Create a Cover!

I saw this over on The Story Siren and I had to make my own:

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover... Or Can You?

Cover Judge is a weekly feature that takes a look at the stunning covers of the upcoming books on my wish list. This week on Cover Judge... purple!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Release: December 22, 2009

Synopsis: A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . .

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Cover: It was The Dark Divine's cover that first caught my eye. The black cover and ghostly pale legs are a stark contrast. With the combination of the purple fabric curling around her, it's impossible not to be drawn to this book. It looks feminine, foreboding, and ghastly. Looking at the cover gives me the impression of the calm before a storm.

Wanderlust by Lucy Silag

Release: December 24, 2009

Synopsis: Will they save their lost friend before it’s too late?

Angst and betrayal abound as teens search the French countryside for their missing classmate in this exciting sequel to Beautiful Americans.

The book opens with PJ on a train, racing toward Rouen to meet her sister, Annabel. But Annabel’s life may be fraught with troubles far worse than her own.

Alex persuades Jay and Zack to hunt for PJ at one of her absentee father’s ritzy estates in the country. But a painful encounter with her dad leaves Alex weeping—on Jay’s shoulder.

Three’s a crowd for Zack; he heads to Amsterdam seeking an old friend, and a place to belong.

Back in Paris, Olivia’s escapades with Thomas are interrupted when they discover reason to believe PJ is in more peril than she knows. Will the crew find PJ in time? Have they lost themselves along the way?

Cover: The first cover in the series was alright, I wouldn't say I loved it nor did I hate it. With this cover, however, I definitely love the design. The three panel look from the first cover is repeated, but this time the pictures, in my opinion, are far prettier. The serene bridge in the background and twinkling lights complete the gorgeous and slightly whimsical look of the cover. As with The Dark Divine, this cover seems to be very calm and tranquil. Maybe it's the purple?

Chick Chat: Lindsay Eland

Lindsay Eland is the author of the upcoming middle grade novel, Scones and Sensibility.

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Did you always want to be an author? If so why? If not what did you want to be?

Yes, and no. In fifth grade, when I won an honorable mention in a county-wide contest for my story “What Can You Learn From A Giflyaroo” I firmly decided I wanted to be an author! But of course, Jr High and High School change things a lot for all of us. At different points during those seven years I wanted to be an actress, a veterinarian, a nurse (thank God I didn’t choose that path, cause I don’t like blood), a dentist, and a teacher. It was only after I had my first two kids and spent oodles of my time reading them the wonderful children’s literature that we have, did I come back to that yearning I had in fifth grade. I wanted to create magic and I haven’t stopped writing since!

What was your road to publishing like?

Like a lot of writer’s, I started my career writing picture books—stories that to this day, I still love even though I no longer write this genre. After writing for a year, I submitted one of my stories to the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and found out a few months later that I had won an honorable mention. The next year I submitted another story to that same contest and won third place! That was huge for me, a spark that I kept lit inside me to remind myself that maybe, just maybe, I could do it. After I had been writing for about two years, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel and fell instantly in love. Ahhh, the novel! Now, mind you, throughout all this time I was submitting to editors and agents, and acquiring a healthy stack of rejections--some form rejections and a few personal rejections…but rejections all the same. I was also getting involved in our local SCBWI chapter where I met wonderful editors and agents who were willing to see my work. Finally, I queried my current agent, who asked for the first thirty pages of my novel, loved it, and then asked to see more. Nine pages of revisions later, she said she’d love to take another look if I was willing to do the work to make it better. Of course, I was more than willing, so I revised and re-sent the manuscript. She asked to see my other work and so I sent her the first thirty pages of another novel I had been working on. She signed me two weeks later. We sent out that manuscript to around fifteen different editors who all politely rejected it. My wonderful, wise agent then pulled that story from submission and started to submit my THIRD book, Scones and Sensibility. Two weeks later it went to auction with a two-book deal.

What inspired you to write Scones and Sensibility?

A lot of middle grade/tween girl main characters seem to be a tad on the tom boyish side. This is wonderful and I’ve written characters like this as well. But obviously not all girls are tom boys, right? What about the girls who love ribbons and bows and adore fancy and elegant things? What about the ones who like to daydream and imagine they’re from another time and place? Thinking about this was what made Polly first come alive for me. Her “voice” came to me next, one afternoon when my daughter’s best friend was over playing. Her friend is very dramatic and expressive and hilarious and charming all at the same time. I imagined Polly speaking to her best friend (much like my daughter’s friend does) with her hand upon her heart declaring they were “kindred spirits forever.” Thus, Scones was born!

Most writers have a close friend and/or family member that gives them support and criticism. Do you have anyone like this in your life? If so how have they contributed to your writing?

My husband, along with my parents and my sisters, are by far my number one supporters and they have never once doubted that I would make it, though I myself did often. But none of these people are allowed to see my first draft—none of them! That task is for my two amazing online critique groups. These amazing writers give me the criticism I need to make my manuscripts publishable. They see beyond my attempts and draw out of me the best in my writing.

Many teens dream of becoming authors. What advice would you give to writing teens?

Write and read, read and write and don’t ever, ever stop! It’s only when you stop writing and submitting that you lose your chance for publication.

Would you rather see your book turned into a TV show or a movie?

I imagine it like the Anne of Green Gables mini-series. But if I had to choose between a TV show or a movie, I would rather have a movie!

If you could cast anyone to play your characters what would your dream cast be?

Hmmm….Dakota Fanning would be perfect for Polly, Liam Nieson would be a wonderful Papa, Mama would be played by the beautiful Ashely Judd, and Jena Malone would be the most amazing Clementine!

Which one of your characters do you identify with the most?

Most definitely, Polly! I am overly romantic and dramatic (though NOT to her extreme extent) and I often imagine and wish that I was born in a different time period. I also love English accents!

Besides writing and reading, what else are you passionate about?

My family! I love to read (obviously), bake, run, and I adore taking care of plants and animals…much to the dismay of my husband sometimes!

Are you working on anything new? If so, what and when can readers expect to see it in stores?

Well, I’m currently working on two manuscripts right now. They are both humorous middle grade/tween novels and I’m having fun writing both of them. The first has to do with omelets, monks, and the Virgin Mary and the other is about food because…well, all my books seem to have some kind of a food theme in them. I’m also whipping up an outline for a sequel to Scones in hopes that everyone will love it so very much I’ll need to write another!

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

Rin is sure that something is wrong with her…something really bad. Something that is keeping her from feeling at home in the Forest homestead where she’s lived all her life. Something that is keeping her from trusting herself with anyone at all. When her brother Razo returns from the city for a visit, she accompanies him to the palace, hoping that she can find peace away from home. But war has come to Bayern again, and Rin is compelled to join the queen and her closest allies—magical girls Rin thinks of as the Fire Sisters—as they venture into the Forest toward Kel, the land where someone seems to want them all dead. Many beloved Bayern characters reappear in this story, but it is Rin’s own journey of discovering how to balance the good and the bad in herself that drives this compelling adventure.

Hale has once again exceeded my expectations. Forest Born blew me away from page one, drawing me back into the world of Bayern.

This is the first book in the series not told from the point of view of one of the original characters. However, Razo’s sister Rin may as well have been one of them. As with all of Hale’s previous characters I fell in love with Rin from the start and felt as if I’d known her for years.

While I love all four of the girls, Rin’s story could very well be my favorite. Her quest to discover herself and constant inner struggle was beautifully depicted. Forest Born was impossible to put down; I had to know how Rin fared.

Of course, the return of character’s from the previous books was a wonderful treat. It’s a joy getting the chance to watch their lives progress over the course of the series.

Another spellbinding tale in The Books of Bayern!

5 Stars!

Contest Policy

This is Chick Lit Teens' standard contest policy. Please read and understand these terms prior to entering any contest. Once you enter, you agree to the terms bellow.

1. Alternative means of entry: Should you ever not feel comfortable leaving your name or email in a comment, you may email me your entry.
2. All winners are chosen based on their comment number with the help of a random number generator .
3. Winners have 72 hours after they're announced to email chicklitteens@gmail.com with their information.
4. After 72 hours, they forfeit their prize(s).
5. It is up to the winner to ensure that their information if successfully sent and received within the allotted time.
6. Delivery of prizes varies, if you'd like to be notified of shipping please let me know.
7. Always read the rules of entry, any incorrect entries will be automatically disqualified.
8. Entries will not be accepted after the stated deadline.

I've Been Bad

In case you haven't noticed, I've fallen extremely behind on my In My Mailbox posts (created by The Story Siren). I've been getting so many great books in the mail lately that I haven't been able to drag myself away for an IMM post. That said, here's what's in my mailbox this week:

Ash by Melinda Lo

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

(I've heard nothing but great things about Ash. I look forward to reading it.)

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Forest Born by Shannon Hale

Rin has always been the quiet, helpful girl, her mother’s shadow, her family’s helper. But a secret has been eating away at her, and the solace Rin could once find among the tall trees that surround her forest home seems gone forever. When she leaves home to join her older brother Razo, as well as Enna, Dasha, and Isi in the city, she finds intriguing answers to her questions and a sense of self she never thought she would find.

In this much-anticipated fourth title in the Books of Bayern series, Shannon Hale delivers an emotionally wrenching journey of self-discovery set in the magical and alluring world we first encountered in The Goose Girl and the other Books of Bayern.

(I'm a huge fan of Shannon's and I absolutely love the Books of Bayern. Needless to say, I'm over the moon at having won a copy from Book Divas.)

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The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother…

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret girl power society dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of.

… be careful what you wish for.

Jess’s transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickeds–led by Jess’s arch enemy–begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a high stakes battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.

What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?

(Sounds like a wonderful book. I can't wait to read it!)

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Change the Way You See Everything by Kathryn D. Cramer, Ph. D and Hank Wasiak

Conventional wisdom has us believe that being a leader, making a difference and creating change requires the wisdom of years, the passage of time and life stage experiences. Not necessarily. Armed with Asset-based Thinking (ABT), today’s youth are ready, right now, to unleash their potential to think big, step into important roles of leadership and step out into their world as never before. With ABT teens can live bigger and better lives by seeing themselves through the lens of upside factors that can make the most of the promise and potential that is uniquely theirs.

( This definitely looks interesting. I'm not a huge fan of self-help books, but I'm curious to see what this one has to offer.)

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Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

(This book comes highly recommended by my best friend and I'm super excited to have the chance to review it.)

Fabulous Contest

Check out this wonderful contest from Jaclyn Dolamore, author of Magic Under Glass (which has a gorgeous cover!) :



Coming 12/22/09 from Bloomsbury...

Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry’s involvement in a group of corrupt sorcerers for whom the rules of the living and dead are meant to be broken for greater power. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing fairy gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world.

Want to win an ARC with original sketches from the author inside? See http://fabulousfrock.livejournal.com for details!

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover... Or Can You?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover....Or Can You? (pet named Cover Judge) takes a look at the brilliant covers of the upcoming novels on my wish list.

This week we have the newly released cover of the third installment in Alyson Noël's The Immortals series:

Shadowland by Alyson Noël

Release: November 24, 2009 (!!!!!)

Synopsis: At the start of this breathtaking novel, Damen and Ever travel to Summerland in search of an antidote to reverse a powerful poison. But instead of the cure they seek, they find something far more sinister: the truth about their existence and the fate lying in wait of an immortal’s soul.

Now, with Damen fighting to save them from the Shadowland, Ever turns to magick, hoping to break Damen’s curse. Along the way Ever encounters the mysterious Jude, finding herself drawn to him in a way that will test her love for Damen like never before . . .

Cover: AH! I'm overjoyed for the synopsis, cover, and new release date of this book! The covers in this series just keep improving, with this cover becoming my new favorite. As with the other three, this cover features Ever, this time looking desolate, and an iconic item from the novel, the glowing crystals in the center. The combination of these two with the rich read coloring makes this cover simply eye catching. November can't come fast enough!

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Duty-bound to wed her father’s choice in successor to the throne, Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates—a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor, Steldor. When a mysterious boy from enemy Cokyri appears bearing secrets and an entirely different view of what's appropriate behavior for a young lady, Alera learns that her private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. When Narian’s shocking past comes to light, Alera finds herself in a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, facing an uncertain future with dwindling options—and must learn to decide between right and wrong all alone.

Legacy is a breathtakingly beautiful story about one girl’s struggle to overcome the expectations of a kingdom and find her own happiness. Alera’s struggle, however, is only one thread in the rich tapestry that is this novel. The war between Hytanica and Cokyri sets a phenomenal backdrop to Alera’s story, seeping into every aspect of her life and the lives of those around her.

What's truly remarkable is the way that every character's actions, both past and present, are somehow connected to the war. The complicated web that these connections weave is truly captivating. This is especially true with Narian, out of all of the characters the mystique surrounding him was by far the most intriguing. His entrance into the novel breathed new life into Alera's world and recaptured my attention.

Full of political struggle, duty, legends, brilliant characters and beautiful prose, Legacy will leave readers wanting more. I look forward to reading many more gorgeous novels from Kluver.

4 stars!

If you like this, you may like… The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Chick Chat: Cayla Kluver

Cayla Kluver is the author of Legacy, available Tuesday. For more information about Cayla and/or Legacy visit her website.

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What inspired you to write Legacy?
A lot of things – I’d had the idea for a couple of years before I decided to write it, so in part it was just the concept bursting to get out. I’d also recently discovered Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, who had her first book published at age 13, and I suddenly realized that I’d been waiting until I was an “adult” to even attempt my first book. I started writing that day, so she was definitely an inspiration to me. Bottom line though, I think it was the way my parents encouraged my sisters and I to use our imaginations (cliché as that sounds!). We spent summers with each other and our friends just playing make-believe in the backyard, and I think that really fostered a creative streak in me.

At 16 you’re already a published author, what’s next for you?
Hopefully remaining a published author! Writing is what I love, and I know I’ll keep doing it whether I’m getting published or not. (But having a livelihood would be nice.)

How do you balance writing with school and other activities?
I actually graduated high school in May 2008, so the only difficulty now is finding a balance between writing, publicity, etc., and seeing my friends – I’m always doing one or the other, and scrambling to keep up with both. I was planning to go to college this fall, but then the AmazonEncore opportunity was presented to me (no complaints here, but I’m definitely keeping college in mind for the future). But I was in high school when I was writing my first draft of Legacy, while I was also dealing with homework, involved in school plays, choir, and other activities. Fortunately, I was able to do an independent study with my English teacher, Mrs. White, so I had time right within the school day to write.3

Have you always wanted to be an author? Why or why not?
I’ve always been writing, and I’ve always loved it – that’s something I remember from way back in Kindergarten. The first time I recall actually saying, “I want to be a writer,” was in fourth grade, and it hasn’t wavered since then. (It helps that writing is about the only thing I’m good at!)

Is being an author what you expected?
I don’t know – I really have trouble thinking of myself in that capacity! To me, the term “author” applies to Stephen King and Philip Pullman, not me. But I guess when I started out on this journey, I wasn’t versed enough in the world to have realistic expectations about any career. I’ve really been learning along the way, and it’s been bumpy, and difficult, but ultimately life-shaping. I wouldn’t be who or where I am without the experiences this road has afforded me.

Why did you decide to re-release Legacy with Amazon Encore?
I was approached by AmazonEncore, and as my mom, my literary agent (Kevan Lyon) and I learned more about their goals and intentions with the program, we realized what a good thing it would be for the publishing, author, and reader communities. Amazon’s idea is to discover books in a different way, and thereby give more authors a chance at traditional publication, and readers more books to read. As part of the negotiations process, the three of us were flown out to Seattle and shown what Amazon planned to do with the book in terms of packaging and marketing, and their proposal was absolutely amazing. I signed the contract on that trip.

How do you feel being the first author to be published under Amazon Encore?
It’s a huge honor, and a huge boon to my confidence. One of my biggest hopes has always been that people will read Legacy and its sequels and judge them for what’s written on the page. I don’t want my age to color anything, whether that results in glowing reviews or flaming ones. I know that when Amazon read my book, amidst a vast number of others, and chose it as their launch book, they weren’t immediately aware that I was sixteen. That was so important to me, and just adds to my feeling of awe and good fortune at being where I am now.

Many teens dream of becoming authors. Being a teen author yourself, what advice can you give to them?
Keep writing and don’t listen to people who say you can’t do it or aren’t good enough. Who needs them? Concentrate on the positive influences in your life, and on doing what you love no matter what.

Would you rather see your book turned into a TV show or a movie?
A movie – I don’t know how much you could do with this plotline on the small screen. It doesn’t have much potential for a continuing arc of any real length, so I don’t think it would survive seasons! I have a different book idea though that would make a much better TV show than a movie. I’m far from an expert in either field, so who knows?

If you could cast anyone to play your characters what would your dream cast be?
My older sister is an actress (an actual actress, not like I just want to talk her up), and the main character is based off of her, so I’d love to have her play Alera. I love Garrett Hedlund, so having him as Steldor would be cool. Jeremy Irons as Cannan… I think those are the only three I have really strong feelings about. I definitely daydream about it though, so I have ideas for the rest of the cast!

Which one of your characters do you identify with the most?
The book is written from Alera’s point of view, so I have to identify with her on a pretty significant level, but that’s the boring answer. I guess I identify with London quite well. He’s really independent, does what he thinks is best, and gets a lot of metaphorical strange looks for it. (I’m what you’d call a “free spirit” so strange looks come with the territory.)

Besides writing and reading what else are you passionate about?
I love music. I can’t play any instruments, but I sing like crazy (not necessarily well, but like crazy), and nothing can get to me emotionally like a song can. My best friend and I will sometimes get together and go back and forth singing all day.

When can readers expect your next book, Allegiance, to be released?
I don’t have a definite release date for it yet, but I’d say anywhere from nine months to a year after Legacy’s release on August 18th (but don’t hold me to that!). Things are just very focused on Legacy’s launch right now and we haven’t gotten to those discussions yet.

Are you working on anything new? If so, what?
Right now, I’m working on the third book in the Legacy series, called Redemption. Once I finish that, I have a few other ideas I’m excited to put to paper – one has to do with time travel, I have one that’s very gothic, there’s one that takes place at a college where some sinister stuff is going on. I’m not sure what will get written first, but I’m looking forward to it!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Release: December 1, 2009

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.

At least, that’s what I thought.Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

There was a curse.

There was a girl. And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Beautiful Creatures was 600 pages of heart pounding adventure, romance, and magic all rolled into one small southern town.

If I had to describe Beautiful Creatures in one word, it’d be jaw-dropping. For a small town, Gatlin sure had a lot of secrets. Even as someone who’s become fairly good at predicting where a novel is going, this book still shocked me. No matter how many secrets were revealed, with each turn of the page I was hit with another revelation. However, as shocking as the secrets were, what was even more surprising was how all of the secrets were connected in one dangerous web.

Fated to be together, but cursed to be apart, Ethan and Lena’s relationship was one of the imaginative romances that I’ve read. With their relationship constantly being tested, it was impossible to stop reading. I had to know what happened to them.

My only complaint was that I felt there were a lot of loose ends left hanging. I hope, fingers crossed, that those loose ends were left there for a reason…perhaps a sequel?

5 Stars!

P.S. How gorgeous is that cover?! It's absolutely breathtaking in person, with the shimmery, ghostly trees.

Coming To A Bookstore Near You (8/1)

Here are four great novels (officially) released today:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Troy High by Shana Norris

Homer’s Iliad, the classic tale of love and revenge, is shrewdly retold for teens in Troy High.

Narrated by Cassie, a shy outsider who fears that an epic high school rivalry is about to go up in flames, the story follows the Trojans and Spartans as they declare war on the football field. After the beautiful Elena—who used to be the captain of the Spartan cheerleaders—transfers to Troy High and falls madly in love with Cassie’s brother Perry, the Spartans vow that the annual homecoming game will never be forgotten.

The Trojans and Spartans pull wicked pranks on each other as homecoming approaches. And the Spartans’ wildcard football star, Ackley, promises to take down the Trojans’ offensive line. But the stakes are raised when Cassie is forced to choose between the boy she loves (a Spartan) and loyalty to her family and school. Troy High will seduce readers with its incendiary cast of mythic proportions.


Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.