M9B/Tantrum Books TWO FOR THURSDAY BLITZ: Very Superstitious & Two and Twenty Dark Tales + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Very Superstitious:
Myths, Legends and Tales of Superstition

and

Two and Twenty Dark Tales:
Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

The stories are based on urban legends, myths, tribal tales and superstitions from around the world. A charity anthology to benefit SPCA International with stories by Shannon Delany, Jackie Morse Kessler, Stephanie Kuehnert, Jennifer Knight, Marianne Mancusi, Michelle E. Reed, Dianne Salerni and Pab Sungenis.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

“VERY SUPERSTITIOUS is a fine anthology for fantasy readers looking for something slightly creepy for Halloween reading.” – Liviania, In Bed With Books

“A collection of spook-licious tales that will taunt, and in a few cases, tickle the fear bone in any reader.” – S.A. Larsen, Author

"A timely collection for a good cause, with some delightful surprises, full of myths and superstitions, and a vast array of stories that will make you laugh, cry and think.” – Tammy, Books Bones Buffy

In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall. The authors include Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, and Suzanne Young.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

“Great short story collection! Allegorical, interpretive, and entertaining.” – Levina, Goodreads Reviewer

“ EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED in this book” – Kwinn, Goodreads Reviewer

“I truly enjoyed the stories in this anthology. Some are dark and depressing, and yet beautifully told…” – Angie, Author

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson - Excerpt + GIVEAWAY!

Happy Release Day to

Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson!!

Join us in celebrating this release from Month9Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

Happy Book Birthday, Phillip!

“Where shall I start?” asked Minotaur.

Ovid made an expansive gesture with both hands. “Where else but the beginning of course.”

Minotaur nodded his huge head. “Yes,” he said. “Yes,” his eyes already glazing over with the weight of thousand year old memories. And then he began.

So begins the story of Asterion, later known as Minotaur, the supposed half bull creature of Greek legend. Recorded by the famous Roman poet, Ovid, Asterion tells of his boyhood in Crete under the cruel hand of his stepfather Minos, his adventures with his friend, Theseus, and his growing love for the beautiful Phaedra.And of course what really happened in the labyrinth.

This is the true story of the Minotaur.

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Indiebound | Kobo | TBD | Google Play

When I say love, we were young, and it was largely innocent—kissing, caressing, and the like. Still heady stuff for a young man, so of course I tried to lure Phaedra away from the palace at any opportunity.

Sometimes, we would lie sheltered from the sun amongst the cyprus and oak trees, talking, kissing, and doing what other young couples in love did. They were probably the best times of my life.

On one such occasion, Phaedra and I had taken some food and a little wine I’d stolen from the kitchen and wrapped up in cloth. We set it down in a clearing amongst the trees and ate and drank our fill. I confess I’d probably drunk more wine than was good for me and was feeling more than a little bold.

We kissed. Reluctantly, I broke the embrace to ask a question that had been plaguing me.

“Why do you love me?” I asked.

Phaedra looked at me askance, her head tilting slightly to show the perfection of her jawline. I desperately wanted to kiss her again.

“Do you really need to ask such questions?” she replied, her face serious.

“Of course I do. Look at me. Look at you. Don’t you think we are an odd match?”

“Asterion, you of all people should know I don’t judge based on appearances. To me, you are the most handsome man in the world because of who you are. You are gentle and have a kind soul. That’s more important to me than looks. Besides,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye, “you have big muscles. Every girl likes big muscles.”

“Is that all I am to you? A slab of meat?” I tried to joke, but my tone was all wrong. I knew I half meant what I said. I was only too conscious of my massive size and, like my horns, knew it marked me as an oddity or a strange freak of nature.

Phaedra slapped me playfully. “Most of the time. Sometimes you’re able to string a sentence together that is almost intelligent.”

Phillip W. Simpson is the author of many novels, chapter books and other stories for children. His publishers include Macmillan, Penguin, Pearson, Cengage, Raintree and Oxford University Press.

He received both his undergraduate degree in Ancient History and Archaeology and his Masters (Hons) degree in Archaeology from the University of Auckland.

Before embarking on his writing career, he joined the army as an officer cadet, owned a comic shop and worked in recruitment in both the UK and Australia.

His first young adult novel, Rapture (Rapture Trilogy #1), was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards for best Youth novel in 2012.

He is represented by Vicki Marsdon at Wordlink literary agency.

When not writing, he works as a school teacher.

Phillip lives and writes in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Rose, their son, Jack and their two border terriers, Whiskey and Raffles. He loves fishing, reading, movies, football (soccer) and single malt Whiskeys.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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BLOG TOUR: Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Hello! Welcome to our stop on the review tour for Jennifer Jenkins new book, Nameless! Ashley loved this book, and has her review for you today. There's also a giveaway to win your very own copy, so make sure to enter via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.

Also be sure to visit all of the other incredible stops on the tour - you can find the schedule by clicking the banner above.

And, last but not least! Nameless is currently in development for film by Benderspink, the same company who recently optioned Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen and produced the I Am Number Four film! So you definitely don't want to miss this one!

About the Book

Title: Nameless

Author: Jennifer Jenkins

Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Synopsis: Four clans have been at war for centuries: the Kodiak, the Raven, the Wolf and the Ram. Through brutal war tactics, the Ram have dominated the region, inflicting death and destruction on their neighbors.

Seventeen-year-old Zo is a Wolf and a Healer who volunteers to infiltrate the Ram as a spy on behalf of the allied clans. She offers herself as a Ram slave, joining the people who are called the “nameless.” Hers is a suicide mission – Zo’s despair after losing her parents in a Ram raid has left her seeking both revenge and an end to her own misery. But after her younger sister follows her into Rams Gate, Zo must find a way to survive her dangerous mission and keep her sister safe.

What she doesn’t expect to find is the friendship of a young Ram whose life she saves, the confusing feelings she develops for a Ram soldier, and an underground nameless insurrection. Zo learns that revenge, loyalty and love are more complicated than she ever imagined in the first installment of this two-book series.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Indiebound | Kobo | TBD | Google Play | iBooks

About the Author

With her degree in History and Secondary Education, Jennifer had every intention of teaching teens to love George Washington and appreciate the finer points of ancient battle stratagem. (Seriously, she’s obsessed with ancient warfare.) However, life had different plans in store when the writing began. As a proud member of Writers Cubed, and a co-founder of the Teen Author Boot Camp, she feels blessed to be able to fulfill both her ambition to work with teens as well as write Young Adult fiction.

Jennifer has three children who are experts at naming her characters, one loving, supportive husband, a dog with little-man syndrome, and three chickens (of whom she is secretly afraid).

Visit her online at jajenkins.com

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |Instagram

Ashley's Review

This book surprised me in so many ways. I mean, I'm always up for a dystopian book, especially when it's one that has a fantasy aspect to it. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started this book, other than a girl who goes on a suicide mission and then realizes she's got more at stake than just her life. But there's so much more to this book, and I loved every second of it! 

Zo is kind of frustrating, but I can definitely understand the decisions she makes. She thinks she has nothing left, since the Ram killed her parents and her sister will be taken care of. She has no regard for her own safety until her sister is threatened, and she kind of just runs around doing whatever she wants. I was really surprised she didn't get caught, even though people are suspicious of her.

The romance is a little unexpected, but I was really glad that it wasn't instalove. There's still so much standing between them that I'm not even sure if anything will come out of it, but there are some really sweet moments between them. Even though Zo is a Wolf and wants to destroy the Ram, I really appreciated being able to see the Ram in a different light. They're all people, just trying to do what they think is right.

Nameless is actually faster-paced than I thought it was going to be. After the first chapter, I found that I didn't want to put the book down! There were parts, especially in the middle, where I was frantically flipping pages just trying to find out what happens next. Even the world-building is done in an exciting way, and it felt like I was a part of this world instead of just being told about it. Jennifer's writing is superb, and I'm so excited to read more books from her! 

If you like YA fantasy or dystopians, or both, you definitely need this book! It's exciting, has incredible characters who are just as complex as any real person, fantastic world-building, and will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the very end. I'll be anxiously awaiting the sequel! 4/5.

The Giveaway!

Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins (INT)

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You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day - Paul's (Audiobook) Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Audible

Title: You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)
Author: Felicia Day
Year Published: 2015

Narrator: Felicia Day
Foreword: Joss Whedon
Audiobook Length: 6 hours 17 minutes


Synopsis: From online entertainment mogul, actress, and “queen of the geeks” Felicia Day, a funny, quirky, and inspiring memoir about her unusual upbringing, her rise to Internet-stardom, and embracing her individuality to find success in Hollywood.

The Internet isn’t all cat videos. There’s also Felicia Day—violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world…or at least semi-influential in the world of Internet Geeks and Goodreads book clubs.

After growing up in the south where she was "homeschooled for hippie reasons", Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia’s misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an Internet star.

Felicia’s short-ish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia’s strange world is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism—just like her memoir.

Hilarious and inspirational, You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now—even for a digital misfit.

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Review: I am a big fan of Felicia Day and everything she does. I watched each season of The Guild as it released and really enjoy what she has created with Geek and Sundry. When it was revealed that she was writing a book I got super excited. I love listening to memoir-ish books on audiobook when they're read by the author. 

This book has stories from Felicia's childhood all the way up to the present. There are light humorous tales and reveals of some pretty heavy things. Although Felicia does strip down with many issues in this book, she finds a way to still keep private about many things. Unfortunately because of things she's gone through, her current life can't be that open. 

Felicia Day had a unique childhood. How she ended up being homeschooled is an interesting story. And everything that followed has led her to the place in nerd culture she holds today. She acted as a child, played violin, entered college without a high school diploma, and so many other things that made her different. 

I found myself with watery eyes a few times while listening to this book. I was expecting it. Some things I just really connected with. The full gambit of emotions are in this book. 

I give this book a 4/5. It doesn't have as much focus as other memoir/comedy books I've read/listened to, but it is packed full of entertaining and enlightening tales. If you are in need of inspiration, this is a wonderful read. 


--PAUL

M9B FRIDAY REVEAL: Super Freak by Vanessa Barger - Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are spotlighting

Vanessa Barger

author of

Super Freak

a Middle Grade title from Tantrum Books, coming October 2015!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Twitter or Facebook?

Can I say both? I like Twitter for instant gratification, but I like Facebook for posting fun things too!

<

Favorite Superhero?

This is hard. I'm not a huge superhero person. But if I had to pick? Wonder Woman. I dressed up as Wonder Woman one year when I was little. Somewhere, I still have my golden lasso of truth!

Favorite TV show?

Okay, most TV shows I actually like get cancelled, but I have three. I love the first 3-4 seasons of Supernatural, I LOVE the Vicar of Dibley, and the Two Fat Ladies. If I'm having a stressful day, I pop the Two Fat Ladies in to relax. I'm weird, I know.

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet. But not too sweet. :)

Coke or Pepsi?

Root Beer (But def coke, Pepsi is ICK)

Any Phobias?

I don't care for spiders, and anything to do with Jack the Ripper seriously freaks me out. Like, I won't watch a TV show about it, read about it, or even read fiction about it!

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

There isn't just one, but let’s go with Fight Song by Rachel Platten. The others on my playlist are a lot more....weird? Lots of instrumental music, and oddball things.

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

Oh, man, just one?! That's not even fair.

What are you reading right now or what's on your TBR?

I have several books in the TBR pile, but the top three are Namesless by Lili St. Crow, The City of Ember, and Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff. Oh, and I'm dying to read The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

Fall Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Goosebumps! I can't wait to see that one. Jack Black as RL Stine? YES, please!

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), the Virginia Writer’s Club, and the Hampton Roads Writers. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She is married to a fabulous man, and has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |YouTube

Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You’d think she’d be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before.

To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn’t want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown.

Undeterred, Caroline can’t give up. But what’s a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she’s heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.

BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

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Title(s) will be sent upon release.

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BLOG TOUR: The Heartbeat Thief by A.J. Krafton - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Happy Thursday! Today, we're super excited to be a part of hte blog tour for A.J. Krafton's New Adult novel, The Heartbeat Thief! Ashley really enjoyed this book and has her review for you, as well as a giveaway. Make sure to enter via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post, and don't forget to visit all of the other awesome stops, which you can find by clicking the tour banner above!

Before we get to Ashley's review, how about some info about The Heartbeat Thief and its incredible author?

About the Book

The Heartbeat Thief by A.J. Krafton 

Publication date: June 12th 2015

Genres: Fantasy, New Adult

Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis: Haunted by a crushing fear of death, a young Victorian woman discovers the secret of eternal youth—she must surrender her life to attain it, and steal heartbeats to keep it.

In 1860 Surrey, a young woman has only one occupation: to marry. Senza Fyne is beautiful, intelligent, and lacks neither wealth nor connections. Finding a husband shouldn’t be difficult, not when she has her entire life before her. But it’s not life that preoccupies her thoughts. It’s death—and that shadowy spectre haunts her every step.

So does Mr. Knell. Heart-thumpingly attractive, obviously eligible—he’d be her perfect match if only he wasn’t so macabre. All his talk about death, all that teasing about knowing how to avoid it…

When her mother arranges a courtship with another man, Senza is desperate for escape from a dull prescripted destiny. Impulsively, she takes Knell up on his offer. He casts a spell that frees her from the cruelty of time and the threat of death—but at a steep price. In order to maintain eternal youth, she must feed on the heartbeats of others.

It’s a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Edgar Allen Poe, and a whole lot of stealing heartbeats in order to stay young and beautiful forever. From the posh London season to the back alleys of Whitechapel, across the Channel, across the Pond, across the seas of Time…

How far will Senza Fyne go to avoid Death?

About the Author

AJ Krafton is the author of New Adult speculative fiction. Her debut The Heartbeat Thief is due out on Kindle in June 2015. Forthcoming titles include Taking' It Back & Face of the Enemy. She's a proud member of the Infinite Ink Authors. AJ also writes adult spec fic as Ash Krafton. Visit Ash at http://ashkrafton.com

Author links: Twitter | Blog | Facebook

Ashley's Review

As soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. Victorian era, a girl who fears death and has a way to avoid it, and a heart-stopping love interest? Hello! Although I thought this book started out slowly, it definitely picked up speed and delivered everything I hoped it would.

When I first started this book, I was so excited to jump right in - especially after the introduction from Poe's The Masque of the Red Death. Things start off kind of slow though, and it took me a little bit to get into it. There's quite a bit of set-up, and although it's written gorgeously, I felt like things kind of dragged as we got to know Senza and her lifestyle. I mean, don't get me wrong, I loved being completely immersed in the parties and the entire Victorian era, but I found that I just couldn't wait for the action to start.

But then as soon as Senza makes her deal with Mr. Knell, things take off and I was hooked! I actually kind of loved the idea that Senza had to live off of the heartbeats of others. Sometimes immortality is given without any consequences, but I thought that turning Senza into a thief was brilliant. She has one rule - don't get caught. As long as she abides by that, she can live for eternity and avoid her fear of death. Her story is exciting, and yet sad at the same time. She has to watch all of her loved ones die while she lives on in eternal youth.

I haven't read much classic British literature (I read a few books in high school, but it was never really my thing), but I felt like this book could be among those classics. The writing and world-building is beautiful, and it transported me back to Victorian England. I felt like I was attending the parties with Senza, experiencing the Jack the Ripper murders with her, and watching the times change. I really enjoyed how Senza tries to move through time with the ever-changing fashions and trends, but still feels more at home in the older cities. I felt like I traveled with her all over England and even to the US, and fell in love with the men she fell in love with. AJ has a way with words that just makes everything come to life.

If you're a fan of Edgar Allen Poe or Jane Austen, I would definitely recommend this book to you. I actually expected it to be a little steampunk, but it's more true to the history we know than anything. I love the imagery, the characters, and the idea of Death as a person. This book stands excellently on its own, but I'll be looking for more books by AJ Krafton to dive into! 4/5. 

The Giveaway

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--Ashley & Paul

Queen Song (Red Queen #0.5) by Victoria Aveyard - Paul's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Queen Song (Red Queen #0.5)
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Recent Release Date: September 1, 2015

REVIEW of Red Queen

Synopsis: Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.

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Review: I am a big fan of novellas that bridge the gap between releases of books in a YA genre series. It's nice to quench that thirst if only enough to survive. This novella made me more thirsty!

It took me a bit to get back into the world, but once I recalled how the characters in this novella relate to those in Red Queen I really got into it. I even now want a prequel to this. The king's paramour piqued my fancy. I would love the story of that king coming into adulthood. They were stable in the novella, but there had to have been drama to get there. 

I want a Prince Robert novella!

If you liked Red Queen and like me can not wait for Glass Sword, this novella will help that pain. It isn't a full meal though. 

I give Queen Song a 4/5. I'm excited for the next novella. And I'll be hoping for Prince Robert's story.  


--PAUL

M9B/Tantrum Books TWO FOR THURSDAY BLITZ: Dead Jed Series by Scott Craven + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you the:

Dead Jed series by Scott Craven!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Dead Jed is Shaun of the Dead meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Jed's not your typical junior high geek. He is, to use the politically-correct term, cardiovascularly-challenged. And while his parents have attempted to shield him from the implications of being 'different' for as long as they could (Jed was 8 and at a friend's sister's birthday party when he blew his lips off onto the cake in front of everyone, finally prompting the “Big Talk” from his parents and an emergency SuperGlue repair by his dad), 7th grade at Pine Hollow Middle School as a target of Robbie the supreme school bully and his pack of moronic toadies is rapidly becoming unbearable.

From being stuffed in a filled trash can as “dead meat” and into a trophy case as the bully's “prize,” to literally having his hand pulled off in the boys' room (Jed's always losing body parts. Luckily, a good stapler and some duct tape and he's back in the action) and a cigarette put in it and try to frame him for the recent reports of smoking in the school, Jed's had enough and is ready to plan his revenge. Besides, it's awesome what you can do when you're already dead!

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

“DEAD JED is amazing. It takes true talent to write a book that's witty and has such clever humor. That's exactly what DEAD JED has.” – Courtney, Author

” I’m entirely convinced this series is going to be as big and popular as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, if not more. It might be aimed at middle grade readers, but I will highly and happily recommend it to readers aged 9 to 99!” – Angie, Books4Tomorrow

“Middle Grade humor at its finest.” – S.A. Larsen, Author

The first part of seventh grade was rough on Jed, but things are looking up now that Christmas is almost here. As with past Christmases, Jed asks for the one thing he’s always wanted–a dog–and again, his parents tell him they’re not ready. But fate has a different plan when Jed sees a dog get run over by a car. Then, it happens. Jed suddenly has a pet, Tread, a zombie dog bearing his namesake–a tire tread down his back. Jed may have gained a dog, but he loses his best friend Luke, who fears the way Jed created his undead pet.

When Jed returns to school, he finds a mysterious group called the No Zombies Now Network spreading rumors of the dangers the undead pose to normal people. Forced to disprove Hollywood stereotypes, Jed has his work cut out for him as stories of a zombie dog begin to circulate. Jed could be expelled if he can’t expose the NZN Network as a fraud. Jed needs help from his kind of girlfriend Anna, especially after he discovers Luke has joined the shadowy group.

Once again navigating the treacherous waters of middle school, Jed does his best to stay in one piece. Only this time he’ll need even more duct tape and staples than usual.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

“Like its predecessor Dead Jed, Dead Jed 2: Dawn of the Jed is an incredibly cute and fun read!” – Angie, Books4Tomorrow

“This is a fun story, which was written very well for the age group. I can imagine the series being a huge hit, especially with zombies being so popular at the moment.” – Bri, Natural Bri - Pursuits of Life

“…just read it, you will love it and it sooooo funny” – Michelle, Because Reading

Proud graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, have one son who will turn 18 in March 2013, now a features writer for The Arizona Republic.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter

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BLOG TOUR: Brazen (Gilded #3) by Christina Farley - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Today we’re super excited to be celebrating the release of BRAZEN by Christina Farley! BRAZEN is the third and final book in the Gilded series about a sixteen-year old girl who must use her martial art skills and wits to save her family, friends, and country from an evil Korean god.

To learn more about this series, visit the Gilded Series website. Watch GILDED's book trailer here!

Be sure to pick up the letter for this stop at the end of this post to earn extra points in the Kindle Fire or $50 Amazon gift card giveaway! Collect all the letters during the blog tour to spell out the secret message to earn more points.

About the Book

Find it: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads | Indie

Ashley's Review

You guys. This series. I've been anxiously awaiting this conclusion to the Gilded series since I finished reading Silvern, and it did not disappoint. I mean, I loved the first two books - they're full of action, romance, mystery, mythology, friendship, and incredible world-building. But this book. This book is probably my favorite in this series! 

First of all, the ending of Silvern almost killed me. I needed this book immediately, and I was so sad that I had to wait a year to read it. I mean, it was SO worth the wait, but the choice Jae had to make was horrible and definitely a no-win situation. Most of this book deals with the consequences of her choice, and follows her as she tries to make amends and right things that are even necessarily her fault. She's separated from her friends, family, and Mark, and most of them believe she's dead. It's terrible, and I don't envy her at all. 

One of my favorite things about this series is the incredible world building. I thought that this book would have less, since it is the third book, but I was so wrong. Jae travels to new places in both the real world and the spirit world, and I really enjoyed seeing them through her eyes. There's a lot more showing than telling, which is how I prefer my world building, and the descriptions are beautifully written. I felt like I was in China, and in the temple, and on the docks with Jae. I've never even been to any part of Asia, but I felt like I was seeing all of these incredible places with my own eyes. 

I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the mythological creatures and gods. Some are familiar from previous books, some are brand new, and most of them I'd never even heard of before reading this series. I love learning about other religions and myths, even if it's from a fantasy book. I'll probably spend an afternoon researching Korean and Chinese deities now, just so I can reread and get even more from these books. And speaking of deities, Kud is awful. I mean, there are times when he doesn't seem so bad, but then he reverts back to his normal self and it's horrible. I felt so terrible that Jae was in such a bad position. 

Without giving too much away, this is a book you NEED in your hands ASAP. Especially if you've read Gilded and Silvern. It ties up pretty much all of the loose ends and is just a really excellent conclusion. I'm so glad this series turned into a trilogy, and I can't wait to read more from Christina! Also, can we just take a moment to admire that cover? GORGEOUS. Absolute favorite in the series. 5/5!!

About the Author

CHRISTINA FARLEY is the author of the Gilded series, a YA contemporary fantasy series set in Korea. GILDED was nominated for Korea's 2014 Morning Calm, Ohio's 2015 Buckeye award, and the Tome’s It List. As a child, she loved to explore, which later inspired her to jump on a plane and travel the world. Christina's adventures sparked her to write stories, infusing the real world with fantasy. Currently she writes from home in Clermont, FL with her husband and two sons—that is until the travel itch whisks her off to a new unknown.

Find Christina Here: Website • Twitter • YouTube • Facebook • Tumblr • Goodreads • Instagram

The Giveaway

To celebrate the release of BRAZEN, Christina is giving away a Kindle Fire (US only) and a $50 Amazon gift card (international). The letter for this stop is  N. Collect all the
letters from the blog tour to earn more points!

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RELEASE DAY CELEBRATION: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson + GIVEAWAY!

We are so excited that WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER by Rae Carson releases today and that we get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful new series by Rae Carson, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a set of the GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS series (in paperback format). US only. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book

Title: Walk on Earth a Stranger

Author: Rae Carson

Publication Date: September 22, 2015

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Pages: 448

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Synopsis: The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research. 

Read chapter 1 of Walk on Earth a Stranger annotated by Rae Carson HERE!

About the Author

Rae Carson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. Her next book, Walk On Earth A Stranger, will be available September 22, 2015. She lives in Arizona with her husband.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The Giveaway!

1 winner will receive a set of the 3 GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS series (in paperback format). US Only.

Ends on September 30th at Midnight EST!

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