the political struggle taking place at the time - Robert wanting whats best for England, Francis wanting what was best for him.

To add a little more fun to the plot, Christie creates a fictional character named Thalia. As Elizabeth's mother is emotionally detached, having no interest in her children, she sends Elizabeth a welcome gift instead upon her return to court...a slave named Thalia. It is through this fictional character, that Elizabeth learns many secrets of court, including creating the list of possible suitors (Frederick of Bohemia, Elector Palatine being one of them). Although a little slow at times in the middle, I did enjoy watching Elizabeth flourish & ultimately fight for what she wanted. It took a bit of work, but Elizabeth and Frederick play King James to ensure a marriage takes place. As I enjoy my happily ever after, this book is proof that true love can prevail!

Thanks to Harper, I have an opportunity to giveaway a copy of The King's Daughter to one lucky reader! Please fill in the form below. Open to Canadian or US residents only.

It's PRISONERS IN THE PALACE week on the blog! (Giveaway)

It is my pleasure to have a week of Prisoners in the Palace on the blog. I really enjoyed Michaela's story of Liza, a maid to Princess Victoria in London, 1838 especially since I have recently been sucked into the world of historical fiction. Each day this week we will have something devoted to the book: character interviews, an author interview and more!

About the book:

London, 1836. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servant's world below-stairs as well as the trickery and treason above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen?

Meticulously based on new interpretations of history, this riveting novel is as rich in historical detail as Catherine, Called Birdy, and as sizzling with intrigue as The Luxe.

Interested in reading the first chapter? That's easy, click here!

About the author:

Michaela attended Vassar College and Yale University. She earned degrees in multi-disciplinary history. Unfortunately, it took her 20 years before she realized she was learning how to write historical fiction. Her favorite stories are the ones she finds about the childhood experiences of famous people. What happened that helped them to be great? Michaela has two daughters so she's hoping to identify those moments firsthand. She and her family live in Connecticut, but she will travel at the drop of hat to do local research. So far her travels have taken her to London and Florence and Amherst, Massachussetts. A trip to Shanghai, China is in the works. Prisoners in the Palace (Chronicle, October 2010) is her first book.

You can find out more about Michaela on her: website, blog, Facebook, Twitter

...and thanks to Michaela & her publisher, Chronicle, you have a chance to win a copy of Prisoners in the Palace or one of 5 bookmarks:) Please leave a comment and fill out the form below!

Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Ook & Gluk giveaway!

*drum roll please* the winner is.....

Heather

I've emailed you, please reply in the next 48 hrs.

Happy Monday everyone :)

Review & Giveaway: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey

Age range: 7+

Hardcover: 176 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Canada

Released: August 10, 2010

In this all-new graphic novel, George Beard and Harold Hutchins present the sensational saga of two silly caveboys named Ook and Gluk. Ook and Gluk have a pretty awesome life growing up together in Caveland, Ohio, in 500,001 BC - even though they're always getting in trouble with their nasty leader, Big Chief Goppernopper. But Ook and Gluk's idyllic life takes a turn for the terrible when an evil corporation from the future invades their quiet, prehistoric town. When Ook, Gluk, and their little dinosaur pal, Lily, are pulled through a time portal to the year 2222 AD, they discover that the world of the future is even worse than the devastated one they came from. Fortunately, they find a friend in Master Wong, a martial arts instructor who trains them in the ways of kung fu, so that they may one day return home and make things right again. And, like the other Captain Underpants books, The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future features the world's cheesiest animation technology, "Flip-O-Rama," in every chapter.

Our Rating: 4.5 / 5

Our Thoughts:

My eldest son, Jake, is a huge Captain Underpants fan. When word came out the author, Dav Pilkey, was starting a new series, I knew this was a must-read for Jake. Each night, just before bed my son has reading time, it's our ritual at home. The day he found Ook and Gluk at home, he grabbed it and ran into his room to read. It was getting late and he wasn't done so he asked if he could take it to the babysitters the next day - wow, this was summer time & I was shocked to say the least! He could be out riding his bike, playing with friends, swimming, playing video games etc. yet he wanted to read! By the next day he was done. He had gobbled this one up in less than 24 hours! Dav Pilkey, thank you so much for writing books that boys LOVE to read.

Unlike the Captain Underpants series, Ook and Gluk is solely a cartoon written by George and Harold. It's filled with cavemen, a time machine, robots, dinosaurs & kung-fu - the perfect recipe to attract any boys attention. Jake's favorite parts were the action scenes, reading "ka-blooey", "boom", "zap" etc. and seeing how the dinosaur outsmarts the mechasaurs. The one downfall of writing about cavemen is the lack of grammar, I did notice Jake struggle a little bit when reading some parts (which then ruined some of the humor).

In the true spirit of all other Pilkey books you will find some typical boy humor, actually a bit more since this entire book is written by George & Harold. As a parent I must admit I discourage it in normal conversation, but in these books I overlook it as I see the benefit of seeing my son eager & excited to read is so much more important to me. It probably makes the books even more hysterical as he knows it's not something he could get away with ;) Although Captain Underpants is still his favorite, we recommend Ook and Gluk as a must read for any Pilkey fan.

Thanks to Scholastic Canada, I have ONE copy to giveaway. Please fill in the form below. NOTE: this is open to Canadian mailing addresses only.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 26th

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to join in this weekly event if you'd like as well as use the picture above. Thanks Sheila for hosting!

Last week:
I finished The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer & read Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols (actually two books in one, loved the first book better)

I also posted two contests: Linger & Iron King (+25 Visa GC)

This week:

I just started Stolen by Lucy Christopher - hooked from page one! I'm hoping to squeeze another one in, then I'm on holidays next week :)

What are you reading?

Iron King Giveaway!

In less than twenty-four hours Meghan Chase will be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset.

But Meghan suspects that it won’t be that way for her.

After all, Meghan has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined….

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and a pawn in a deadly war.

Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.




Stop by http://enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/ to find out more and to grab a free download of Winters Passage, a novella (only until July 31st!) The second book in the Iron Fey series, The Iron Daughter, is available August 1st

Thanks to Harlequin Teen, I have a chance to offer a giveaway to one of my readers: Treat the faery creature in you to something magical and mysterious with a $25 Visa Gift Card and a copy of The Iron King!

All you have to do is leave a comment then fill out the form below...good luck!

Claire de Lune week (and giveaway!)

I am excited to share with you a week of Christine Johnson's debut, Claire de Lune. Throughout the week you will find an interview with Christine, the main character Claire and Matthew. I hope you enjoy!

About the book:
Torn between two destinies…

Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and her crush keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she’s the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: She’s a werewolf.

As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she finds her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart. Burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever...

Praise:

“Johnson spins out an engaging and provocative riff on the werewolf tradition….Smooth writing and engaging main characters make for an easy read, while a feminist focus offers just a bit more for thoughtful readers….A good summer read for the romantically concerned or and monster-obsessed midteen girl.” - Booklist

"Johnson weaves a page-turning tale of forbidden love, loyalty, friendship, and deception that will leave readers eager for more. Strong characters and major plot twists coupled with a new twist on werewolf mythology make this a fun and entertaining read." - School Library Journal

“Johnson’s debut . . . glimmers with mystery and a budding romance amid Romeo and Juliet-like complications . . . her struggle to adjust and integrate the two sides of her life rounds out a satisfying story.” - Publisher’s Weekly

Book Trailer:


About the author:
I grew up in, moved away from, and finally came home to Indianapolis, Indiana. Now I live in an old house in an old neighborhood with my husband and kids. I have too many books and a weakness for anything sweet. I love yoga and cooking, but I'm not much of a movie person. I like watching soccer, and always look forward to the first sweater-worthy days in the fall. But mostly, I like making things up and writing them down and having people read them. So that's what I do, and I'm very, very lucky to be doing it!

www.christinejohnsonbooks.com


...and a big thanks to Christine for the great giveaways! This week you have a chance to win a SIGNED copy of Claire de Lune (CAN/US only), OR one of six signed bookplates (open internationally!) by filling out the form below. For each thoughtful comment you leave during the week, I will also add an extra entry.

Supernatural Tour - 3 Book Giveaway!

(note: click on pic to enlarge)

I'm so excited to be heading to this great signing next week. As a special treat for my readers, I've got the fist book by each author as a giveaway :) Up for grabs are copies of the following:

• Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
• Wings by Aprilynne Pike
• Wonderous Strange by Lesley Livingston

A big thank you to HarperCollins Canada for supporting this giveaway! To win, please fill in the form below.

Giveaway & Guest Post by LM Preston

Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up, over at http://book-lovers-inc.blogspot.com/ today, LM Preston is talking about writing male & female charaters. She's also generously provided a giveaway for The Pack and an ARC copy of Bandits (out next year!) Enter here!

My 250 Follower Thank You Giveaway!

Woot, I recently reached 250 followers! I thought this was the perfect time for me to give back with a big thanks to everyone who has stopped by and enjoyed my posts.

My giveaway is a sort of surpise giveaway. Just to make it a little more fun, I've pulled a quote from the ARC (hint: this book is published this summer) and although you don't have to correctly guess the book title, it will get you an extra entry if you do! I KNOW you guys are going to love this book :)

"Last Christmas, though, I hadn't made any resolutions. I'd spent the month trying not to look through the glass door at the woods, trying not to think about the wolves and Sam." (pg 19 of ARC)

And since this is a follower giveaway, should I reach 350 followers by the end of the contest, I will have a second winner added!

• The first place winner can pick from the surprise book OR an ARC of The White Cat by Holly Black


• the second place winner will receive the one not picked

Although I <3 comments, please use the form to enter. I will not be looking at the comments for entries into the giveaway :)

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams + Giveaway

I am excited to host a week of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter. This is a super cute, middle grade book which I reviewed last week. I hope you enjoy what we have planned. To start it off, I thought you'd like to know a bit about the book & author plus a chance to win your own copy :)


The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams

By Rhonda Hayter

Dial Books for Young Readers

Released: April 1, 2010


Synopsis

Abbie Adams is a regular eleven-year old girl with normal problems like a really strict fifth-grade teacher. (Meet Miss Linegar. Rhymes with vinegar.) She’s chronically behind in homework, forced to keep a big secret from her very best friend and hoping like heck she can remember all her lines in the drama club play. But Abbie also happens to be a witch and in addition to everything else, she has to cope with stuff like her little brother morphing into a werewolf and trying to eat his first-grade teacher...not to mention figuring out what exactly is up with her very, very peculiar cat.


About the author:

Rhonda Hayter was born in St. Jean, Quebec. She was an actress for some time, appearing in plays on tour and in New York and Los Angeles. Now, she works as a story analyst for a famous movie producer. When she and her husband found themselves with two little boys, one of whom morphed into a werewolf one day, The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams was born. Rhonda now lives in Los Angeles with her family. This is her first book.

To learn more visit: rhondahayter.com

Giveaway: WISH by Alexandra Bullen

Nothing can change the fact that Olivia Larsen's twin sister, Violet, is gone . . . until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical—it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

Olivia's wish will be granted.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses and two more wishes left.


Thanks to the awesome people at Scholastic Canada, YA Roundup has three copies share with their readers. Click here to enter!