PROMO POST: Untimed by Andy Gavin

Get ready for a YA time travel adventure that will have the hours flying by!

Untimed,author Andy Gavin’s latest release, is finally out!

No one remembers Charlie’s name. He falls through holes in time. And a clockwork man is trying to kill him. But there’s an eighteenth century Scottish girl who can bring him back home – assuming they don’t destroy history by accidentally letting Ben Franklin get killed.

Andy’s previous novel, dark fantasy The Darkening Dream, has been well-received by fans and critics alike. Publisher’s Weekly called it “gorgeously creepy, strangely humorous, and sincerely terrifying.” Untimed is an even more ambitious follow-up. It is a lavish production with a cover by acclaimed fantasy artist Cliff Nielsen and twenty-one full page interior illustrations by Dave Phillips.

Untimed by Andy Gavin 19th Dec 2012

About Untimed...

Charlie’s the kind of boy that no one notices. Hell, even his own mother can’t remember his name. And girls? The invisible man gets more dates.

As if that weren’t enough, when a mysterious clockwork man tries to kill him in modern day Philadelphia, and they tumble through a hole into 1725 London, Charlie realizes even the laws of time don’t take him seriously.

Still, this isn’t all bad. In fact, there’s this girl, another time traveler, who not only remembers his name, but might even like him! Unfortunately, Yvaine carries more than her share of baggage: like a baby boy and at least two ex-boyfriends! One’s famous, the other’s murderous, and Charlie doesn’t know who is the bigger problem.

When one kills the other — and the other is nineteen year-old Ben Franklin — things get really crazy. Can their relationship survive? Can the future? Charlie and Yvaine are time travelers, they can fix this — theoretically — but the rules are complicated and the stakes are history as we know it.

And there's one more wrinkle: he can only travel into the past, and she can only travel into the future!

You can find Untimed the ebook on Amazon here:http://amzn.to/12rE9Tl

And in paperback here:http://amzn.to/12rE9Tl

Read the first two chapters here:http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/untimed/sample/

 

About the author...

Andy Gavin is an unstoppable storyteller who studied for his Ph.D. at M.I.T. and founded video game developer Naughty Dog, Inc. at the age of fifteen, serving as co-president for two decades. There he created, produced, and directed over a dozen video games, including the award winning and bestselling Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter franchises, selling over 40 million units worldwide. He sleeps little, reads novels and histories, watches media obsessively, travels, and of course, writes.

Learn more about Andy Gavin at:http://andy-gavin-author.com

Get all reviewer information at:http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/untimed/reviewer-info/

BLOG TOUR: Doomed by Tracy Deebs Review and Giveaway

Title: Doomed
Author: Tracy Deebs
Publication Date: 8th Jan 2013
Pages:480
Tagline: 'Beat the game. Save the world.'
Buy: Amazon UK  Amazon US

Summary...

Pandora’s just your average teen, glued to her cell phone and laptop, surfing Facebook and e-mailing with her friends, until the day her long-lost father sends her a link to a mysterious site featuring twelve photos of her as a child. Unable to contain her curiosity, Pandora enters the site, where she is prompted to play her favorite virtual-reality game, Pandora's Box. This unleashes a global computer virus that plunges the whole world into panic: suddenly, there is no Internet. No cell phones. No utilities, traffic lights, hospitals, law enforcement. Pandora teams up with handsome stepbrothers Eli and Theo to enter the virtual world of Pandora's Box.  Simultaneously, she continues to follow the photographs from her childhood in an attempt to beat the game and track down her father, her one key to saving the world as we know it. Part The Matrix, part retelling of the Pandora myth, Doomed has something for gaming fans, dystopian fans, and romance fans alike.

My Review...

Wow. This book was. so. GOOD!!! I mean, I thought it sounded pretty cool - that's why I chose to read it - but I had no idea of how overwhelmingly amazing it would turn out to be! Thrilling, tense, gripping, action-packed...BRILLIANT! I was reading this while we were on holiday in Lapland (which is in Finland, and is 'Santa Claus' hometown') so we were out a lot of the time doing lots of exciting stuff, which was fun...but I was so hooked on this book, all I wanted to do was come back to the hotel asap so I could curl up in a corner and carry on reading! I actually like Doomed so much it made my list of top ten books that I read in the whole of 2012! (You can see that list here.)

Firstly, the plot was just made of awesome. I am not exaggerating when I say I could honestly feel my heart beating faster as I read Doomed. From the very beginning, I could feel the tension level ratcheting up until it was already practically sky-high 100 pages in! At that point, my attention was gripped completely, my pulse was racing and this iron grip that Doomed clasped me with did not let go for a single second until I finally put the book down, having finished it, feeling totally satisfied. Even when the action dropped momentarily in the book, I was still completely gripped because I knew it would pick right back up any second.

I absolutely loved the idea of a kind of scavenger hunt adventure to save the world, and the way the main characters had to solve problems both in real life and in the video game in order to keep moving forwards. These two different dimensions gave more substance to the story, making the task for the characters harder but more interesting for us to read. 

We had a trio of protagonists on this quest to save the world, and I loved all three of their characters! First of all, there was Pandora, a kick-ass heroine who I thought was a great main character! One thing I liked about her straight away was that she broke the mould of typical YA female characters somewhat, by being almost six foot and a redhead with violet streaks in her hair! I guess that's quite random but I just liked that Pandora was a bit unusual. I thought she was brave and daring, but not annoyingly so - I mean, she did act rashly sometimes but for me it was never too often or too over the top that I found her irritating.

There is kind of a love triangle in Doomed, with Theo and Eli - stepbrothers who are both gorgeous - both vying for Pandora's attention but somehow it never really felt like a love triangle...I'm not quite sure why that is or what I actually mean...I mean it in a good way, though!

Several times whilst reading Doomed, I felt myself wondering at the great effort the author must have put into research for this book, as it all felt extremely plausible to me. It really helps when you really believe the story you are reading - when it feels real, you are drawn into the story so much more. It is actually really scary to think that the world could so easily go into a meltdown - just imagine if we were put into the situation that the Pandora's world gets thrown into - when electricity and communications are all just suddenly cut off. This book really made me stop and think for a moment about how much we rely on electricity and technology in our daily lives and it really is quite alarming to contemplate how quickly the world could descend into chaos if it was suddenly cut off.

I cannot recommend this book enough - in fact, forget making my list of favourite reads of 2012, Doomed has made my list of favourite books...EVER!

Giveaway...

If you would love to win one of two finished copies of Doomed by Tracy Deebs...here's your chance! I would totally recommend entering because this is such a great book! Sadly, the giveaway is only open to US residents :( And hurry, the giveaway ends on 7th January! Good luck!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 A Bit About the Author...

Tracy Deebs collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. From the first page of that first book, she knew she’d found her life-long love. Now a writing instructor at her local community college, Tracy writes YA novels that run the gamut from dark mermaids and witches to kissing clubs and techno-Armageddon stories… and she still has a soft spot for Judy Blume.

BOOK REVIEW: Legacy by C.J. Daugherty

 Title: Legacy (Night School #2) 

Author: C.J. Daugherty

Publication Date: 3rd Jan 2012

Tagline: 'Sometimes school can be murder' 

 Summary...

 "In the last year, Allie's survived three arrests, two breakups and one family breakdown. The only bright point has been her new life at Cimmeria Academy. It's the one place she's felt she belongs. And the fact that it's brought the dreamy Carter West into her life hasn't hurt...But far from being a safe haven, the cloistered walls of Cimmeria are proving more dangerous than Allie could've imagined. The students, and faculty, are under threat and Allie's family - from her mysterious grandma to her runaway brother - are at the centre of the storm. Allie is going to have to choose between protecting her family and trusting her friends. But secrets have a way of ripping even the strongest relationships apart..." (Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts...

I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book...

On one hand, when I finished the book, my initial thought was, ‘That was pretty good! ...I think I liked that even more than the first book!’ (Then again, it should probably be taken into consideration that it has been a long time since I read Night School and I can’t much remember it or how I felt about it...)

On the other hand, then, after some reflection, my second thought was that I couldn’t actually recall much significant actually happening in the book. It just seemed a bit to me like there wasn’t a lot going on with the plot throughout most of the book and that we spent most of the time just....waiting. 

I felt like the majority of the book was spent watching Allie prepare for the end of the book – when, supposedly, the big action would finally come into play – with a few odd mini bits of action thrown in just to keep the reader’s  attention span from drifting off completely.

However, although I had some issues with the plot, what I really liked about Legacy were the characters. It was great to see Allie getting a chance to develop as a character as she faced more challenges; I realise this may seem a little contradictory of me – first I say it was somewhat dull ‘watching Allie prepare’, then I say ‘it was great to see Allie getting a chance to develop’, but I suppose what I mean is that it was good to see her character developing...but we needn’t spend most of the book on it...

The love triangle present in the first book is still here, and although I know some people are against them, I don’t mind them, in fact I advocate them, if they are portrayed well! You could define a ‘good’ love triangle as one that evokes enough feeling in its readers for them to divide into ‘teams,’ and I’m sure readers of Legacy will be agonising over who they think Allie should be with – Carter or Sylvain? I have to say, in Night School I was definitely all for the mysterious, brooding Carter, however, during Legacy I found myself rooting for Sylvain.

All in all, although I felt it could have been better, I enjoyed Legacy and still definitely would read any future books in the series! I am sure that anyone who loved Night School will not be disappointed by its sequel.

2013 Reading Challenges!

So, last year I signed up for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge...but I didn't finish it :( To be fair, I had just started blogging and didn't really think very much when I signed up - I was kind of like 'Ooh that looks like fun, let's join in, yay!'

Anyway, what I love about new beginnings and new years is that you get the chance to start something afresh, and this year I am determined to be organised! I have thought about the challenges I want to take part in and I'm confident this year I will be successful! (...I say that now...) SO, I've decided to participate in four challenges for 2013! (I know, it seems like a lot, but they're ones that I think I would complete anyway, with my normal reading) Anyhow, wish me luck! :D

 ********************************************************************************************************

This challenge is hosted by Sarah at Feeling Fictional. Go here for rules and sign-up. 

Well, I do live in England so I do love it when I find a good book by a British author...and I'm looking forward to showing my support for all the brilliant British books there are out there! :D

 A few books I hope to read to start off this challenge are...

1. Medusa Project: Hit Squad by Sophie McKenzie 
2. Burn Mark by Laura Powell
3. Hollow Pike by James Dawson
4. The Look by Sophia Bennett
5. The Killables by Gemma Malley

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This challenge is hosted by Ula at Blog Of Erised. For rules and sign-up go here.

Yay!! I'm so excited for this challenge because as you may or may not know I LOVE DYSTOPIANS wooooo!!!!!!! Seriously, I have read LOADS of them. I just counted, and last year I read 29 dystopian/post-apocalyptic books! That was out of a 78 book total! (I know, I can't believe I only read 78 books last year! That has got to be the first year in...forever...well since I could actually properly read...that I haven't read more than 100 books! Shock, horror!) So, more than a THIRD of the books I read last year were dystopians!! Wow, I didn't realise it was that much! Anyway, so I could probably do the highest level,  "Level 4: Leader"  which is to read 19+ dystopians this year, but since you're allowed to move up levels later in the challenge if you want, I'm just going to play it safe and go for "Level 3: Revolutionist" which means my goal is 13-18 books!

Some books I plan to read for this challenge are...

1. Promised by Caragh O'Brien
2. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
3. Requiem by Lauren Oliver
4. Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick
5. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

********************************************************************************************************

 This challenge is hosted by Evie at Bookish. For more info and sign-up go here

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a TBR pile about a mile high! What better way to start tackling it than in a reading challenge along with 12 mini-challenges and lots of giveaways!!! Sounds fun - I'm totally in! :D

 I'm not quite sure what level to aim for here so I'm just going to go for 'A Friendly Hug' which means I'm aiming to read 11-20 books as part of this challenge!

Some I'm hoping to start off with...

1. Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly
2. Kissed By An Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
3. Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid
4. Bumped by Megan McAfferty
5. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
6. The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
7. Looking For Alaska by John Green
8. Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
9. Gone by Michael Grant 

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This challenge is hosted by Book Chick City. Go here for sign-up and more details.

All you have to do for this challenge is read 100 books in a year, which I am determined to do. I only read 78 books last year, which was very disappointing as it must be the first year in...forever (!! - well, since I could read properly, at least,) that I haven't read more than 100 books! But I will spend more time reading this year and am determined to reach this goal!

 

COVER REVEAL: Raksha by Frankie Rose

***This cover reveal was hosted by Xpresso Book Tours***

Title: Raksha
Author: Frankie Rose
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: 1st March 2013

And here is the cover....!!!
 

Cover designed by Chelsea Starling

 Synopsis...

"She has no name.

She has her knives; her training; her halo.

The first and second give her the tools and the skill to defeat the opponents she is pitted against each month. The third frees her from pain and fear. From any kind of emotion at all. Everything is as it should be. Everything is as it should be, until…

FearPainAngerHappinessDesireGuilt

Love.

When a newly-named Kit escapes the Sanctuary after killing her best friend, the last thing she needs is another knife in her hand. Or Ryka, the damaged, beautiful blonde boy, who she refuses to let save her. Still learning how to process the onslaught of her new feelings, the sights and sounds of Freetown are overwhelming and strange. There are a hundred differences between her old home and her new one, but one thing remains starkly similar: the matches. Yet where the blood in the Sanctuary landed only on the colosseum floor, Kit will quickly learn that a river of red runs through Freetown’s very streets.

Freed from the oppression of a society who stole her right to feel, the true horror of her old life leaves Kit wondering if she really has been freed at all. Would she be better off without the crippling horror of all the blood on her hands, or is the love of one boy worth living through all the pain?
Raksha is the call of the dead. It is the rumbling chant for fresh blood from the other side, the demand for sacrifice. The colosseum is behind Kit. The fighting pits await."

Links...

Goodreads
Author's Website  

My Thoughts...

The cover is definitely striking and bold, and that girl looks tough as nails! With that death stare and in that get-up, I think if I met her whilst walking down the street I'd probably just  turn and run! You know I love dystopians so I'm finding the synopsis of Raksha very intriguing too... Can't wait til March!

Author Bio...

 

Frankie Rose:

Frankie Rose was born in the United Kingdom, but now lives with her husband in sunny Australia.

She officially makes things up for a living, and when she's not doing that, she is generally making paper birds out of receipts and old lists or taking photographs that make her smile.
 
 

Waiting On Wednesday #1

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which we showcase upcoming books that we can't wait for!

Title: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: 5th February 2013

'tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.'

I loved Shatter Me (in fact I included it on my list of 'Favourite Reads of 2012'!) so I am so excited for this!! :D

I Am Alive Book Blitz

Title: I Am Alive (I Am Alive #1)

Author: Cameron Jace

Released: 23rd May 2012

Tagline: 'Every girl dies. Not every girl really lives.'  

 

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Decca Tenderstone feels captivated when she meets gorgeous and reckless Leo, who is arrogant, silent, beautiful, and shoots almost every one he meets.

The usual boring girl meets badboy story... hmm... with a twist ...

They live in a dystopian future in Los Angeles where every sixteen-year-old is ranked on a scale from one to ten to determine their future. Outranks, who are considered a danger to society, are forced to attend the Monster Show, a brutal sacrificing ritual that is  broadcasted worldwide on live TV, where rebellious teens are labelled Bad Kidz or Monsters and get to fight for their lives in deadly games.

To prove that you're still alive you have to scream I Am Alive every six hours. Lower your voice, and you're dead.

Deccaa doesn't need Leo's company. She has a secret of her own. While they both can't stand each other, she will find out why she doesn't fit into any rank.

Nothing will stand in her way as she has to make choices concerning love, life, staying alive, growing up, and finding out who she really is.

Does that sound scary or what?! The idea of this 'Monster Show' reminds me a little of The Hunger Games...and I loved that so I think I'll enjoy this! What do you think? I, for one, am definitely looking forward to reading this series!

If you want a little more of a taste of I Am Alive...
Here is a short extract from Chapter 22 of the book...

"I am not my heart rate. I am not my skills. I am not my sleeping problems. I am not my stress. I am not my fears. I am not how I look like. I am the very essence of me. I am my will. I am my passion. I am my beliefs. I am how much I can give and receive love. I am infinite and possible. I am my soul. How can the iAm ever measure this?

Most important of all, I am not that predictable."

Links:

Goodreads

Buy on... Amazon UK       Amazon US

Don't forget that for the duration of this book blitz (2nd Jan-3rd Jan), the 3 books in 1 bundle pack for Kindle is only 99c!
and...

Note: All "Likers" of Cameron's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/camjace) will receive book 4 free!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Terms and Conditions...

• Giveaway is open internationally from 2nd January to 16th January
• There will be one winner who will win both prizes stated below
• Prizes are only available on Kindle format, but can be read through any Kindle app available free (here) for Macs, PCs, iPads, and iPhones.
• By entering, you are giving me permission to pass on your email address to the Book Blitz organisers in order that they are able to send you your prize.
• Winner will receive their prize week beginning 20th Jan

Prizes...

Grimm prequel pack (contains all 6 Snow White Sorrow prequels

 

)

I Am Alive bundle pack (3 books in1)

a Rafflecopter giveaway