Saturday, October 30, 2010

Win Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win...
EXTRAORDINARY (HC) by Nancy Werlin

Rules 1 Winner!

For your chances to win FILL OUT THIS FORM!

Additional Entries
Check out the Guest Post with Nancy Werlin here

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) November 13, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)
**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Friday, October 29, 2010

Blog Tour: Guest Post: Nancy Werlin (Author of Extraordinary)


I would like to thank Nancy Werlin for stopping by my blog today to share with readers a quote that has influenced her life and writing.

Nancy Werlin was born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts, USA and now lives near Boston. She received her bachelor's degree in English from Yale.Since then, she has worked as a technical writer and editor for several computer software and Internet companies, while also writing fiction. She is a National Book Award finalist.

A Quote to Live and Write By

Thanks to Fantastic Book Review for hosting me here today. I'm going to answer Fantastic's question: Share with readers a quote that you live your life by and how your writing has benefited from it. This particular quote is new to me but it resonated so much that I have to talk about it.

"When one door closes, another opens, but it's hell in the hallway."

I have no idea who said this first; I heard it from a friend, and the Internet (or my research skills) failed me when I looked for a source. Obviously it's a riff on "When one door closes, another opens." I think it's hilarious and I think it's true.

So for whatever reason, your Plan A failed. Even if you will eventually figure out Plan B (or C, or D, or ...), it's human to feel some despair. Or to feel something worse, maybe much worse, depending on the situation.

Frankly, I have never thought that "When one door closes, another opens" is particularly comforting. It sounds to me like: "Get over it! Move on!" Which is kind of heartless advice. It also doesn't allow you any time at all to wallow in your misery or fear or rage or whatever it is you feel about the loss of Plan A.

I like to wallow. Although if we go with the metaphor of the quote, I'm now saying that I like to wallow in hell. Oh well. Sometimes that's just what you have to do. Throw a tantrum in the hallway.

And this absolutely does have to do with writing, because when you're writing something, you can be absolutely guaranteed that your first plan isn't going to work out. You're going to have go looking for those other doors when your first one slams shut in your face. And it's going to be painful. So, getting the acknowledgment that "it's hell in the hallway" helps you know that what you're feeling -- misery, rage, fear, whatever it is -- is normal and right, even though it hurts, and that is what is, finally, going to give you the strength to go on.

It works for life, too.


EXTRAORDINARY by Nancy Werlin
Pub. Date: September 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Format: Hardcover , 400pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new girl at school. Soon the two become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe — but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.

Soon she’ll discover the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt they expect Phoebe to pay. Will she be strong enough to resist? Will she be special enough to save herself?

Intensely page-turning, this follow-up to Nancy Werlin’s acclaimed novel Impossible links the real and the otherworldly in a story that is suspenseful, conversation-starting, and utterly alluring.

For more information about Nancy Werlin and her books, please visit her website here.



Check out the book trailer!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

WHERE SHE WENT (If I Stay, #2) by Gayle Forman
Pub. Date: April 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Hardcover , 208pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Summary (Goodreads)
It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the futureÑand each other.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the futureÑand each other.

I love love love IF I STAY, and I was hoping there would be a sequel. I'm so excited to read the follow up. Especially since it's told from Adam's point of view. I've recommended IF I STAY to soooo many people. It was absolutely one of my favorites in 2009. April can't get here fast enough!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Win Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry!

This is your chance to Win...
SECONDHAND CHARM (ARC) by Julie Berry

Rules 1 Winner!

For your chances to win FILL OUT THIS FORM!

Additional Entries
Check out the Guest Post with Julie Berry here

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) November 9, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)
**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Monday, October 25, 2010

Blog Tour: Guest Post: Julie Berry (Author of Secondhand Charm)



I want to thank Julie Berry for stopping by today to talk about charms.
Julie Berry grew up in western New York. She holds a B.S. in communication from Rensselaer and an M.F.A. in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of the Fine Arts. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her husband and four young sons, and works for a technology startup.

Juilie's other works include The Amaranth Enchantment and Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys, a new series from Grosset & Dunlap. Her current novel, Secondhand Charm is in stores today!

A Practical Guide to Charms

Most people who buy charms from the traveling gypsy caravans passing through Pylander get exactly what they pay for –decorative trinkets, worthless unless you think they’re pretty. If the gypsy lady selling the charms says they’re love charms, or luck charms, or charms to ward off the fever, you can smile, but you know you’re only buying them because they’re cleverly made and the lady is persistent. They’re only a joke, and everyone knows it.

But there are certain people – certain women and girls – who can put on the charms and make things start to happen. The gypsies, who travel the world over and deal in small magic, know how to recognize such women. Mostly they’re found in kingdoms other than Pylander, and then, generally in coastal cities. Most would know not to tamper with talismans and charmed trinkets. But if you’re Evie Pomeroy, living all your life miles and miles away from the sea, or from any knowledge of what your capabilities are, then you might just succumb to the gypsy woman’s persuasions. If you wear a charm for good luck, your chickens will lay more eggs than you’ll know how to scramble. If you don a love charm, you’ll need to fend off suitors with a tree limb. And if you add to the mix a charm against snakebite, the gypsy lady will bite her tongue and laugh, for she knows well you’re sure to never need it.


SECONDHAND CHARM by Julie Berry
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 352pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Berry's debut novel garnered glowing reviews and strong sales—and now she's done it again with a beautifully woven tale to keep all readers, young and old, absolutely charmed.


For more info about Julie Berry and her books, please visit her website here.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Winner of Freefall by Mindi Scott!

The Winner is...
FREEFALL (Signed) by Mindi Scott

Latishajean

I've emailed the winner.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Win Nightshade by Andrea Cremer!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win...
NIGHTSHADE (Signed ARC) by Andrea Cremer

Rules 1 Winner!

For your chances to win FILL OUT THIS FORM!

Additional Entries
Check out my interview with Andrea Cremer here
Check out my review of NIGHTSHADE here

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) November 5, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)
**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Format: Hardcover, 528pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Cremer lured me into her world of magical creatures surrounded by danger, suspense, and romantic tension from the beginning to the end of this mesmerizing novel. There are some books that you just have a feeling about – you know you won’t be able to put the book down. NIGHTSHADE is one of those books. Cremer’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. From the setting right down to the mysteries surrounding the characters, I was hooked!

The characters in this book are one of a kind. Normally when a book has so many characters you tend not to get a feel for each of the characters but Cremer managed to pull it off. These characters had plenty of depth. I loved the dynamics of each of the Packs. I was highly fascinated and curious about the hierarchy of the Keepers, Guardians, and Searchers. I didn’t know what to believe or who to trust. I wanted to know everything about them. This book kept me guessing. The pace of the book flowed effortlessly so that one minute I was at the beginning and the next I was at the end of the book. I didn’t want it to end.

Calla (Alpha of the Nightshades) is the type of heroine I love to read about. She’s strong and will do anything to protect the ones she loves. I was so torn at times when it came to her relationship woes and the pressures that were thrown at her to do what’s right for the sake of the Pack. I must admit that the two love interests are both hot tamales! I loved both of these guys. Ren is alpha of the Banes and he has that cocky confidence that I love but he also shows a sensitive side when it comes to protecting his pack. I loved that about him. Then there’s the new guy in town, Shay. He throws a wrench in the packs’ secret world. He’s not afraid to question them about what he believes is right. He got plenty of brownie points for standing up to the wolves. All of the secondary characters were a joy to read about. All in all I found myself torn between the two male leads which is crazy for me since I always have a favorite when it comes to love triangles.

NIGHTSHADE has become one of my favorite werewolf novels. It’s a bit on the mature side and I love that. Nothing is watered down and I love the sizzling attraction between the main characters. It’s HOT! There aren’t many books that I will reread but this is one that I wanted to reread as soon as I finished. It’s that good! I know the wait for WOLFSBANE is going to be eating at me. 2011 can’t get here fast enough!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


Check out the book trailer!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Sensational 7 Q & A with Andrea Cremer (Author of Nightshade)!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to hang out with your favorite author(s)? In an attempt to get a better understanding of authors, my Sensational Seven Q & A takes a closer or more personal look at these authors to give you a glimpse of the personalities behind the writing of your favorite books.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson





Andrea Cremer spent her childhood daydreaming while roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin. She now lives in Minnesota, but she thinks of her homeland as the "Canadian Shield" rather than the Midwest.

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. When she's not writing, Andrea teaches history at a very nice liberal arts college in St. Paul.

In the little spare time she can find, Andrea stares up at trees, rescues infant rabbits from predatory cats, and invents names for pug puppies with her husband. She has an unfortunate tendency to spill things - white carpets beware!

Her debut novel, NIGHTSHADE, the first of a YA fantasy series, is in stores today!

If you were given a chance to travel back in time, what year or place would you go / Why?
I always have a hard time with this question because I’m a historian and the more I know about the past, the more I think it would be rough living there – particularly as a woman. That being said, my fascination with colonial America means that’s the era I’d pick. But I’d probably be hung as a witch shortly after arriving.

Describe your novel in seven words or less?
Secrets reveal two paths: love or destiny.

Please share with us about your favorite book and fictional crush to date?
My favorite book has been my favorite since I was ten – it’s Richard Adams Watership Down, which is also favorite Calla’s book and one of the few things we have in common.

My fictional crush to date – Nick from Demon’s Lexicon and Demon’s Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan. Sure he’s a demon, I can’t help myself. I adore him.
 
If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be / Why?
I’d love to be Hermione from Harry Potter, because she’s a fantastic witch and so clever!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play thelead role as you/ Why?
Lauren Ambrose – because I loved her in Six Feet Under and people often tell me I look like her. That makes me happy.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be – please explain?
The same as the title of my blog: A Blurred History because I find life to be a whirlwind of a journey, so fast you barely see it passing, but it’s also the mark you leave on the world. Your unique story that no one else is able to create.

How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?
The space between dreams and the waking world.


Bonus:

**Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?**
The Nightshade series has me busy for the next couple of years. Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) will be published in summer 2011 and Bloodrose (Nightshade #3) in spring 2012. The trilogy will be followed by an as yet untitled prequel in fall 2012. After that I’m not sure, though I do have a steampunk series that I’d love to see on the shelves.


Thanks for stopping by Andrea!

For more information about Andrea Cremer and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday Madness (63): Nightshade by Andrea Cremer


What is Monday Madness?

It’s the phenomenon affecting all book lovers as we count down the hours in hopes of getting our hands on highly anticipated books on release day. So, come join me throughout the week where I will be featuring Author Interviews, Reviews and Contests for great books.


NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Format: Hardcover, 528pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?
Want More?




Check out the book trailer!




Want More? Head over to The Book Butterfly on Tantalizing Tuesday for a special treat!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Winner of StarCrossed by Elizabeth Bunce!

TheWinner is...
STARCROSSED (Hardcover) by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Erin D.

Please email me your address within 48hrs.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Win Cate of the Lost Colony!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win...
CATE OF THE LOST COLONY (ARC) by Lisa Klein

Rules 1 Winner!

Please leave your email address

1. Comment on Interview here: +1
2. Comment on Review here: +1
3. Link to blog: +1
4. Follow me on Twitter +1
5. Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) October 28, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)
**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Review: Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

CATE OF THE LOST COLONY by Lisa Klein
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher

Lady Catherine is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite court maidens—until her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is discovered. In a bitter twist of irony, the jealous queen banishes Cate to Ralegh's colony of Roanoke, in the New World. Ralegh pledges to come for Cate, but as the months stretch out, Cate begins to doubt his promise and his love. Instead it is Manteo, a Croatoan Indian, whom the colonists—and Cate—increasingly turn to. Yet just as Cate's longings for England and Ralegh fade and she discovers a new love in Manteo, Ralegh will finally set sail for the New World.

Seamlessly weaving together fact with fiction, Lisa Klein's newest historical drama is an engrossing tale of adventure and forbidden love—kindled by one of the most famous mysteries in American history: the fate of the settlers at Roanoke, who disappeared without a trace forty years before the Pilgrims would set foot in Plymouth.

I enjoyed Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Klein and I wondered how she would craft Cate of the Lost Colony into a fictional work of art. Well, I didn’t have to worry because Klein pulled me into another beautifully written work of historical fiction built around events of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. It's astounding to read about some of these historical figures and the mysteries surrounding what actually happened to the Colony. The detail that was put into creating the characters piqued my interest even more as I read about the lives of three protagonists told in alternating viewpoints.

Throughout this book, I continued to wonder if the actual figures were like their fictional work. I was mesmerized by the politics and inner workings of the Queen's court but I was most intrigued with the characters. Cate, full of wonder and questions about the new world finds herself on a dangerous journey of the unknown after falling out of favor with the Queen. Sir Walter Ralegh was an interesting individual. I was always trying to discern his motives whether they were for the Queen's favor, Catherine's affections or just for monetary gain and fame. Manteo, the proud Indian was a delightful character. I enjoyed reading all about his views on his people and the English and how he was always trying to find ways to make peace between the two. Klein did a great job with the characters in this book!

Cate of the Lost Colony is a well crafted novel filled with political intrigue, adventure, and great characters. This book intertwines beautifully with fact and fiction. I think readers of historical fiction will enjoy this book just as much as Klein’s previous books. I look forward to reading more of Klein’s novels.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Sensational 7 Q & A with Lisa Klein (Author of Cate of the Lost Colony)!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to hang out with your favorite author(s)? In an attempt to get a better understanding of authors, my Sensational Seven Q & A takes a closer or more personal look at these authors to give you a glimpse of the personalities behind the writing of your favorite books.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson




I am a lifelong reader and lover of words who said to myself one day, "Maybe I can write a novel." So in 2001 I sat down and began writing Ophelia, which was published in 2006. By that time I had completed a Ph.D., taught English literature as an assistant professor for nine years, married, had two sons, and finished two nonfiction books. Oh, and read more books than I can possibly recall. But one of my favorites growing up was Gone With the Wind, which I read seven times as a teenager. Thirty-odd years later, I wrote my own Civil War novel, Two Girls of Gettysburg. And the high-school parody of Macbeth that won our class first place in the homecoming skit competition eventually morphed into more sophisticated retellings of Shakespeare: Ophelia and Lady Macbeth's Daughter. I love doing research for my novels and retelling history and Shakespeare's plays from a fresh, female-centered perspective.

I live in Columbus, Ohio with my husband, two teenage sons, a dog and a cat.

You can visit my website at www.authorlisaklein.com.

Cate of the Lost Colony  is in stores today!

If you were given a chance to travel back in time, what year or place would you go / Why?
Depends on what book I’m working on. But if I had only one opportunity, it would be London around 1590, when Shakespeare was beginning his career as a poet and playwright there. I actually don’t think I’d choose Roanoke Island in 1587, because I doubt that I would have the grit to be one of the lucky survivors—if there were any.

Describe your novel in seven words or less?
Cate loses love, leaves homeland, finds adventure.

Please share with us about your favorite book and fictional crush to date?
My favorite book as a teen was Gone With the Wind, and I had a huge fictional crush on Rhett Butler. I don’t know why; maybe because he was such a bad boy. My other big fictional crush was Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Doesn’t every young woman want to save the tormented poetic soul with her love?

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be / Why?
Not to be egotistical or anything, but I’d want to be one of my own heroines: Cate, or Albia, or Ophelia, because they are the other selves I dream of being. Plus, I wrote some really great love interests for them. I would get to kiss Sir Walter Ralegh!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play thelead role as you/ Why?
Hollywood would never make a movie about my life, unless it’s along the lines of “Housewives of Columbus, Ohio.” Bo-o-o-ring. It would lose money big time. Not even as a much younger person did I have an interesting life. (Why do you think I read book and now write them?)

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be – please explain?
Lisa Klein: The Life of a Shy Girl who Grew Up to be a Writer but Never Outgrew the Teen Within. Because I can remember exactly what it felt like to be in high school. 

How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?
Read, write, eat, sleep, love my family.


Bonus:

**Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?**
I’m trying to write a Shakespeare-themed comic novel—that just means upbeat rather than tragic. It won’t be laugh-out-loud funny. But I want to prove my husband and sons wrong when they say I have no sense of humor. Yes I do!!%#$@^


Thanks for stopping by Lisa!

For more information about Lisa Klein and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Monday Madness (62): Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein


What is Monday Madness?

It’s the phenomenon affecting all book lovers as we count down the hours in hopes of getting our hands on highly anticipated books on release day. So, come join me throughout the week where I will be featuring Author Interviews, Reviews and Contests for great books.


CATE OF THE LOST COLONY by Lisa Klein
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Lady Catherine is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite court maidens—until her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is discovered. In a bitter twist of irony, the jealous queen banishes Cate to Ralegh's colony of Roanoke, in the New World. Ralegh pledges to come for Cate, but as the months stretch out, Cate begins to doubt his promise and his love. Instead it is Manteo, a Croatoan Indian, whom the colonists—and Cate—increasingly turn to. Yet just as Cate's longings for England and Ralegh fade and she discovers a new love in Manteo, Ralegh will finally set sail for the New World.

Seamlessly weaving together fact with fiction, Lisa Klein's newest historical drama is an engrossing tale of adventure and forbidden love—kindled by one of the most famous mysteries in American history: the fate of the settlers at Roanoke, who disappeared without a trace forty years before the Pilgrims would set foot in Plymouth.
Want More?

Take a Look Inside of  CATE OF THE LOST COLONY here.

Order CATE OF THE LOST COLONY @ Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BooksAMillion, Borders & IndieBound



Want More? Head over to The Book Butterfly on Tantalizing Tuesday for a special treat!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Review: Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst

ENCHANTED IVY by Sarah Beth Durst
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Format: Hardcover, 320pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

Enchanted Ivy's synopsis intrigued me with gargoyles and magical gates to a different world. The fact that I loved ICE, Sarah's previous novel also had me wanting to see what magical setting Sarah would create next. The setting in this book was fantastical and once again I found myself immersed inside the world that Sarah created. I loved the magical Princeton setting just as much and the mysteries it carried.

Lily gets the shock of her life when she accompanies her grandfather to Princeton for his reunion which also happens to be Lily's dream school. What she thinks is just an ordinary visit soon turns into a chance of a lifetime filled with mystery and magic. As Lily embarks on her adventure at a chance that could earn her automatic entry into Princeton and it's secret club, she has the fate of both worlds in her hands. This book is filled with action, danger and intriguing characters. I loved Lily! She's smart, witty, and she knows how to get out of a bind. Durst has a way of creating lovable and strong heroines that you can't help but love.

Enchanted Ivy is the second novel that I've read by Durst and it won't be the last. Readers who loved ICE will find themselves falling in love with the setting and characters in Enchanted Ivy. Probably enough to want to take a trip to Princeton just to see how magical it is.
 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Friday, October 8, 2010

Guest Post: Sarah Beth Durst (Author of Enchanted Ivy)



I'm thrilled to have Sarah Beth Durst on my blog to today where she talks about the setting of her upcoming novel Enchanted Ivy.

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of Ice, an Andre Norton Award Finalist for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy, as well as Into the Wild and its sequel Out of the Wild. She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband and children. For more information, visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.

Enchanted Ivy hits shelves October 12, 2010!

Location, Location, Location

Enchanted Ivy is about magic at Princeton. So one of the questions that I am often asked is: Why Princeton? I have a bunch of different (and true!) answers to that:

1. I went to Princeton and absolutely loved it, and this is how I express my love: by inserting magic into a place. Also, by kind of destroying parts of it. Sorry 'bout that, Princeton.

2. The whole college application process can become this overwhelming, anxious, exciting obsession. Junior and senior year of high school, it consumed me. So I wanted to write about that.

3. Princeton has gargoyles. Lots of them. A monkey with a camera. An ape in graduation robes. A dragon in chains. They were practically begging to have a story written about them.

Stepping back from Enchanted Ivy... I think those three reasons work well as a guide to choosing a setting for any story: pick a place that is fun to play in, pick a place with emotional resonance, and pick a place with features that either inspire you or fit your plot.

I often choose my setting before I know the story or even the characters. It's that important to me. As they say in real estate... location, location, location!

I'm curious what you guys think about setting... Readers: How important is setting to you? Is it something you consider when you choose what book to read? Writers: At what stage in your process do you choose your setting? What criteria do you use to decide?

For more information about Sarah Beth Durst and her books, please visit her website here.

You can also click here to read an excerpt of Enchanted Ivy!
 

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