GUEST POST AS PART OF MY MIDDLE GRADE FEATURE - ILANA WATERS

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read and/or do imaginative writing?

I’m going to be perfectly honest here—I don’t have a lot of direct experience with present-day school systems. I hear kids are using e-readers there more, so that’s an interesting development. But with so much focus on preparing for mandated tests (at least in the U.S.), I fear much creativity and reading for pleasure is getting lost. 

Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories, or is being a writer something newer in your life?

I’ve always been a reader and a writer. I just never took the writing thing seriously until a couple of years ago. Follow your dreams, people! They are the only thing worth pursuing.

Did you have a favourite author as a child?

I was (and still am) in love with Beverly Cleary. My first chapter book was her Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

I remember thinking no one else got kids the way she did. She never talked down to them, and always took their concerns seriously.

I tried to do the same thing in my first novel, The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt: Book I of Hartlandia.  

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Ten-year-old Stanley Delacourt loves his quiet life in the peaceful village of Meadowwood. At least, he does until his best friend is killed. Then the town library—where Stanley lives and works—is burned to the ground. The individuals responsible for both tragedies are a nasty group of soldiers. They work for the kingdom’s new leader, Christopher Siren. With the grown-ups too fearful to take action, Stanley vows to confront Siren. He plans to get answers and demand justice. Little does he know that his journey will involve sword-wielding knights, kidnapper fairies, and dark magic. 

Stanley has only two allies back home: a witch named Meredith, and a young apothecary called Sophie. Can they help him discover the reason behind Siren’s crimes and end this terrible reign? Or is Stanley set to become the next victim in the tyrant’s evil plot?

Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?

My favorite book was/is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. It’s the story of a bookish girl (!) who grows up in poverty, but manages to overcome her circumstances. The author doesn’t gloss over the hardships faced by the characters, but always offers hope and a chance at redemption

Are there any New or Existing Children’s/Middle Grade Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? Why should we watch out for them?

A few that come to mind are Papa G. (a nom de plume), author of Fing. 

He’s the funniest, most slightly-macabre author I’ve seen since Roald Dahl. 

Lissa Evans, who gave us Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms (released as Small Change for Stuart in the UK), for magical inventions and endless mystery. 

And J.K. Rowling, who’s written a quiet little book about a boy wizard. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling she’s gonna be big. ;-)

Want to purchase or just learn more about Ilana Waters books? Below are the links you need.
“Paying Piper” is FREE on Smashwords, Kobo, and Ilana Waters’ website. You can also check it out at Amazon, Amazon UK, and B&N. Castles in the Airis available exclusively at Amazon! More of Ilana’s work can be found here.

PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT - BOOKS BY ILANA WATERS

ASIN: B00AYKAB6O
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 24
Formats Available: E-Book

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The people of Hamelin have a problem with rats. There are rats in their houses, their stores—even swimming in their stew! The rats don’t think they’re a problem. They just want to live their lives in peace. With the town’s approval, the mayor thinks of a clever way to solve the problem. He offers twenty gold pieces to a piper to rid the town of rats. He delivers only five.

But he’s cheated the wrong piper, who’ll have to use both skill and wit to teach this town a lesson. Because there’s more than money at stake. An evil pattern is emerging in the way Hamelin treats any creature it considers inferior. And the Piper vows to put an end to it—once and for all.

Quotes about the book
Think you know everything about this classic folktale of greed and cunning? In “Paying Piper,” you’ll learn what really happened the day a magical musician came to Hamelin—and why. 
Fans of fairy tales with a twist will delight in this tricky, witty middle-grade short story. (And if you’re a parent or teacher, stay tuned for bonus discussion questions at the end!)
“Paying Piper” is approximately 5,000 words, or about twenty pages

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ASIN: B00BIWKMIO
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 70
Formats Available: E-Book

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Ten-year-old Wikkley McStag and his family are born farmers, happy to work the land. But then they—and other royal subjects—are forced to buy strange, useless machines. Money starts running out. Now the McStags have two days before they lose their farm. As the eldest child, Wikkley must journey to the palace and ask for the king’s help. His loved ones only hope his reckless nature won’t get him in trouble once he’s there! 

When Wikkley arrives at the palace, he finds an unnecessary castle being built right into the sky. The same thing is happening in a neighboring kingdom. When royal foolishness leads to disaster, it’s up to Wikkley to save several lives. Will his recklessness finally come in handy? Or will it mean the end of his family, his farm, and possibly . . . his life?

Quotes regarding the book
From the fantasy world of The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt, Ilana Waters brings you another alternate-medieval adventure. If you like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, don’t miss meeting Wikkley McStag!
(This novella is approximately 21,000 words, or 70 pages)

Purchase Link

ASIN: B008WD24JM
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 244
Formats Available: E-Book

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Ten-year-old Stanley Delacourt loves his quiet life in the peaceful village of Meadowwood. At least, he does until his best friend is killed. Then the town library—where Stanley lives and works—is burned to the ground. The individuals responsible for both tragedies are a nasty group of soldiers. They work for the kingdom’s new leader, Christopher Siren. With the grown-ups too fearful to take action, Stanley vows to confront Siren. He plans to get answers and demand justice. Little does he know that his journey will involve sword-wielding knights, kidnapper fairies, and dark magic. 

Stanley has only two allies back home: a witch named Meredith, and a young apothecary called Sophie. Can they help him discover the reason behind Siren’s crimes and end this terrible reign? Or is Stanley set to become the next victim in the tyrant’s evil plot?

Quotes regarding the book
If you enjoy the fantasy works of Rick Riordan, Lemony Snicket, or Philip Pullman, then explore the world of Stanley Delacourt today!

Purchase Link

THE ELITE BY KIERA CASS

ISBN: 9780062059963
ASIN: B00AQLGXTU
Series: The Selection Series
Publisher: Harper Teen 
Pages: 272
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback, E-Book
Expected Publication Date: 23rd April 2013

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The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

MY REVIEW
I was lucky enough to receive an e-copy of The Elite from Harper Teen via Netgalley. So an enormous thank you to them first of all. Now the cover, I have to say attracted my attention as soon as it was released for us all to see. So the cover theme is staying similar, in that it is a picture of America in a gorgeous dress. I love the striking pose and the dress that America is wearing on this cover. I also like the mirror images of her too. Maybe they represents all the sides of her, like the side that belongs to Aspen and always will, her side for her family, her side she will have to develop for the public etc etc. I think the bright orange of the dress will definitely make sure that the book pops out at you from the bookshelf. The look that America has on her face on the cover is one of determination and there are times in the book when she does have to be very determined. Though her and Maxon have a "special" relationship, america still has to worked hard to keep and maintain her place in the competition. So would I pick this up from a book store shelf? Definitely I would have to snatch it up quickly before someone else did!
Now to the blurb will that aid in the selling of the book? I suppose it's difficulty to answer that as having read Bk#1 in this series I already wanted to read BK2 anyway regardless of cover or blurb. I think the blurb tells us, the reader enough without giving away all the action and all the information. When I'd read the book my daughter's first question was, well who did Maxon choose and I answered that the Selection hadn't finished there were still x amount of girls left. Her next question was well what on earth happens if there's still x amount left. So I had to try and explain to her without giving spoiler (note I said x amount, I aren't even telling you who or how many are left, you should discover it your self as I did). So what can I say. The book is filled with action, drama, emotions and unexpected little twists too. The book covers america swaying between the two men in her life, Maxon and Aspen. Then she deliberates if she did marry Maxon could she really take on board all what a Princess then Queen would have to. there's a traumatic event that seriously makes her doubt Maxon and what sort of person he really is. Then of course there is all Maxon's feelings and emotions covered in the book. Does America truly love him and trust him . . .does she understand what being a Princess and later a Queen would entail.
There is also lots of action happening around the rebels, both Northern and southern attacking. The attacks are happening more frequently and the Southern Rebels are becoming more and more destructive in their attempts of getting to the royals. They are even against the whole Selection process so it seem's the girls are in danger from the rebels too. The pace of the book varies, it was a little slow at the begin, and I was like "come on get to choosing already!" then things changed the pace picked up and there were other influences at work and the girls tasks they had to complete which all made interesting reding. Obviously as there are less girls we learn more about them as individuals. The tension and competition is growing even more. So did I enjoy the book? Loved it! Would I recommend the book? I'd recommend the series so far! Will I be wanting to read BK#3? I would love to read it as soon as it's available! am definitely looking forward to the conclusion as it is not obvious at all at what will happen. The "anything can happen" vibe is still running through the book. Kiera Cass is keeping us all on the edge of our seats to the very end. In fact not only do we have a Will she? Won't she? situation with america, we now seem to have something very similar from Maxon's point of view, it's Will he? Won't he pick America? There is so much that could happen. Would I read other books by Kiera Cass? I would definitely take a look at anything she writes!

So now you have read my review, what is YOUR opinion? Maxon or Aspen, who should America choose? Who would you choose for America? Who would YOU choose if YOU were America?
Or maybe we should look at it from Maxon's point of view? Who should he choose? Should he choose with his head? Thinking of the best for his inter country relations? Should he think with his head, who could handle being a queen? Should he choose with his head, and choose whom his father would like? OR should he simply think of himself for a change and choose with is heart and what he feels?
Why not leave a comment or two I'd love to know what everyone else thinks too. . . .I have my own inklings and thought where this plot may go. . . but I'd love to know what YOU think?
Have you registered YOUR opinion on my poll yet? (it's on the left hand side bar)

THE VOICE BY JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

ISBN: 9780985725006
ASIN: B00B77XPFW
Publisher: Lands Atlantic
Pages: 288
Formats Available: Paperback, E-book.

BLURB from Goodreads
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.

Quotes about the book
"Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage."

MY REVIEW
The cover shows a female who looks scared on the front cover, you also see a barn or wooden hut, maybe cabin in the background with plenty of trees and perhaps forest there too.
Upon reading the book you learn the scared female on the front cover is in fact Audrey, and when you learn the traumatic ordeal she underwent in a cabin in the woods you totally understand her fear.
I think the cover represents the book really well, and would I pick it up from a book store shelf? Yes I think I would definitely pick it up to learn more.
Now to the book, whilst Audrey is being held captive she begins to hear a voice in her head. she doesn't know if she is going mad due to her ordeal or if someone is truly communicating with her. The voice helps Audrey through her ordeal and when she is freed, the voice still speaks to her occasionally. Audrey naturally tells no one about the Voice as she doesn't want to appear more troubled or strange than she already is in other peoples view. Audrey hates that people look at her with pity, and the way her family look at her with pity and guilt, after all she had told her family about her attacker watching her and making her feel uneasy long before she was kidnapped. Unable to cope in the house she was abducted from she goes to stay with her young modern school teacher aunt Kate. Kate decides to keep Audrey's mind from her ordeal she should attend school so enrolls her and even gets the two guys next door that are Audrey's age to keep an eye on her. Caleb is outgoing, flirty, yet respectful and protective around Audrey. Justin seems to hate being around crowds, a bit of a loner yet is still around if and when Audrey needs his help.
I really don't want to give away more of the story as it is a beautifully written book, that was an interesting read that lead you by the hand through the many emotions that Audrey feels. The Quote about the book that I have taken from the Goodreads book blurb is so totally true. This book tells the story of Audrey's journey where she has to heal mentally and physically, which takes a lot of courage. Probably an even bigger thing Audrey has to relearn the ability to trust those around her, even her family.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, yes, yes! Would I recommend the book? Yes I have recommended this book to my teen daughter and I think my mum would also read and enjoy the book. Would I read a Bk2? If there was one yes, but how the book ends I doubt there will be. Will I read more by Jennifer Anne Davis? Definitely, I will keep my eyes wide open for more future titles by her. I try not to compare books to each other but the feelings I felt throughout the book and afterwards did remind me of another fantastic book I have read and reviewed on my blog, called Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes. So if you've read that book this is definitely for your reading tastes.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW - JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Not really, once I knew what I was doing! The first book I wrote, I tried to get it published with no luck. I didn’t really understand what genre I was writing or how to market myself. After a year of writing and a year of trying to get published, I took a break. I spent the next year READING!! I read well over 200 YA books that year. Then I decided to try again. I spent four months writing and eight months revising. I also joined the SCBWI where I met three fabulous critique partners that really helped with the revising process. Then I started querying. I had a ton of interest. After about six months, I had a few fulls out, including one to a publishing house. Then I got the call!! After signing with a publishing house, it took just about two years to see my book in print!! So while the journey feels long, it really wasn’t.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?

My publisher is Lands Atlantic Publishing and they are fantastic!!

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

A solid year. I usually spend about one month thinking about the story, just getting ready to write. Then it takes about four-six months to write the book. Then at least another six months revising. For me, revising is the hardest part.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?

My book The Voice was fairly easy to write because it’s contemporary and only called for a little bit of research. My next series was much more difficult for me because it is a different genre (fantasy) and I have to create an entire world. 

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

You can expect different things from me! While I will always write YA, I like exploring different genres. Like I mentioned, my next series is a light fantasy series so it is something else entirely.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration?

Ideas always come when I’m lying in bed and can’t fall asleep. I think of some interesting story, hoping to get tired. It never works. What usually happens is I come up with a story that becomes so interesting to me. I can’t stop thinking about it. So I end up writing the idea down in hope to turn it into a book one day!

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I listen to music when I have an emotional scene to write. Music always helps get my mind where it needs to be to write something with depth. However, if I’m revising, it has to be quiet otherwise I’m too distracted to focus. I also have a room I call my writing room. It’s painted my favorite shade of steel blue and all of my books are in there. I almost always write in that room.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?

I have two critique partners that I work closely with during the writing process. Once my book is written and I’m ready to revise, I have several neighbors read my book and offer feedback. This way I can discover if something’s wrong with plot, structure, or with my characters. Then I revise like mad, and work with my critique partners again. It’s hard having others read my material, especially when it’s not polished. However, the feedback is invaluable!

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

So far yes, but there hasn’t been too many and they’ve all been nice. I’m sure this will change one day! For me, reviews are helpful because I like to know what people didn’t like about my book. Finding out the bad stuff is what will make me a better writer in the future. Not that this means you need to focus on the negative in my review!

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

Yes! I find pictures in magazines of what all my characters look like before I start writing. I put those pictures on a piece of paper and list all of their character traits. Then when I’m writing, I already know almost everything about them. It makes the process so much easier, not to mention it helps keep everyone straight in my head!

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?

I do a very detailed timeline before I start. It takes me weeks to work out all of the details. I basically have a map of what happens in every single chapter. Then I can make sure structurally, everything happens when and where it should. It also helps me stay focused, on task, and it avoids writer’s block. Not that there aren’t times when things come up that I wasn’t planning on as I’m writing, but it really helps me. Otherwise I don’t think I’d ever finish. And I’m sure I’d forget what I was doing and where I was going with the story!!

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

With The Voice there is. I really wanted to stress the importance of girls standing up for themselves and finding their own voice within. 

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback?

Hardback. I’m old fashioned and love my books!

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

Oh dear! How can I pick just one? Well, I love The Hunger Games, Graceling, Fire, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, City of Bones, Grave Mercy, Poison Study . . .ok I’ll stop now. I could go on forever!!!!!!!And I’ve read all of them several times! I prefer reading to watching TV.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)

I’m reading The Crown of Embers and I LOVE it!!! I’m reading hardback of course!  

Do you have a favourite genre of book?

No. As long as the story has certain elements (romance, tension, action, suspense) then I’ll read it!

If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?

Hmmm, I think I would invite Jay Asher, Kiersten White, and Stephenie Meyer. That would be a fun group to get together!

Where can readers follow you?

Your Web Site?  

www.JenniferAnneDavis.com

Your Facebook Page? 

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferAnneDavis

Your Goodreads Author Page?  

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15817399-the-voice

Your Twitter Details?  

https://twitter.com/AuthorJennifer

And any other information/links you wish to supply? 

(Book Trailer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qfchnq-tmw&feature=youtu.be

(Pinterest) http://pinterest.com/authorjennifer/

(Barnes and Noble) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-voice-jennifer-anne-davis/1111482977

(Amazon) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+voice+jennifer+anne+davis&sprefix=the+voice+jennifer+%2Caps%2C420

PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT - THE VOICE BY JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

ISBN: 9780985725006
ASIN: B00B77XPFW
Publisher: Lands Atlantic
Pages: 288
Formats Available: Paperback, E-book.

BLURB from Goodreads
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.

Quotes about the book
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.

Purchase Links

PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY - THE VOICE BY JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

ISBN: 978-0985725006
ASIN: B00B77XPFW
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 175
Formats Available: Paperback, E-Book

BLURB from Goodreads
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.

Book Trailer Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qfchnq-tmw&feature=youtu.be


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GIVEAWAY

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An E-Copy of

The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis

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HOT BLOODED - JESSICA MCCLAIN BK#2 BY AMANDA CARLSON

ISBN: 978-0356501284
ASIN: B009SQ019C
Series: Jessica McClain
Publisher: Orbit
Pages/File Size: 336pages/590KB
Formats Available: Paperback, E-Book

BLURB from Goodreads
It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties....

MY REVIEW
I downloaded a free e-copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love the cover as it has the main character of Jessica on the front and fits really well with the other book covers in the series. There's the byline of Hunt To Kill which is what is happening to Jessica and her gang as they go to attempt to rescue Rourke. I don't like the quote from another author about the book, my feelings are that such quotes should go on the back of the book or on an inside cover perhaps.
Would the cover make me pick it up in a book store? Yes definitely. Though as I have read part of the series I would have been looking for this book too.
The blurb tells the reader enough to entice without giving too much away and also saves the odd twist and turn for a surprise to the reader.
So the book picks up literally where the other one left off. Jessica, her brother Tyler and pack member Danny set off with the vampire guides to find the hidden lair of the goddess who is holding Rourke against his will. Oh yeah and there's a late addition to the travelling party of Ray, the cop who has recently discovered what Jessica is!
They come across many challenges in the form of strange beastie's and life forms that they have to kill or subdue to gain the final access to the Goddess Selena's lair.
There were definitely times when I thought Mmm I didn't see that one coming, and the odd wow what the heck! moments too. I love the characters and how we get to explore some of them in more depth. I enjoyed Ray's funny side, the way he injected some humor into the darkest of plights. I loved Naomi, her tragic existence at the hands of Selena, then her escape yet she still had the willingness to help Jessica seek out Selena. I think Naomi's loyalty was well written and depicted in the book too. I love the twin-bond that exists between Tyler and Jessica, and wow Tyler sound sooo gorgeous too! I'm thinking the type of actor that could play him in a movie would be similarly built and look a little like Kellan Lutz (though maybe Kellan is a little too well known as Emmett Cullen). We also learn a littel more about Danny's cheeky chappy kind of personality, he make joke around but is totally loyal to the pack and helping Tyler protect Jessica to the point of giving his own life if needed.
The book is fast paced, full of action, drama and angst, with fantastic fight scenes towards the end of the book. There's a good cliffhanger at the end of the book which will no doubt present the basic plot for the next great book in this excellent series.
To sum up then, Did I enjoy the book? Yes, I enjoyed it a lot! Would I recommend it? Yes, in particular to fans of Kelley Armstrong's "Women Of The Otherworld" and Rachel Vincents Shifter Series. I would say I'd recommend to fans of shifter books but this is so much more than a shifter series, it has many different supernatural races featured within it's pages. Would I read more in the series? Er. . Yes please! Would I read other books by Amanda Carlson? Yes I enjoy the style of writing along with the plot etc.

Purchase Links


Purchase Links for the rest of the series



And Pre-Order Purchase Links

THE CLEARING - THE OUTSIDE SERIES BK#2 BY SHALINI BOLAND

ISBN:  978-0956998569
ASIN:  B00B12T7GY
Series: Outside
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 312
Formats Available: Paperback, E-Book

BLURB from Goodreads
In the ravaged future, children are disappearing.

Riley lives safely behind her Perimeter Fence, but soon she’ll have to confront the terrible truth of what’s happening outside. An old enemy is approaching. Threatening to extinguish her way of life. 

To save herself, she will have to fight to save another. She must put herself in the last place she ever wanted to be. 

This is the terrifying sequel to the post apocalyptic thriller OUTSIDE.

MY REVIEW
I received a kindle version of this book direct from the author Shalini Boland, in exchange for my honest review. The cover has a desolate feel to it in the blueish grey colours and the girl standing near the window. I suppose the girl could be Riley, but after reading the book I think it is Liss looking longingly outside to a possible freedom from inside the canonary where she is being held. where Grey and his devout followers try and brain wash young people into becoming zombie like beings who obey orders without any other thought.
The blurb is suitably criptic which I like. There's action, suspense, thrills, drama, friendship and a touch of romance. The Riley and Luc relationship status is still kind of up in the air, do things go any further? You'll have to read to find out! So in this book once again Riley and Luc team up with another character from Bk#1 Denzil to try and break in the compound. Yes, you read it right they want to get in! The reason they want to get in is to rescue Liss and FJ. Though things don't quite go to plan, when one of those they are going to rescue ends up having to be taken forcibly! But do they manage to all get out alive? Mind you, the lie those in the compound live is a monotonous one, where they worship Grey, who calls himself the father. Grey's voice has been damaged so he need a vessel to speak through. that vessel/person turns out to be someone you wouldn't expect it to be. There's plenty of surprises and little twists and turns. You sort of make your mind up as you are reading and think oh this is going to happen and then one thing changes and everything is turned on it's head. The book has a fairly fast pace, you definitely hate to put it down, I read it in just two sessions. I think had I had the time I would have read the book in one sitting. The book ends in such a way that you immediately want to read the third book too.
So did you enjoy this book? I loved it. The Clearing is a brilliant dystopian/post apocalyptic novel. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I recommend this series so far, it's a MUST read for dystopian/post apocalyptic genre fans. Would I want to read more in this series? OoOoo yes please, I'd read it now if it was available. I felt this way after reading BK#1 in this series too. Would I read more books by Shalini Boland? I would definitely take a look at any/all books by Shalini as I do enjoy her writing style, she truly makes it so easy to read her books.