Book Review: Colonization by Aubrie Dionne

Colonization by Aubrie Dionne, paperback edition book cover

Colonization

by Aubrie Dionne

Series: Paradise Reclaimed #1

Genre: Sci-fi, dystopian, YA

Date published: November 7th 2012

Publisher: Ink Spell Publishing

Source: Publisher

Buy: Indiebound * Amazon

Rating: 

Summary (Goodreads):

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius’s ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus. 

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to keep her protect her new home. What she didn’t expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus. 

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?



My Thoughts:

Before I read this book, I thought I'd liked it. I don't know what happened why my rating of Colonization dropped into three hearts.

Maybe the fact that the mystery of this book was about a deadly plant, all along. I don't see the special-ness of it. It was new for me, yes. It isn't really about aliens or any scary creature that they could found in a new planet. But I still can't feel it.

The main female character, Andromeda, and the POV of this book is also confusing. And sometimes, annoying. She have this spoiled brat attitude, insecure and has no decision of her own. The story started about her wanting to be with guy, Sirius, but it's against the law coz you can only be with the person you are assigned to after the aptitude test. Then her spoiled attitude came and I knew right then that I might not like the overall of this book. One of the most important impressions about a book is coming from the narrator, or storyteller of the book. And here, I think it failed.

That wasn't the only time I disliked her, there were several times. I think the only time I liked her was when she became the hero.

The love interests were also very confusing. I don't really know who's better for Andromeda, and I have no idea who she's really ending up with, but was that the author's plan all along?

I was just disappointed on most parts of this book, though I really think it'd be better. It has a really nice blurb and cover. If the series would go on, I think the author must put some more epic ground-breaking scenes.

You should try it, maybe it wasn't just for my taste. Who knows, this might be your next fave book?

Recommendations:
This book is about colonizing. A new world. If you liked Across The Universe by Beth Revis, you'll like this one, too.

Book cover comment/s:
Like I said above, the cover was really nice. With my review and the cover, I think it already said a lot.

* Thank you so much, Ink Spell Publishing for providing an e-ARC of this book!

Celebrating Debutantes: Author Alecia Stone (Interview + Giveaway)

Shout out to the last debut author of 2012 to feature this month...

Author Alecia Stone

"To all my wonderful readers, thank you for taking the time to read my book. I hope you
enjoyed it as much as I have. Thanks to those who have reached out to me and provided me
with encouraging words. I hope you continue the journey with Charlie and the gang. For
those who haven’t read the book, Talisman Of El is a story about a young boy trying to find
his place in the world and comes to the realisation that all is not what it seems. It’s about
acceptance, identity and the battle of good vs evil. If you love mythology and fantasy then
check it out. Just try not to read it at night. I’ve been told by a few people that they have
had vivid dreams about some of the events that take place inside the book. Okay, they said
nightmares. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."


- ALECIA STONE, debut author of 2012


How was the feeling of being a published author, at last?

I honestly can’t believe I’m a published author. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Although I have
always dreamt of being an author, I didn’t set out to be one, so it’s overwhelming. It’s a great feeling knowing that people are reading my book. The reception has been amazing. As a debut author, I couldn’t ask for more.

What is/are the best thing/s that happened after your book was published?

I must say the reviews and comments I have received from the public have been very
encouraging. I’ve received numerous emails from readers telling me how much they have
enjoyed the book, which I greatly appreciate. Nothing is more important to an author than knowing that readers are enjoying your work.

What do you think you're up to now if you're not writing?

I majored in film and television at university, so I’m certain I would be involved in the world of media. I would like to think I’d have a feature film screenplay written by now. It’s still a dream of mine to work in film, and with so many ideas floating around inside my head, I may still fulfill my dream of writing that screenplay.

Did you plan, all along, to write/publish a book with the genre of what you got right now?

I didn’t even plan to write a book much less write in the young adult genre. I’ve always loved young adult books, so I’m fortunate to have Charlie’s story pop into my head when it did. Charlie is the main character in my book, by the way. I’m a huge fan of fantasy, paranormal and mythology, so I was more than happy to write a book that featured a blend of all my favourite genres.

Are you interested in writing with different genre or audience?

Never say never. I focus more on story as opposed to genre or audience, so if an idea pops
into my head that’s for the adult genre, and it’s something I’m eager to write, then I’ll write it.

Do you read reviews about your book?

I’m not really a person who reads book reviews, but I did read a number of the earlier
reviews as I was very excited to hear what people thought. I like to know how people
interpret the book. There have been some interesting reviews, I must say.

What is your (best/fun/unforgettable) moment with a fan?

I would have to say one of the best moments with a fan so far has been when a ten-year-
old reader sent me an email of her review of my book. She stated that my book was her new favourite book of all time, and I just couldn’t stop smiling. It’s great when the target audience responds well to your work.

Who is the character on your book who has the most response from your readers?

Well, the main character, Charlie, gets a lot of attention – for obvious reasons – but Alex and Ash also get a lot attention. It varies according to who the readers connect with.

Which stresses you more: writing/finishing your book, looking for a publisher/getting your book published, or seeing negative feedback from the readers?

Definitely writing/finishing my book. There are many routes to getting published these days and you can never satisfy everyone, so why stress about negative feedback. Deadlines are what cause me stress. You have to get the book done in a certain time while doing so many other things at the same time. It can feel a little overwhelming at times.

Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2012 that you loved?

I’ve probably read works by two debut authors this year but nothing that has really left
an impact on me. There are a few other debut authors I’m looking forward to reading but
haven’t got around to just yet. One I’m particularly looking forward to reading is Pushing
The Limits by Katie McGarry.

Author you dream to work with?

Interesting question. There are many authors who I am a fan of, but I’ve never thought about working with any of them. I usually work well in a team, but, if I’m honest, I work even better on my own. I will say this. If I had to choose an author to work with on a screenplay right now it would be Stephen Chbosky, author and screenwriter of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. The book was great, and the film did it justice.

Fave character from a book (not yours)?

My favourite character from a book has always and will always be Peter Pan. I would love to go on an adventure with him. It would be mind blowing with all the crazy antics he gets up to. And it would be great to fly.

(Sidenote: Definitely!)

Did you read your book (like, from first page to last)? If you did, what did you feel?

I did read my book from start to finish. I remember finishing the first draft and having to read through it all to see what it was I had. I was surprised. I didn’t know where the story came from, and I was surprised how much I liked it. What surprised me more than anything was how real the characters felt. Because I didn’t plan the story, I had no idea where it was going, so it was fun to write. The first time I read my own book I felt as if I had switched roles from writer to reader. I always seem to learn something new when I re-read the book. I’m very happy with how the story turned out.

What's your next project?

My next project, which I’m currently writing, is book two in the Talisman Of El trilogy.
Book one was an introduction to Charlie and his world whereas book two deals a lot
with how he copes with the drastic change in his life. There will be great focus on the
psychological state of the character. I can’t give too much away but there will be romance, death, heartache and tantrums – basically your average teenage lifestyle with a little blend of the supernatural.

Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

Surprisingly, I haven’t had that many. Okay, so there was this one time I was standing at
a bus stop and just as a bus pulled up in front of me, something got into my eye, so I start
blinking and just as I looked up I caught the eye of this guy sitting upstairs in the bus who
must have assumed I was winking at him because he started winking at me. It was funny and embarrassing at the same time. I didn’t know where to look.

(Sidenote[?]: *laughs*)

What's the recent thing that made you cry?

Hmm ... The only time I seem to cry is when I’m watching a movie. I haven’t watched any
lately that has made me teary-eyed, but I watched My Sister’s Keeper last year and that made my eyes a little watery. It’s a moving story. I had read the book first, but I thought the movie was better.

When's your birthday?

I was born on September 28, 1983.

(Sidenote: We share the same birthday! :D)

Do you read/believe in horoscopes?

I don’t read horoscopes, and no, I don’t believe in them, but it’s nothing against astrologers. It’s just a personal preference.

Fave movie?

This is a hard one for a movie buff like myself. There are so many. I’m going to go with an
80’s classic and say The Breakfast Club. I love that movie.

Fave artist/song?

Another difficult one. I’m a fan of The Beatles. They have some amazing songs: All My
Loving, All You Need Is Love and Come Together, to name just a few. There’s also Michael
Jackson, and well ... Need I say more?

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

I had a get together with the family and we all passed around a hardcopy format of the book. It was basically pass the parcel without the wrapping paper.

*****


ALECIA STONE has been in love with anything and everything paranormal for many years. She
graduated with a BA in Film & TV and has worked in television for a short period of time
before branching out into storytelling. When she isn't writing, she enjoys going to the movies,
listening to music, and travelling. Talisman Of El is her first novel. She currently lives in
England, UK.

Author website: http://www.aleciastone.com
Talisman Of El website: http://www.talismanofel.com
Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5227478.Alecia_Stone
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AleciaStoneFan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Alecia_Stone

Talisman of El
(Talisman of El #1)
by Alecia Stone

Summary (Goodreads):

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human ... 7 billion.

Others ... unknown.

When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell any one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.

Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give any thing to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home. He belongs with the others.



Trailer:

Buy Talisman of El now!

GIVEAWAY!

(Please READ these important details before jumping to the Rafflecopter! :)
- win a paperback copy of Talisman of El!
- open INTERNATIONALLY!
- one winner will be picked via Rafflecopter entries.
- the winning entry will be CHECKED. So please be honest in entering each one of them--you never know, it might be the winning entry.
- if the winner has not responded within 48 hours, another winner will be picked.
- all personal details will be kept privately and deleted after.
- Alecia and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.
- ends December 14th

* I'm so excited to read Talisman of El. I joined the tour organized by Kathy of I'm A Reader, Not A Writer--and I'm up for review! Not sure yet with the date of post yet, but it's gonna be between February 8th, 11th or 12th. :)

Thank you so much for droppin by and for the donation of your book for the giveaway, Alecia!

Here's the recap of my three weeks of Celebrating Debutantes:

Nov. 12 - Celebrating Debutantes 2012 (Intro post)
         13 - Author Jodi Meadows (Incarnate) -- giveaway: 1 day left!
         15 - Author Katie McGarry (Pushing The Limits) -- giveaway: 1 day left!
         19 - Author Sangu Mandanna (The Lost Girl)
         22 - Author Rebecca Serle (When You Were Mine)
         24 - Author Sarah Crossan (Breathe)
         26 - Author Rachel McClellan (Fractured Light)
         29 - Author Alecia Stone (Talisman of El)
Dec.  2 - Author Leah Bobet (Above)
         4 - Author Marissa Meyer (Cinder)
         6 - Author Gina Rosati (Auracle)
         8 - Author Emily White (Elementals)
         11 - Author Hilary Graham (Reunited)
         13 - Author Jessica Khoury (Origin)
         15 - Elizabeth Richards (Black City)
              - More to unlock!


Stay tuned, because in December, there will be more debut author interviews and giveaways!

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Book Blast + $100 Giveaway: Keegan's Chronicles trilogy by Julia Crane

Keegans' Chronicles trilogy
by Julia Crane
(Goodreads)


Coexist
(Keegan's Chronicles #1)

Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.



Conflicted
(Keegan's Chronicles #2)

Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan's best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan's bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?


Consumed
(Keegan's Chronicles #3)
Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?

Praises:

Really enjoyed this book. The story draws you in, and the characters are engaging, especially Rourk. I've never read a book about elves, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was really good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quick, fun, paranormal read. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

I am not one for Elves or Fairies but yeah these Elves RULE! What is not to love? You have an age old prophecy, destined loves, a great family and amazing friends. Not to mention .... Rourk *yummy* All that is left is the amazing way it all is put together into this fantastic story. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

If you pick up this book, I'm sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julia has truly written an amazing read. (: 
-- Haley @ Ya-aholic.com


Buy  Keegan's Chronicles trilogy now!

Author Julia Crane

Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Dark Promise and Eternal Youth. Julia was encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.

Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway Details

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/9/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Waiting on Wednesday #16: The Corner of Bitter and Sweet

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event,

originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine,

that highlights upcoming book releases

everyone is waiting on...hence the title.

The Corner of Bitter and Sweet
by Robin Palmer

Expected publication: June 27th 2013 by Speak

Summary (Goodreads):

Gilmore Girls meets Postcards from the Edge crossed with L.A. Candy! 

Sixteen-year-old Annabelle Jacobs never asked to be famous, but as the daughter of Janie Jacobs, one of the biggest TV stars in the world, she is. Growing up is hard enough. Having to do it in public because your mother is a famous actress? Even harder. When your mom crashes and burns after her DUI mug shot is splashed across the internet? Definitely not fun. Then your mom falls for a guy so much younger than she that it would be more appropriate for you to be dating him? That’s just a train wreck waiting to happen.

From Robin Palmer, author of Geek Charming and Wicked Jealous, this is a novel about the most complicated relationship a girl ever has: that with her mother.




Okay, so..I haven't read the three books mentioned on this book's description above, but hey. I missed reading chick-lit, and I think this'll be a good one. ;)

Any upcoming chick-lits you want to share? :)


And while you're here..
I'd like to invite you to join my giveaways. The links are posted on the top right sidebar of this blog. Enjoy! :)

Book Blast + $100 Giveaway: Wisteria by Bisi Leyton

Wisteria
Bisi Leyton
Genre:  Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication:  Aug 2012
Number of pages: 275
Cover Artist: Olivia Smith

Summary:

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.


Praise for Wisteria:

“I love the buildup of this story, getting to know the characters and watching their connection grow. I had no idea which way the story was headed and I was kept in suspense right up to the very end! It has plenty of action and a fascinating plot and I can’t wait to see what Bisi Leyton has for us next!!” 
~ Naomi Hop 

“There are a lot of great things in this book, so much more than zombies and a struggle for survival. At it’s base core it is about star-crossed lovers, literally and the supporting characters roles… Ms. Leyton brings to Wisteria a mixture of science fiction, fantasy, dystopic world with a twist to the paranormal romance angle!”
~ Cabin Goddess

“The book was full of nonstop action from the beginning until the end, and I did not put it down until I had finished it. I loved the book.” 
~Author Monique Morgan


Buy Wisteria now!
Lulu * Amazon
 * Smashwords



Excerpt:

     As she walked back to the ridge of the roof, Bach’s heart went with her. Someone had tried to hurt her. Tried to damage what belonged to him, and who he belonged to.

     He started to feel dizzy from the volumes of strangle weed planted in the front of her house.

     “Thank you so much for coming and for the guitar. It’s perfect.” She gave it back to him.

     “No, it is yours, Wisteria.” He refused to take it. “Do you not like it?”

     “No, I love it. It’s so beautiful.”

     “Then keep it.” He kissed her neck. Knowing—hoping—his touch would soothe her pain, but he hadn’t come here to comfort her.

     “Bach.” She used her instrument as a shield as she moved away from him. “It’s a bad idea. You won’t understand.”

     “You are right. I do not get why you would refuse something you apparently love,” he whispered while rubbing her forearms and taking in her scent.

     “If I accept your kindness, then I’ll have to face the consequences. I don’t know if I can face those.”

     “You cannot face accepting my kindness, or is it accepting me that you cannot face?”

     “Um…?”

     “Tell me that you do not feel the same,” he whispered. “That the moment you first saw me that I did not get inside your head. Tell me that you do not think about me all of the time when we are not together?”

     The dark-eyed girl did not answer.

     Wishing he could will her to speak, he pressed her against his chest. Briefly, he noticed a black spot at the base of her neck, where he had kissed her, and then it was gone. “Okay, Wisteria. Then tell me that you want me to leave, and that you do not care if you never ever see me again.” He felt like someone else was speaking for him, once again. The questions became pointless as he found himself still planting kisses along her neck and the sides of her face.

     “I can’t tell you that, Bach,” she replied softly, her voice breaking. “Because it’s not true.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.

     Desperately wanting to kiss her luscious-looking lips, he leaned into her.

     Wisteria reached up to him, tugging his head down as she stood on the very tips of her toes, seemingly just as eager to taste his lips.

     “Wisteria, I cannot.” He broke away before it happened. “I do not want this.”

* * * * *

     Wrapping her arms around herself, she moved away from him. Once again, humiliated and feeling foolish. “Goodnight, Bach!” She strode angrily to the side of the roof in order to climb down.

     He grabbed her and held her back.

     The guy came here just to tease her, yet again! Didn’t he know he was hurting her? Didn’t he care? “I’m tired of all this nonsense. I’m actually tired and need some sleep. I’m done with this. All of this!” She should’ve left the roof when she saw him appear. “Let go, so I can go.”

     “Wisteria, it is not that.” Exhaling heavily, he released her. “My people could kill you if they knew I wanted you.”

     This wasn’t at all what she’d expected him to say. “What?”

     “I am in love with you. I do not know why, but I am. And it is selfish, because I just want you for myself.” Sadness filled his eyes as he spoke.

     “Why would they do that to me?”

     “Because you are human and because we see humans as Terran, or dirt people.”

     “And you believe that too? So why are you here, living among us, if we’re so disgusting?”

     “You are not disgusting. You are beautiful.” Rubbing his temples, he seemed troubled and bewildered. “I came to Terra as a rite of passage. To be considered a man, to take a journey and experience the wild.”

     “The wild?”

     “I chose Terra, or Earth, because I came here as a child. Your people treated me so badly in the past. When I learned about the Nero disease, I wanted to see your world.” He paused. “You were right when you said there was something wrong with me.”

     “Bach, it cannot be that bad.” Stepping up to him, she stroked her fingers along his biceps.

     The sweet motion made him smile at her, but he still looked distressed.

     “Like about Garfield, you let him live with you. And now you’re here with me.”

     “You are not like the rest.”

     “Neither are you. You’re not so cold and cruel like Enric or patronizing like Felip. They think they’re better than us. You just hate people because you’re a jerk, Bach.”

     “Ha.” Bach laughed. “A jerk?”

     “You’re a big jerk.” As the final word rolled from her lips, he kissed her.

     She was stunned for a second. His lips tasted like a strange, tantalizing spice.

     He squeezed her against his larger frame and rested his right hand on the small of her back.

     She fidgeted, unsure about what to do with her hands. She tried to kiss him back, but she struggled because she was so short.

Trailer:



Audio book excerpt:

About the Author:
Bisi Leyton was born in East London in 1978. She grew up in London, Nigeria and the States, listening to the stories life and love from aunts, cousins and big sisters.
She lives in London, but has worked around Europe including France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the Czech Republic. She has a fondness for reading graphic novels.

Links
Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Kindle Fire Giveaway Details:
Bisi is currently running a Kindle Fire giveaway on her blog until November 30, 2012
To enter - Visit Bisi's Blog

Book Blast Giveaway
- $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
- Ends 12/5/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes: Author Rachel McClellan (Interview + Giveaway)

Let's all hug....

Author Rachel McClellan


"Fractured Light is very different from other YA books. It has everything young adults love: strong female heroine, new paranormal creatures, hot boys, killer fight scenes, and a satisfying ending that leads in nicely to Fractured Soul, which is based at an all girl's school for Auras.

I really love this series, but I feel funny gushing about it. Instead, I'll leave you with a quote from best-selling author, Greg Luke:

"What I thought was going to be another Twilight wannabe turned tout to be so much better! Rachel McClellan's Fractured Light is a paranormal thriller that could easily become the next overnight blockbuster. Her characters are so lifelike, her prose is so smooth, and her story is so captivating that you'll be held spellbound from page one!""
- RACHEL McCLELLAN, debut author of 2012



What is/are the best thing/s that happened after your book was published?

I found out that the sequel to Fractured Light, Fractured Soul, was going to be published this coming February. In addition, my publisher also picked up another book of mine, a humorous memoir titled Confessions of a Cereal Mother. It's available this March. It's so nice to see something come from all my work.

(Sidenote: Wow. Congrats! :)

Are you interested in writing with different genre or audience?

Absolutely. I love middle grade fiction. I also love suspense and horror. One day I'd like to write for adults. But I also love writing for YA's. I might as well say I want to write it all.

Do you read reviews about your book?

Yes. I find them invaluable, especially the bad ones that give constructive criticism and not just say, "I didn't like it". I want to be the best author I can and to do that I need to pay attention to what readers are saying. 

What is your (best/fun/unforgettable) moment with a fan?

I received a letter from a twelve year old girl who just gushed about me and my book like I was someone famous. It made me feel really special. To say thank you, I sent her some cool book swag.

Did you read your book (like, from first page to last)? If you did, what did you felt?

Since Fractured Light was published, I haven't read it and probably won't. I just know I'll see some paragraph or sentence and think it's all wrong and then I'll have a freak-out moment and scare my kids. 

Tell us about your next project.

Besides the two books coming out this spring, I have another YA book tentatively called Unleashed out to beta readers. It's sort of a YA version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I'm really excited about this one. While I wait for Unleashed to come back, I started another YA novel, but I won't say much about it right now.

Fave joke?

I'm not really a joke teller but I do have my favorite lines from movies, YouTube video's and such. The right ones always make me laugh. One I said today was, "Don't make me bust a cap!" from this YouTube video - Grant after wisdom teeth, part two. It's hilarious (make sure kids aren't around when you watch it.) I also love lines from Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Tommy Boy, Step Brothers, Land of the Lost, SNL skits...there's too many to name!

What's the recent thing that made you cry?

I was recently diagnosed with MS. Boo. I'm still in the denial phase, but on particular rough days, reality hits me and I cry. But I like to think I'm like my characters in my book and can survive anything.  :) Bring it on!

(Sidenote: MS? We know you're tougher than that! *hugs* :)

When's your birthday?

June 27th.

Fave movie?

How about movie-s? I love the new Batman movies. The Underworld Series are killer. Counte of Monte Cristo is amazing. Step Brothers and Bridesmaid made me pee my pants. And I can't wait to see Les Miserables. 

Fave artist/song? 

I love the bands Hurt, Perfect Circle, Tool, Chevelle, Red, Muse, James Dooley, Epic Score

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book? :)

My husband made a special dinner by candlelight for me and the kids. It was awesome!

*****

About Rachel:


"There are a few things about me you must know. First, I love ranch dressing, the homemade kind. It makes everything taste better. Coming in a close second are Mayo and real butter. Second, I want to buy Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and turn it into a sauce factory using the items I mentioned above. And I’d keep the Oompa-Loompas. I can tell by looking at them that they like the sauces as much as I do. Third, I would bring to life some of my favorite literature characters, such as Odd Thomas, Dr. Jekyll (Hyde can come too), Frankenstein, Elizabeth Bennett, and Sherlock Holmes (because someone’s sure to die in this crowd), to break bread and dip the pieces into my Oompa-Loompa sauces. 

A few other random things you may or may not want to know: I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, aka Mormon. I love to run. I love music just as much, dark, moody stuff. I love my TV shows, dark, moody stuff. I currently live in the New England area and am obsessed with its forests and cemeteries. I am married and have four young children. They are just as strange as I am, but they love the sauces, so we get along. I like sports. I especially love to play volleyball and racquetball. One day I’d like to get back into theater. And run for President. Of the world. But above all…

                                                               I love to write."

You can stalk her on Twitter, Facebook, blog, and her website.

Fractured Light
(Fractured Light #1)
by Rachel McClellan

Date published: February 8th 2012 by Sweetwater Books

Summary (Goodreads):


I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Buy Fractured Light now!

13% off from BD!

The sequel to Fractured Light:

Fractured Soul

(Fractured Light #2)

by Rachel McClellan

Expected publication: February 2013

Summary (Goodreads):

Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

Pre-order Fractured Soul now!

GIVEAWAY!
(Please READ these important details before jumping to the Rafflecopter! :)
- one SIGNED hardback copy of Fractured Light, and two ebooks!
- open INTERNATIONALLY!
- winners will be picked via Rafflecopter entries.
- the winning entries will be CHECKED. So please be honest in entering each one of them--you never know, it might be the winning entry.
- if the winners has not responded within 48 hours, another winner will be picked.
- all personal details will be kept privately and deleted after.
- Rachel and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.
- ends December 11th


* Rachel, I congratulate you on Fractured Light and your upcoming books. You deserve the success that you are receiving. I hope that you will be tougher and healthier. I know that MS is just a dust you can brush off.

Thank you so much for entertaining me, my blog and my questions, and for donating copies of your wonderful book for 3 lucky winners! :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway