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City Of Bones 10th Anniversary Edition #Giveaway (!!) + Shadowhunter Tag (Shh I’m Not Obsessed, You Are)

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Do you what’s beautiful in this life? Books…but particularly THIS 10th anniversary edition of City of Bones.

I mean I wasn’t going to call you beautiful, haha HAH HAHAHAHAHA. No, the answer is always books. I mean, please just look at it. We’re all dying here of the levels of aesthetic beauty.

So today I’m about to slay your socks because I’m giving away 5 x copies of this gorgeous edition! But before I do (unless you’ve cheated and just scrolled to the end, which is fair but also: get your eyes back up here, son) I’m going to do the Shadowhunter Tag. Because I FREAKING LOVE THIS SERIES. Cassandra Clare is in my Top 3 Favourite Authors so that let’s you know how much I have love here.

 

THANK YOU WALKER BOOKS AUSTRALIA FOR THE REVIEW COPY!

The tenth anniversary of Cassandra Clare’s phenomenal City of Bones demands a luxe new edition. The pride of any fan’s collection, City of Bones now has new cover art, over thirty interior illustrations, and six new full-page colour portraits of everyone’s favourite characters! This beautifully crafted collector’s item also includes a new piece written by Cassandra Clare. A perfect gift for the Shadowhunter fan in your life. This is the book where Clary Fray first discovered the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. The book where she first met Jace Wayland, the best Shadowhunter of his generation. The book that started it all.

  • Beautiful and highly collectable anniversary edition containing a new piece from Cassandra Clare – a must-have.
  • The Shadowhunter world has captivated 40 million readers worldwide. Rights have been sold in over 30 countries and the books have made bestseller lists all over the world.

Publisher Website  Amazon  Book Depository

1. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

This question is actually killing me AND IT’S THE FIRST ONE. Who the heck decided to do this tag? They’re fired. *

I’m going to have to make a little list.

  • Jace: the levels of sass. I mean, the dude could be dying and he would probably still snark about it which is amazing.
  • Isabelle: She’s so BADASS and also super feminine, and do you know how rare that is in YA??!? Isabelle is a pure inspiration and I adore her.
  • Ty Blackthorn: I know he doesn’t come in till Lady Midnight (or, well, he’s first mentioned in City of Heavenly Fire) but he’s REALLY special to me because he’s the first epic badass autistic character I’ve read in fantasy. #Relate **
  • Mark Blackthorn: I cannot EVEN with how much I love him. He is smol and feral and precious and FAERIE. THERE IS NONE I LOVE AS MUCH AS MARK.
  • Magnus Bane: Because he is made of GLITTER and is so precious to this world.
  • Simon: He actually puts up with a whole lot of nonsense from the Shadowhunters, ok? The guy deserves a break. He is also a dork and I love him.
* Ha haha haha …. oh wait. It’s me.
** I’m TRYING to just focus on The Mortal Instruments series though so I won’t mention the Blackthorns all over the place EVEN THOUGH I LOVE THEM TO DEATH.

 

2. WHO IS YOUR OTP?

It’s absolutely a tie between Malec and Sizzy. I have so much love for the levels of opposites attract here.

3. FAVOURITE QUOTE?

 

4. MOVIE VS TV SHOW?

So confess: I still haven’t watched the TV show. I’m a little mortified at myself and my life failings. I heard it’s super cringey to start with and then S2 is very good. sO! It’s on the to-do list! You know…when I’m not doing 179 other things all the time never sleeping because I’m so busy. *

I do however ADORE the movie. I think Jamie Campbell Bower is 500% the perfect Jace. And I love Simon too! And the lines are SO FUNNY. Mate, this movie. (However I think the casting is way better for the Lightwoods in the show.)

 

* That thing crying in the corner? Yes. That’s me.

5. WHAT WOULD YOUR SHADOWHUNTER LAST NAME BE?

Look, I’d make a good Herondale. Sassy at inappropriate times. Deeply sarcastic to cover up how sensitive they are. Prone to terrible life decisions —-> it’s so relatable.

 

6. WOULD YOU RATHER LISTEN TO JACE PLAY PIANO, JEM PLAYING THE VIOLIN, PLAY VIDEO GAMES WITH SIMON, READ A BOOK WITH WILL, OR PAINT WITH JULIAN?

Alright let’s be sensible and break it down:

  • I have absolutely no skill with gaming. I played Sims once and mostly focused on naming my people after Lord of the Rings characters and then making them overachieve at every skill set in life until they threw a tantrum and died.
  • I cannot paint, so it’s not going to work between us, Julian.
  • I love reading but I’m uncomfortable reading around other people?
  • I AM QUITE MUSICAL AND CAN PLAY BOTH VIOLIN AND PIANO SO BOOM. Jace and Jem and I will have a party.

 

7. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE RUNE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Is there a rune for remembering all the books I’ve read? Because that would be helpful. Or strength rune!! To carry them! OR INVISIBLITY RUNE SO I COULD LIVE FOREVER IN A BOOKSTORE AND–

Ok, ok, I’ll stop.

8. WHAT TYPE OF DOWNWORLDER WOULD YOU BE?

Definitely a faerie. They don’t lie but they still manage to lie and if that doesn’t describe my blog WHAT DOES?! I think I’ve written about 2 helpful posts in my life time and it was really strange.

I’m also really cute and scary so. Faerie.

9. FAVOURITE SERIES SO FAR?

Okay so I love and adore the Lady Midnight series. Probably the most! But I can’t even with how much I love The Mortal Instruments. It’s so FUNNY and magical and written in 3rd person which is like guaranteed to make my heart flutter. Shh do not question this.

I also admit I don’t love The Infernal Devices as much…Will was a rude pigeon and Tessa had the personality of a paper fork. Jem was so precious, so pure, though.

 

10. WHO IS YOUR MOST HATED CHARACTER?

UGH. I gotta say maybe Valentine? And I also hate Magnus’ ex vampire girlfriend. She was gnarly. ut Sebastian?? Hah hah hah…I mean. I’m just saying…he was kind of interesting…

Wait a sec. I just need to watch my standards and morals walk out the door, excuse me while I wave goodbye to them.

 

11. IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH A CHARACTER, WHO WOULD IT BE?

MAGNUS BANE THOUGH. Because the day would be very exciting and glittery and also still likely end in death. What is not to love here.

 

12. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHADOWHUNTER BOOK?

It’s been TOO LONG since I read TMI so they’ve all blurred together, but let me have at it anyway:

  • City of Heavenly Fire: Usually I scream when books are over 600 pages but like?? This was amazing. Demon realms!
  • Lady Midnight: MUST BE MY FAVOURITE OF ALL THOUGH. I’M DYING LIKE WOW HOW WAS IT SO GOOD. Blackthornes are my favourite creatures.
  • Lord Of Shadows: No wait….I take it back. How could you.
  • City of Bones: C’mon!! It introduces us to my favourite little nephilim world and Jace’s true love for himself shines so pure.

13. WHICH BOOK HAD THE WORST CLIFFHANGER?

Sometimes I look at Lord of Shadows and remember how it feels to just turn to dust upon the floor. That cliffhanger was more than rude. It wasn’t even a “hanger”. We just got thrown off the cliff and left broken at the bottom.

THANKS.

 

14. IF YOU COULD HAVE MORE OF SOMETHING IN THE SHADOWHUNTER WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Honestly more faeries! I would love more about the courts and basically Kieren whom I LOVE and also more Mark. Way more mark. All the Mark and Kieren, too let’s be real here.

I also want to see Jace as a father because I think he’d be terrible at it in a really really good way. Like, yes feed the child sugar before bed, Jace. Give it a knife. Stick the child in a drawer. Teach it to make fun of Mundanes.

This would be beautiful.

15. IF YOU COULD MEET CASSANDRA CLARE, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK HER?

So I’m a chronic not-speaker to humans because social anxiety, so I would mostly likely say nothing and also fall over and turn into my true form which is —> a dead turtle.

However, some things that would be interesting to say:

  • “Can you pls never never never stop writing Shadowhunter books?”
  • “How do you keep ALL the worlds and characters in your head?”
  • “THANK YOU FOR WRITING DIVERSITY SO BEAUTIFULLY IN FANTASY.”
  • “How many drafts does a Shadowhunter book generally go through?”
  • “Do you drink your readers’ tears or just frame them tho?”

NOW LET’S HAVE THE GIVEAWAY OF THIS GORGEOUS 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF CITY OF BONES!

Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sponsoring this giveaway!

RULES:

  • 5 x copies for 5 winners
  • AUSTRALIAN residence only
  • must be somewhat magical to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

which is your favourite Shadowhunter series!?? and what do you think of the anniversary edition of City of Bones???!

Roseblood by AG Howard // Phantastic Review (!!) Q&A (!!!) #Giveaway (!!!!!)

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roseblood + flowers

I’m so excited to be doing an incredibly special post about Roseblood by AG Howard!

And you should be excited too because I have a Q&A with the amazing master wordsmith AG Howard herself. And there’s an international giveaway at the end. BLESS THIS UNIVERSE.

Roseblood is like one of my #1 anticipated books of the year because (A) I’ve always been obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera, (B) and I mean I had a stage of my childhood where all I did was bash out the theme song on the piano most horrendously, and (C) I’ve also got a soft spot for ghostlike morally grey grapes like the Phantom, and (D) AG Howard’s books always impress and I’m a huge fan of her Splintered Alice in Wonderland retellings too. #BeStillMyBeatingHeart

Are we ready?? ARE YOU SINGING PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IN YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW? (Because you better.) LET US FLAIL, ANGELS OF MUSIC.

(Also this cover, amirite?!? It’s too gorgeous.)

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4 stars

Goodreads  Amazon  Twitter  Author’s Website

28818314In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.
At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.

reasons to read

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THE #1 REASON YOU SHOULD READ IT IS I TOLD YOU TO AND I AM FIERCE.

 

  • IT IS CREEPILY BRILLIANT. As all gothic retellings should be. The actual aesthetics of this book just make my soul give a happy sigh. Dead gardens and bleeding roses and violins and ancient theatre masks and DOOM with a sidedish of psychotic Phantoms. And it’s set in a boarding school inside a very old opera house and if that’s not aesthetically pleasing THEN I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS.

 

  • IT HAS A SORT OF SEQUEL VIBE. It’s set in modern times (in Paris #blessthisbook) and follows Rune who is a super amazing opera singer — basically because she’s magically possessed and controlled by music. It ruins her life. So you’d think the Phantom would be dead? BUT NO. HA HA HA. In fact the Phantom has adopted a son (Thorn who is a magical violinist) which is just about the best plot twist I’ve ever heard of. IT’S LIKE AN APPRENTICE MANIAC PHANTOM.

 

  • IT’S DUAL POV! And it does it in my favourite way, with having Rune in 1st person and Thorn in 3rd. SO BASICALLY AG HOWARD WROTE IT WITH ME IN MIND. #ActualTruth

 

  • There is much music! I actually love books about music and can’t find many of them. So here we have Rune + singing. And Thorn + magical violining. AND THEY COMPLETE EACH OTHER. I’ll mention here that their ship name is Rune + Thorn = Tune. Also Thorn played music inside Rune’s head. Because why not. All the cool kids are using dreams for communication. Out of the way iPhone 6. We gotcha creepy brain possession.

 

  • I EMPHATICALLY LIKE THE CREEPY. It even reminded me of This Savage Song with the themes of monsters and mayhem. Also Rune was 5000% aware how creepy it was and I loved her comments about “help me I’m in a horror movie”. Very meta. Very nice.

 

  • And the writing is gorgeous. It has AG Howard’s trademark luscious prose and descriptions, although sometimes it was a wee bit too much and I would’ve preferred it to be more fast-paced and been IN the story more, instead of being TOLD the story quite so much. But that’s just me whinging a little in the background and considering I am entirely obsessed with this book still? It didn’t affect my enjoyment.

 

  • If you want an emotional and slightly manic retelling of the Phantom of the Opera: here it is. It calls to you, it sings to you, angel of music. I spent the entire ending freaking out over our morally grey Phantom and the starcrossed lovers of Rune and Thorn and wondering if EVERYONE WAS GOING TO BURN AND DIE. And a good book is one that is slightly stressful and entirely beautiful.

Q&A

 

5186274A.G. Howard is the International and NYT bestselling author of the Splintered Series, with a slew of other classical spinoffs and original stories in the works that she hopes will one day find a place on the shelves.
She was inspired to write her tribute to Carroll’s Wonderland while working at a school library. Her pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.
SPLINTERED, UNHINGED, ENSNARED, and UNTAMED, the first four books in her urbanized /gothic Alice in Wonderland series, are now available from Amulet Books. Also soon to be available from Amulet is her Phantom of the Opera spinoff, ROSEBLOOD — slated to launch January 2017.
THE ARCHITECT OF SONG, the first book in her New Adult historical literary romance saga, will be available in August 2016.

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HOW LONG DID IT TAKE ROSEBLOOD TO GO FROM FIRST IDEA TO FINISHED NOVEL?

A.G. HOWARD: Hmmm. That’s an interesting question, because I actually contemplated a Phantom retelling even before I wrote Splintered. I’d seen other adaptations of The Phantom of the Opera — and one prequel that I adore (Phantom by Susan Kay) — but not many spinoffs or continuations. Like I did with Splintered, I knew I wanted to make it modern and contemporary to set it apart, while still retaining the elements of the original (gothic in this case). All I needed was a way to explain the Phantom’s longevity…how he had survived so many years. While I was trying to figure that out, the AiW idea came to me, and I opted to write it first. After it was so well received, it gave me the confidence to tackle the Phantom’s spinoff possibilities. So if I’m counting from the actual idea phase, it took 7 years for my story to make it onto paper. However, it actually took me a little over 7 months to research and write it once I finally began.

 

EVERYONE HAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE NAMES IN ROSEBLOOD! DO YOU HAVE A PROCESS FOR PICKING OR FINDING CHARACTER NAMES?

 

A.G. HOWARD: Thanks! Often, when I start a story, my names don’t always have a meaning. I just know my characters—who they are, the role they’ll play, even a head shot of what they look like—and I hop onto Internet databases and skim through baby names. The right ones will simply jump out at me. Hard to explain, but my gut knows what name is right. However, in RoseBlood, there were two names that I chose before I even knew anything about the characters other than that they would be the main POVs.  I wanted the male POV’s name to be Thorn, in keeping with the rose theme/symbolism that’s prevalent throughout the book. As for the female POV’s name, I chose the word “Rune” because its definition parallels the book’s magical, otherworldly subplots: a prayer, poem, or a saying with mystical meaning or for use in casting a spell. Her surname, Germain, was also chose specifically to play a role in the mystical elements. If you surf the net for “Comte Sainte-Germain”, you’ll turn up fascinating rumors from the 1700’s of a man suspected of being immortal and having great talents and intellect, along with a knack for alchemy and black magic. I wanted Rune to be related to him, so his surname became hers.

 

CLEARLY YOUR GOTHIC RETELLINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST THINGS TO GRACE OUR SHELVES. ARE THERE OTHER TALES YOU THINK WOULD MAKE EXCELLENT GOTHIC RETELLINGS?!

A.G. HOWARD: You’re so kind to say that! Thank you. 🙂 There are so many! Here are just a handful off the top of my head (fairytales and classics both) that I would consider expanding/reworking: Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel (although it would be hard to beat Disney’s Tangled), Jekyll and Hyde, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, and Dracula.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY, ANITA!

roseblood (4)

giveaway

de-x1xXa

  • OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!
  • 3 x mask and swag sets (donated by the author! yay!)
  • 1 x Amazon ebook of Roseblood (from me because YOU ALL MUST READ IT!!)
  • there’ll be 3 prizes, with 1st place getting a swag set AND the ebook, and the two subsequent winners getting a swag set each
  • Also you must sing Phantom of the Opera to enter. I’ll be checking. Better believe it.

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

roseblood (1)

chat

do you have a small soft spot for The Phantom of the Opera?!? have you read any of AG Howard’s books?? OH OH. and what classic or fairy tale do YOU think would make an epic gothic retelling???

Goodbye Notebook Sisters. HELLO THERE Paper Fury | Giveaway

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A F U R Y P A R T Y

BEHOLD! MY NEW BLOG!

Isn’t it pretty? It’s gorgeous. I maybe perhaps am possibly super pleased. (I am in love.) Although it has been nerve-wracking leaving blogger and dear old Notebook Sisters to venture into the world of WordPress.

Any regrets? Pfft. You make me laugh. I LOVE WORDPRESS.*

*Let us pretend I was not freaking out about it all during November. Deal? Deal.

 

First order of business? A SMALL PARTY.

I did have a Christmas book party planned, but the switch to WordPress had some glitches and I’ve downsized my-grand-schemes to this very small but modest HELLO PAPER FURY party. Don’t fear! I’ve got cake. And a giveaway. And me, of course, who you have missed very much after 10 or so days of silence.

C A U T I O N: MINOR MESS

Don’t panic if things look a bit messy! I’m still rearranging! But do feel free to whisper kindly to me if something looks particularly wrong. (You can tweet me or email me, too.)

And, unfortunately, I have lost a few months worth of comments. This is sad. But I’m not panicking about it (like I usually would). It just means I must have more discussions with you, right?!

Following: You shouldn’t have to refollow if you’re via bloglovin’. But you may possibly need to resubscribe if you’re via email (I attempted to switch the email followers but eh. Who knows if it worked.)

P A R T Y   N O W?

Yes, yes, keep your socks on.

Here’s how it’s going to work: I have a game to play! It’s basically a tag. I have 10 questions for you to fill out on your own blog (grab my blog button, post questions on your blog…etc…you know the drill) and you’ll get extra entries in the giveaway.

What’s the theme? It’s all about YOU. I know, right?! Fabulous! Because of my blog-name-change I figure all our blogs have a lot of backstory. Time to spill the beans to our followers.

(Plus you get to help me spread the word about notebooksisters.com being paperfury.com now. Because you’re helpful minions. Cake for you.)

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You absolutely do.

P A R T Y   G A M E: ‘BOUT THIS BLOGGER

RULES: Just grab these 10 questions, answer them on your own blog, grab my handy-dandy button (or link to paperfury.com) and you’re set! You can also add them into my linky if you like!


‘BOUT THIS BLOGGER

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What’s the story behind your blog’s name?
3. How many designs have you been through since you started blogging? (Pictures! We demand pictures!)
4. Have you ever switched blog platforms? What made you move? If you haven’t ever changed…why?
5. How long does it take you to write a post? What’s your postly process like?
6. Have you ever been super nervous about a post? Why?! What was it?
7. Do you have a blogging schedule?
8. Do you tell people In-Real-Life about your blog? Their reactions?
9. Top ten blogs you read/comment on the most! Go! Go!
10. If you could change/improve things about your blog, what would they be?

A D D   Y O U R   L I N K

Soda

1. Why did you start blogging?

All blame goes to my big sister Rachel @ Red Cat Inn. Back ten thousand years ago (okay, like, 3 years ago) she was living in China and we went to visit. We’d also just moved to a new state and had no friends.

Rachel: You should start a blog!
Me: What the heck is a blog.

It’s a very glamorous origin story. I started blogging (with my little sister Mime, who has darted off to do other marvellous things and is too busy to co-blog with me [hence the name change]) with no clue how to blog. It took me over a year to pass even 5 followers. I didn’t understand if I wanted comments I needed to make other blogging friends. (Duh. But, hey! I learnt!)

2. What’s the story behind your blog’s name?

As you know, I used to be Notebook Sisters because a) Mime and I co-blogged and we are, um, sisters (obviously) and b) it was the first name Mime came up with that didn’t have me screaming, “NO WAY.”

tumblr_mbfx76wyxn1r0c27po1_250I picked Paper Fury as my new solo-bloggo-nameo because of several reasons. And it took forever to pick it. (I whinged to my friend Lydia a lot about this. She is patient.) Firstly, I like that quote by Shakespeare “though she be little, she be fierce” because I am short and also I do everything ferociously. Furiously. Secondly, I obviously like paper. I read! I write! Paper! And thirdly, I kind of want to run the Avengers Initiative, okay?*

* While I do want to be Nick Fury, I actually did NOT think of this connection until I’d decided on the name.

3. How many designs have you been through since you started blogging? (Pictures! We demand pictures!)

My first design was a blogger freebie:

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 4.51.34 pm

I can’t for the life of me find my second design, but it was a black notebook style with a paper owl and I think possibly Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight once had the same design. (Ages and ages ago.)

Third was first design attempt by yours truly:

 

Screen Shot 2014-04-19 at 10.03.03 AM

Fourth design was half a free-template, half a design by me, but drawn by Mime:

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 5.22.23 pm

And NOW, of course, we have Paper Fury in it’s zentangled wonder. I drew the header, but my brother-in-law-and-web-designer (that’s totally his title) designed the rest.

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 5.01.04 pm

I have definitely come a long way with design but still: it is not my forte.

4. Have you ever switched blog platforms? What made you move? If you haven’t ever changed…why?

I’ve just changed to WordPress! I haven’t been happy with blogger for a long time. My blog comments got eaten, I struggled getting my posts to look exactly how I wanted them (rouge pictures flying everywhere) and I hated that I didn’t own my blog.

WordPress is amazing. I’m such a suckered converter. But the dashboard makes so much more sense and the widgets are helpful and IT IS REALLY SHINY. That’s definitely a reason I love it. (But I am still so new to WP, so if you have advice, throw it at me. I will love you.)

5. How long does it take you to write a post? What’s your postly process like?

Reviews take me about 15 minutes to write and 93487 hours to find the perfect gifs. OKAY. I’m exaggerating slightly. Sometimes the gifs come perfectly, other times I google. (And difficult books take longer.)

Posts with lots of photos take nine hundred years.

Discussions can take a few hours, because I write my thoughts, then edit, then delete, then start over. I’m a perfectionist like that.

Posts about how wonderful I am literally take 2 seconds because I have my minions type them up for me.*

ALL posts take days at the moment because I’m swamped with work and I have a puppy. Puppies don’t like you to blog because they can’t join in. (Well, my puppy does join in by chewing my computer cord, which I say is not okay.)

* This is true. You believe me, right?

6. Have you ever been super nervous about a post? Why?! What was it?

Posting my opinion when it’s controversial makes me very, very nervous. Posting 1 or 2-star reviews make me scared. (What if the author finds them?!) Posting my writing FREAKS ME OUT.

7. Do you have a blogging schedule?

Ha. I don’t have a set-in-stone schedule, but I do have a vague maybe-this-will-happen schedule. I always post at 7:00pm at night.

Sunday – Wrap ups or book hauls or….something else.
Monday and Tuesday – whatever happens
Wednesday – Top Ten Tuesday (it’s American! So I’m on time for them.)
Thursday – DAY OFF (I usually take my preschooling nephew/niece to the library and we eat snacks and cause havoc and generally don’t have time to blog)
Friday and Saturday – Mind explosions of weirdness probably

whohere

8. Do you tell people In-Real-Life about your blog? Their reactions?

NO. I can’t really explain this and it’s something I do want to change: but I am desperately embarrassed about my writing. Why?! I’m working to get my first YA book published and I blog fiendishly and it’s my passion and I love it. But still, when people ask me what I do, I say, “Oh, you know…stuff.” And then slink away.

tumblr_static_gif1I do find, though, that lots of people don’t understand blogging or writing. How do you explain blogging? “I use copious amounts of gifs, flail, obsessively photograph my books and write posts in all-caps…and people follow me.” LIKE WHAT.

9. Top ten blogs you read/comment on the most! Go! Go!

Oh gosh. This is a hard one because I actually comment regularly on 40+ blogs. And if someone comments on my blog I try super hard to return the comment on theirs.

But I am constantly commenting on:

1. Emily @ The Loony Teen Writer || 2. Jeann @ Happy Indulgence || 3. Engie @ Musings From Neville’s Navel || 4. Mel, Celine, Larissa @ YA Midnight Reads || 5. Charnell @ Reviews From A Bookworm || 6. Amanda @ Book Badger || 7. Lydia @ Planet Lydia || 8. Jess @ My Reading Dress || 9. Zoe @ The Infinite To Read Shelf || 10. Kara @ Diary of A Teen Writer

I have a lot of blogs I love though. This list is just the beginning.*

* Didn’t that sound rather ominous?

10. If you could change/improve things about your blog, what would they be?

Definitely design. I would love to be a better designer. (If you have tips for me, PROCLAIM THEM IN THE COMMENTS. Not even kidding. I want to learn.) I would also love to learn photography.

 

G I V E A W A Y   T I M E!

Rules:
– INT (as long as Book Depository ships to you)
– YA Book of choice under $11
– Must clutch your laptop/phone/tablet and declare “PAPERFURY IS THE BEST” to enter. (Totally legit.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

T H A N K   Y O U

Thanks for sticking with me, peoples! Thanks for following me (and re-following me) and listening to my slightly bizarre tweets and commenting (I so love your comments) and encouraging me and basically letting me subtly worm my way into your lives so when I take over the world and control everything, you will be prepared.

Mwah ha ha.

Spark by Rachael Craw || Interview, Giveaway, General Awesomeness

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Oh, my marvellous blogglings, do I have a treat for you today! Firstly, we get to chat with an author (yes, cue fangirling…an author!!!) and secondly you get my fantastic thoughts on her book — and wait! it’s not all! — then there is a giveaway!

Calm down, yes, calm down. We can get through this together without screaming our heads off. Are you ready?

Let’s do this. I’m excited!

Interview with the author, Rachael Craw!

Rachael Craw: reader, dreamer, joker, singer, believer, writer and lover of words.

I grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand, studied Classical Studies and Drama, became an English teacher and dabbled in acting. I even auditioned for Shortland Street. Spark is my debut YA sci-fi/crossover novel, the first in a trilogy being published by Walker Books Australia.

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads

What was the process behind coming up with the title for Spark?

Rachael: Oh boy, I love this question. I don’t think anyone has asked me that in an interview before! Good one, Cait! 

Way, way back 5.5 years ago, my first saved document for the manuscript was titled ‘Borders’ because much of the story is about crossing/transitioning from one state of being to another. The synthetic gene lurking in Evie’s DNA is activated and she goes from being a regular girl to a human ‘Shield’, a crossing over and she can never go back. Also one of the important landmarks in the story (both physically and symbolically) is the ‘Border River’. I toyed with another title: ‘Beside the Border River’ but felt it sounded too much like a romance novel and while there is a romantic thread through the story it isn’t the main point and I wanted something edgy that would give a hint of the sci-fi element.

Then the title changed to The Keeper – that’s what I originally called Shields. So, The Keeper lasted for about 4 years until Walker Books Australia picked it up and the rather brilliant marketing team suggested this term/title was a little over used and tired sounding. I agreed. As I started brain storming for a new title it inspired my desire to change the names of all the genetically engineered roles. Keepers, Seekers and Triggers became Shields, Strays and Sparks. ‘Spark’ became the official title and I love it because it indicates the chief thread of the storyline, saving Kitty and it also suggests a beginning, the ignition of the story and also the spark of first love.

Ooh, it certainly went through a few name changes! I love that you went with SPARK. Powerful! Do you have a favourite quote from SPARK?

Rachael: Wowsers, Cait! Another fantastic question I have never been asked before! I have a couple. Probably this one (part of it appears on the back cover blurb):

…I want to cry for him, for me, for the loss of innocence that comes with the blood in our veins. Killers by design. “You think God has a loophole for people who don’t have a choice?”“Hope so,” Jamie says. “Otherwise we’re screwed.”

Yay, I’m glad you like my questions! So can you tell us a little about how you went from finished manuscript to book deal?

Rachael: I suppose there were 4 steps over 4 years. I wrote a first draft that was longer than the bible. Seriously. It was the most wandering, bloated beast of a thing over 150,000 words. Next step was finding some professional help. I had the MS professionally assessed through TFS (Total Fiction Services). Barbara Else (author of The Tales of Fontania series) gave me lots of good feedback highlighting strengths, problems and advice plus a great list of books on writing. I reworked the MS and had 2 more assessments with Barbara and then had a year of mentoring with Chris Else (Author of River Road and other novels). We worked through the MS every word, every page from Feb-Nov. At the end of this process Barbara and Chris offered to represent me as Literary Agents. It took about a year. I had one no and then a beautiful big YES from WBA. <cue happy dance>
 

I shall happy dance with you!! I’m still so gobsmacked by the brilliant twist at the end! Did you know how you wanted the finale to work straight away? Or did it come to you as you wrote?

Rachael: This is so tricky to answer without dropping spoilers. First, thank you! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the twist. Amy Daoud, who designed the gorgeous cover for Spark, told me she shrieked and threw the book across the room when she hit that part of the story and let out an almighty WTF! LOL! So, it’s certainly had a powerful reaction. Yes I knew I wanted those things to happen from the get go and it was very hard for me to tell if I had provided enough scaffolding for the reader to accept the outcome without making it all super obvious. I wanted it to be a big surprise and then for the reader to look back and say, yeah, that makes sense. Thankfully I had a great editor who was able to reflect back to me and help me keep perspective
 

Oh you got the balance perfectly. What’s your favourite part of the writing process? Drafting, rewriting, editing…eating chocolate, etc.?

Rachael: I love the thrill of writing fresh, first draft rush, sitting at the laptop with no clue what’s going to come tumbling out on the page (I’m a pantser). However, I also love the craftsmanship element, the hard work of finding the best combination of words for the perfect image. I get pretty obsessed and I love wallowing in it.
 

I absolutely love how approachable (and fabulous!) you are on twitter. What are your views on hanging out with your readers? Do you worry about criticism or accidentally reading negative reviews?

Rachael: I’m naturally a social media creature so there is no ‘effort’ or ‘work’ involved in hanging out on Twitter/FB. I love it. It’s fun. I would love to be super cool and claim I never read reviews or don’t care when someone writes a negative review but that would be a big fat lie. I read it all. I am stoked when people love my work and disappointed when they don’t. However, I also completely understand that everybody brings their own filters, sensitivities, issues to the reading of a text and that not everybody will ‘get’ where I’m coming from. I bounce back pretty quick after criticism and for the most part people have been tremendously kind and positive about Spark.

Can we beeeeg any news about the sequel(s)?!

Rachael: Stray continues the story close after the finish of Spark. It is still told from Evie’s POV and focuses on a dilemma that sets her at odds with the Affinity Project and places her relationship with Jamie under tremendous strain. A significant part of the action takes place in the Affinity compound and you get a close up look at the workings of the organisation and you met several new colourful characters Evie must learn to work with. It is a much darker story and a lot heavier on the sci-fi. OMGosh just talking about it makes me nervous! lol
 

I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT. Okay, and last question! Since Spark has a superhuman flair, can you make a (terribly difficult) decision and tell us your favourite Marvel Avenger?

Rachael: Oh crumbs that is such a mean question!! How on earth can I choose? I am a huge Avengers fan and a devotee of Joss Whedon. In the movie I lean towards Tony Stark (Ironman) and love his relationship with Bruce Banner (Hulk) but my eyeballs love Thor.

I am an Iron Man sort of person myself too! Thank you so much for chatting with us, Rachael! It’s been awesome!

Rachael: Thanks SOOOO much Cait for reviewing Spark and giving time and space on your blog to promote it! I so appreciate it.

Review

Evie doesn’t have a choice.

One day she’s an ordinary seventeen year old, grieving for her mother. The next, she’s a Shield, the result of a decades-old experiment gone wrong, bound by DNA to defend her best friend from an unknown killer.

The threat could come at home, at school, anywhere. All Evie knows is that it will be a fight to the death.

And then there’s Jamie. irresistible. off-limits.

4-stars

I really loved this book and I have 2 very large opinions about it.

Opinion #1: It balanced delicately on the verge of superhero stereotypes…but….
Opinion #2: It had a GLORIOUS AND BRILLIANT plot twist that exploded my mind and made me tackle hug the entire 450-pages and promise to read all sequels forever and ever amen. 

It’s basically a superhero story.

I love superheroes! I do! Spark followed this concept of 3 types of people with modified DNA: type #1 wanted to kill people, type #2 needed protecting from the killers, and type #3 were the protectors. Awesome, right? I loved that. 

The characters were fabulous! It’s narrated by Evie who has to protect her BFF, Kitty. Kitty has a twin brother called Jamie who is hot (of cousre). Evie and Jamie had a “thing” when they were younger, but it rekindles when the story takes off. I liked Evie and Jamie’s relationship and the smushy scenes were balanced with the kick-your-butt-to-the-other-side-of-the-planet scenes. Although Kitty took a backseat the whole time. I’m sad. I like it when best-friends take the front row. And Evie sure fainted a lot. Regular wilting daisy.

My only frustration came at the huge emphasis on physical beauty.

When Evie gets her powers, she basically turns “beautiful” by shallow standards. She grows to supermodel height, grows massive boobs, and (with a few weeks training) turns athletically gorgeous. Um…okay then. This bothered me because it was really emphasised. All the people with powers were BEAUTIFUL. By these standards. I thought, in today’s modern era, we’d be embracing different forms of beauty. 
 

But let’s not forget the explosion of AWESOME at the end.

I did not see that plot twist coming and it built into something that clearly will be explored in the sequel. I’m excited! Bring it onnnnnn.

Giveaway!

– Australian only!
– Prizes sent directly from Walker Books
– You totally have to strike a superhero pose before entering. I’m just sayin’. You do.

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Q&A with Darren Groth (author of Are You Seeing Me?) + Giveaway!

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Remember how I reviewed (and flailed and raved) about Are You Seeing Me?

I reviewed it. I tweeted copiously. I might’ve made some lame Canadian puns about moose and meese because why not. NOW! Do I have some serious awesomeness to share with you, peoples!

The author, Darren Groth, is here for a Q&A! Aaand a giveaway!

I know! I know! The awesomeness is overwhelming me too.

This road trip will have earth-shattering consequences . . . 
Twins Justine and Perry are about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime in the Pacific Northwest. 
It’s been a year since they watched their dad lose his battle with cancer. Now, at only nineteen, Justine is the sole carer for her disabled brother. But with Perry having been accepted into an assisted-living residence, their reliance on each other is set to shift. Before they go their separate ways, they’re seeking to create the perfect memory. 
For Perry, the trip is a glorious celebration of his favourite things: mythical sea monsters, Jackie Chan movies and the study of earthquakes. 
For Justine, it’s a chance to reconcile the decision to ‘free’ her twin, to see who she is without her boyfriend, Marc – and to offer their mother the chance to atone for past wrongs. 
But the instability that has shaped their lives will not subside, and the seismic event that Perry forewarned threatens to reduce their worlds to rubble . . .

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Darren is a Vancouver author and new citizen of Canada, having moved from his native Australia in 2007. His work has been published on both sides of the Pacific and has garnered significant acclaim from literary critics, writing peers and a growing readership. His novel, ‘Kindling’, was produced for North America in 2013 by prominent indie, Exciting Press; previously the paperback was sold to Hachette in 2010 and released in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. His 2014 work, ‘Are You Seeing Me?’, published by Random House Australia, is now available.

For fun, he watches ’Game of Thrones’ with his beautiful Canadian wife and swims with his wondrous thirteen year old twins.

 website || twitter

Was Are You Seeing Me easier or harder to write than your previous books?

It was more difficult for two reasons: one, it was the first time I had a female narrator holding the steering wheel for half of the story; and two, it required more research than any of its predecessors. To paraphrase Peter Carey, the research for AYSM was “less than you might think, and more than I wanted to do.”

Ah. Research. It’s a killer, right?! Do you have a favourite quote you could share with us?

I have a number of faves, but I’ll go with this from Justine: “For years as a child, I thought the night-time knew secrets about my brother; that if I was close enough and awake enough, those secrets would be revealed in a sign or a vision or a whisper…”

I too have WAY too many favourite quotes! So! What was the process behind coming up with the title of Are You Seeing Me? Did it go through any changes?

It was certainly a process! During the early drafts, I went through three titles: The Mantle, Finding Fault and Master Disaster. Then my publisher suggested Are You Seeing Me? It sounded right from the get-go. I love that it has lots ofmeaning, both literally and metaphorically.


And it is so awesome. Those POV was harder to write: Justine or Perry?

Definitely Justine. Her voice needed the most tweaks in editing, just to make sure it was consistent and authentic. Perry was fun. There was a lot of creative freedom in putting his narrative together. 


How long did it take to go from first draft to published manuscript?

Unfortunately, three and a half years. Following my 2010 novel Kindling, I needed a new publisher. My agents went close to getting deals for it in 2012 and 2013, both in Australia and here in North America. Then, last December, just when I was about to give up on it, Random House Australia came through with an offer. It was a massive relief. 

YAY FOR RANDOM HOUSE. They have excellent taste in books. And lastly! Was any chocolate harmed in the making of this novel?!

Lol. I was largely a menace to beer, however my beautiful wife savaged more than her fair share of Dark Lindt 70%

Nothing beats dark chocolate, to be honest. Thanks so much for coming by, Darren!

The most massive thanks to Random House for offering 3 copies of Are You Seeing Me? and some posters! 

– Australian only
– 3 copies to be won
– Prizes will be shipped directly from the publisher
– You have to say Moose Meese Moose Meese 5 times really fast. 

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Day #2: Interview with A.G. Howard + Unhinged Giveaway

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Welcome to day 2 of our blog party! I’m super flawed by how many of you have played our party tag and linked up. Woot! You peoples are obviously amazing. Don’t forget to jump over and enter the Day #1 Giveaway.

But now for the interview we’ve aaaall been waiting for! A.G. Howard is visiting our blog! Cue enormous fangirling because this is one of my favourite authors. JUST SAYING.

Be sure to stop by A.G. Howard’s blog and did you know she has a spectacular Pinterest account? I’m not kidding, peoples: her pins are creeptastic. (Very Wonderland.) You can also catch her on Twitter and Facebook.

Click on the covers to go to the Goodreads page:


Which has been the hardest book of the three to write so far?

The final one. Not just because it was difficult saying goodbye to the characters and Wonderland (for a little while, at least) but I also lost two very close family members—one suddenly and unexpectedly—while writing it, so my real world turned upside down. My publisher was lovely and gave me an extension, but still, I had to keep writing through the pain to meet the new date. In some ways, it helped me, because I was able to weave some of the emotions I was feeling into the book. But it was still the hardest thing I’ve ever done, to just plunge forward like that. In the end, though, I feel that it was cathartic and I’m grateful I had something to make me keep going.

Aw, sorry to hear that, but so glad Wonderland kept you going. How long have you been lost in Wonderland writing this trilogy?

Haha. What do you mean have been? I’m still lost in Wonderland. I always will be. #NetherlingAtHeart

So! The burning question: Do you have a personal favourite between Jeb and Morpheus?

I don’t. From a writer’s standpoint, Morpheus is a constant challenge, always trying to steal scenes and getting all the best lines, not to mention turning the story on its head when I least expect it. And I do like a challenge. I also can’t get enough of his devious masterminded wizardry and wit. 

But Jeb is so genuine, loyal, and noble, in spite of the horrible childhood he lived. Also, I adore his sense of humor and the way he’s always pinning Morpheus with new bug names. Actually, confession time: I thoroughly enjoy the chemistry between these two guys. (Which—TEASER—you will see a lot more of in Ensnared). I also like that each guy brings out and complements different qualities in Alyssa—not just her light and dark sides, but how she makes decisions and how she views the world. SO, if I had to answer, I’d say they’re both my favorite for different reasons (and I getto say that since they’re my brainchildren). 😉

Oh gosh, the bug names definitely crack me up. Lately a lot of YA trilogies have had rather controversial conclusions. Are you nervous about how fans will receive Ensnared?

Sure, a part of me is nervous. But, I’m also confident in the ending. As much as I wish I could, I don’t expect to satisfy or appease every fan. No matter what I do, someone will be unhappy. I could’ve taken this ending several different ways, and each one would’ve been construed as “fair” or “unfair” depending on who you ask, because fair is purely subjective. Whereas, there is only ONE way that feels authentic. An author’s job is to figure that out, and have the guts to do it in spite of the fact that they know some people won’t like it. That’s what I did. Readers are smart and hate being emotionally manipulated. The only way to keep that from happening is to let the ending fall into line organically and naturally. That way, even if a fan doesn’t like the resolution, they can at least look back over the series as a whole and realize the author was being honest, and most importantly, entertained them in the telling. Because when it comes down to it, that’s the most important part of an author’s job. To entertain and provide escapism. If I can satisfy my readers at least in that one respect, I’ll consider it a job well done.

That was like…the best answer ever. And lastly, was any chocolate harmed in the making of this trilogy?! Be honest…


Let me answer this with a picture:
http://www.joshrimer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/chocolate_face1.jpg
That was pretty much me at the beginning, middle, and end of each writing session during the last quarter of the book. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get chocolate smudges off a keyboard and monitor.
A CHOCOLATE COMPUTER. (Yum.) Thanks for coming by, A.G.! It was super awesome getting to interview you about my favourite series of ever. I’m never dramatic. Nope. Counting down until Ensnared!

Thanks so much for having me over, Cait! I can’t wait to share Ensnared with everyone. 🙂

Thanks so much to A.G. Howard for offering an audio book of Unhinged and a swag pack up for grabs!

– This giveaway is USA ONLY
– Prize will be sent from the author
– Only crazy moths can enter. Okay, I am kidding. You don’t have to be a moth. Just crazy.

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Blog Party Day #1: Welcome to the Alice in Wonderland Tag + Giveaway

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Frabjous day and happy bloggy birthday to us! We’re turning 3 this week aw how the babies grow up and, as is the Notebook Sisters custom, we’re throwing a happy birthday party. To ourselves. WOOT.

For the next week (25th to 30th of May) serious celebrations will be going down. Trust me: you don’t want to miss this madness. And here’s a fun fact: before we were so obsessed with all-things-books, this blog was quite the homage to Alice in Wonderland. You just trot on over to our very first post of ever. (We even recited the Jabberwocky poem!) Because Cait loves the Moth is seriously committed to the asylum Splintered series by A.G. Howard, we decided to go back to our roots for this partying week.

Welcome to the Notebook Sisters Alice in Wonderland Blog Party!

What frabjous insanity should you look forward to?
– A.G. Howard will be stopping by for an interview + giveaway of Unhinged swag tomorrow! Eeep, my fangirling heart.
– We have some terrific Etsy store owner sponsors and YOU could win fabulous Alice in Wonderland notebooks.
– We have a party game to play.
– And OH: discussions!
– Plus of course there will be virtual food. Cait IS throwing this party after all.

To kick off today, we’re starting with a little Tea Party Blog Tag. We love to talk about books, and why not do it in an Alice in Wonderland themed way?! Plus: virtual party games are awesome. Am I right?

Alright, settle petal, and I’ll tell you how to play.

how to play the Tea Party Blog Tag:
– Snag our 10 questions below and answer them on your own blog.
– If you play you will be able to add in EXTRA points to our rafflecopter widget for the giveaway!
– Link to our blog and add our snazzy party button (below) to your post!
– It’s basically a tag, peoples, juuuust a tag.
– Go just a little bit crazy.

10 tag questions:
1. Just Alice: What book cover(s) has made you super curious?
2. Mad Hatter: List the craziest character(s) you’ve ever read.
3. Red Queen, Off With Your Head! What book have you felt like beheading?
4. White Rabbit: What books or series have been insanely popular but you’ve been “late” to pick them up?
5. Caterpillar: What’s the most confusing book you’ve read?
6. Dormouse: What was the last book that sent you to sleep?
7. Cheshire Cat: Book that made you laugh and smile?
8. Knave of Hearts: Most recent character who stole your heart?
9. Jabberwocky: Best villain you’ve read this year?
10. Down the Rabbit Hole: What’s the latest book/series/author that’s completely swallowed your interest?

Now just add your post linky (so we can stalk you politely) and you’re done!

We have two fantastic Etsy Stores sponsoring our giveaways! WOOT. Huge thank you to the immensely talented Crafty Pagan and Notbook! (We hope you can go check out their stores. Like, right now. Go go go.) Because we’re Notebook Sisters we’re giving away notebooks! See what I did there?! And not just any notebooks: Alice in Wonderland themed ones.

– giveaway is INTERNATIONAL
– there will be 6 winners: 3 of each kind of notebook
– prizes will be shipped from the etsy sellers
– to enter, you must recite the Jabberwocky poem. BACKWARDS. Okay! Okay! Not really. But kudos if you know any funky words from the poem.

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how exciting is this party?! huzzah! are you excited about the interview with A.G. Howard tomorrow? planning on linking up with our tag? also: cake all round, it’s a PAR-TAY!

Red Rising Review + Flash Giveaway

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I have waited a loooong time to share with you the delicacies of this morsel. (I read it October 2013!) Believe me when I say…


Also, I’m part of the RED RISING release day Flash Giveaway! (Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for the e-ARC!) 


15839976Darrow is a miner and a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he digs all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of the planet livable for future generations. Darrow has never seen the sky.

Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better future for his children.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow and Reds like him are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.

Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow joins a resistance group in order to infiltrate the ruling class and destroy society from within. He will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies… even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

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buy it at:
amazon  |  B&N  |  iBookstore |  google play |  all other retailers

Pierce Brown
Pierce Brown’s first novel, RED RISING (Del Rey Books), debuts January 28, 2014. It is the first instalment in The Red Rising Trilogy.

Pierce Brown spent his childhood building forts and setting traps for his cousins in the woods of six states and the deserts of two. Graduating college in 2010, he fancied the idea of continuing his studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a magical bone in his body. So while trying to make it as a writer, he worked as a manager of social media at a startup tech company, toiled as a peon on the Disney lot at ABC Studios, did his time as an NBC page, and gave sleep deprivation a new meaning during his stint as an aide on a U.S. Senate Campaign.

Now he lives in Los Angeles, where he scribbles tales of spaceships, wizards, ghouls, and most things old or bizarre.

Do you know how HARD it is to write a review for a book that smothered you with brilliance? It’s hard, okay? So I’ll attempt to thump my high regard for this novel into a coherent review. (No promises on being logical, though.) IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE! What do I start with?! 

The writing: ohmygosh, slay me, I love writing this raw and vicious. There’s no excess. 

The characters? Knocked me down! They were all so well written. They breathed fire and ice and you could feel that from the first hundred pages. I’m not joking, guys. In a FEW WORDS the characters blossomed into 3D people. 

Darrow is the narrator. He’s 16-years-old, which drones of the typical dystopian age, but he’s cast in a new light. In his hole in the ground (literally), you live hard and die young. At 16 he’s married to Eo, the love of his life. 

I’ll slip in a word about the names too. Very Roman, but I loved how they weren’t typical Roman names. Sure they had Pollux, Julian, and Antonia. But there were brilliant ones like: Cassius, Eo (gosh, that is such a good name), Sevrus, Priam, Pax. Just let me take a moment to appreciate the brilliant names.

The plot?! As a vivacious bookworm, I demand a good plot. I love something that’ll keep me on my toes the whole time. GOSH. I was kept on my toes with this one. I confess, it was complex. Not in a detailed way, more in a everyone-has-Roman-names-and-double-identities way. In all honesty, I don’t think there were enough clues laid for the plot twists. They just socked you in the jaw. Nice, but it could have been refined. But seriously – the ending? I didn’t know what Darrow would do. I had half a foot in each camp and the answer he chose: I died and cheered all at once. 


BUT (here comes Miss Raincloud), I do have to note here: this is like a more violent and psychological version of THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. Every other book that has used elements of THG, I’ve automatically disliked. RED RISING is an exception and it took me a while to decide why. I think it does stand apart, even if it uses a lot of the same elements. There’s Roman names and themes, there’s a type of “arena” where students basically fight-to-survive-and-dominate, and there’s a tipping point (Prim/Eo). Honestly, I think RED RISING scrapes way to close to THG for comfort. It annoyed me, but only slightly. I think RED RISING had a different enough sci-fi feel to escape my frownie face. (I really think YA should lay off the Roman-ness, too. Overdone? How about YES.)

Instead of Districts (THE HUNGER GAMES) or Factions (DIVERGENT), we have colours! Yay! I like colours! I love how the colours wore woven in (Gold being the top dog). I love the slang and culture of each colour. There is so much thought in this book. I never once thought, “Well, that wasn’t thought through well, was it?” Everything was spectacular. 

I’m in danger of gushing (too late), so I’ll end with AHHHHHH. I needneedneed the next book. (Is it even legal to write this well???)


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Besides working on her Loki impersonations (she practises avidly), Cait has been busy reading. Not writing the millions of book ideas she has. No. That would be funny. But reading is writing research. So is Pinterest. Currently, she’s reading SISTERS RED. (Red is popular in YA books apparently.)