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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Blog Tour- THE REQUIEM RED by Brynn Chapman A Guest Post & Giveaway!


Hey y'all! I have a guest post from Brynn Chapman, author of the awesome historical fantasy book THE REQUIEM RED! I am freaking in love with this book!!! Oh and stick around for the giveaway!


Haven't heard of THE REQUIEM RED? Check it out!


Title: THE REQUIEM RED
Author: Brynn Chapman
Pub. Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books
Pages: 300
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks 
Patient Twenty-nine.

A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curseor gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.

Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.

But the monster has other plans. The missing girls share one common thread...each was twenty-nine's cell mate.



Will she be next?

Now on to the post! 

Music and Synesthesia
Synesthesia is a neurological anomalywhere senses combine. People with synesthesia may taste shapes or a common variation is to have mental images of letters paired with colorsleading to early readers. There is a myriad of sense combinations.

For REQUIEM RED- I expounded on this conceptand paired musicthe notes specifically, with colors.

Jane, our main characteris not only a musical prodigyshe has been playing since the age of threeviolin and cellobut she sees notes in color. Resulting in a cognitive rainbow of music and lights and colors as she plays and composes music.

This power has been her savior and her persecutor, simultaneously.  Because Janehears voices in the music. Not all music, not all the timebut in a specific type of music

That music is different becauseall of the notes are in RED. Which for heris frightening, and highly unusual. Music is her comfortbut not when she hears THE REQUIEM RED.


The voices are why she has been incarcerated in Soothing Hills Asylum since the tender age of three. The voices are the reason she ends up in solitary confinement. The voices keep her from being who she really is




If you want to imagine what it is like to live in Jane’s brain,

Here is a wonderful illustration of synesthesiafrom a neuroscientist gifted with the ability.



Also of note, if you are a visual reader, is my pintrest board for REQUIEM REDfilled with cold, beauty, music and heartache.

So if you’re intriguedcome visit Jane and Mason. Watch as they fight to unravel the mystery of the musical languageand follow it to its origin.


Will the revelations help Jane escapeor drive her further into insanity? 


Pic of the Asylum in Jane’s time.


About Brynn:
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and lovenot necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Aspergers syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

She also writes under the pseudonym R.R. Smythe.





Giveaway Details:


·        Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Requiem Red by Brynn Chapman (INT)



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Go to Chapter by Chapter to check out the Tour Schedule for more awesome posts!




Dying to Read (149)- CRYSTAL STORM by Morgan Rhodes


Hey y’all thanks for stopping by to see my Dying to Read post and of course as always I have to give credit to the lovely Jill over at Breaking the Spine for the Waiting on Wednesday Meme!



I'm slightly obsessed with this series so of course I can't wait to read this one!!



Title: CRYSTAL STORM
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Release Date: December 13, 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 336
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | iBooks
An epic clash between gods and mortals threatens to tear Mytica apart . . . and prove that not even the purest of love stands a chance against the strongest of magic.

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise.

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?
So what do you think? Will you be adding this to your pile? What are you dying to read this week?

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday (60)- 10 Of My Most Recent 5 Star Reads


Hi thanks for stopping by!!! And welcome to my Top 10 Tuesday post! 

Thanks to the lovely ladies at The Broke And The Bookish for creating this weekly meme!

Here's this week's topic.

March 29: 10 Of My Most Recent 5 Star Reads

I just backtracked on my goodreads list so these aren't in order of how I read them but by publication date. I'm going to link to my book reviews on goodreads so this post doesn't get too long. I will add pics of the covers though so you can see those pretties. 

1. THE READER by Traci Chee.



2. AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White.



3. THE MARKED GIRL by Lindsey Klingele.



4. MY LADY JANE by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, & Jodi Meadows.



5. THE SLEEPING PRINCE by Melinda Salisbury.



6. THE CROWN'S GAME by Evelyn Skye.



7.  RISE by Jennifer Anne Davis.



8. RUINED by Amy Tintera.



9. THE STAR TOUCHED QUEEN by Roshani Chokshi.



10. THE ROSE & THE DAGGER by Renee Ahdieh.


I'm adding on one honorable mention because I can't get over how good this book was and also it needs more attention! 

MAGNETIC SHIFT by Lucy D. Briand!






So what about you? What are the laste 5 star books you've read? And check back next week for my Ten Bookish People You Should Follow On Twitter/Instagram/Youtube/Snapchat/Facebook -- you pick the platform of your choice to talk about all the interesting bookish people to follow!


Hugs,
Jaime


Friday, March 25, 2016

Blog Tour- FUTURE SHOCK by Elizabeth Briggs A Would You Rather Post & Giveaway!


I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on blog tour for FUTURE SHOCK by Elizabeth Briggs! I LOVED this book! I have a would you rather Q&A to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a finished copy of the book! 


Haven't heard of FUTURE SHOCK? Check it out!

Title: FUTURE SHOCK
Author: Elizabeth Briggs
Release Date: April 1, 2016
Pages: 272
Publisher: AW Teen
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Elena Martinez has hidden her eidetic memory all her life--or so she thinks. When powerful tech giant Aether Corporation selects her for a top-secret project, she can't say no. All she has to do is participate in a trip to the future to bring back data, and she'll be set for life.

Elena joins a team of four other teens with special skills, including Adam, a science prodigy with his own reason for being there. But when the time travelers arrive in the future, something goes wrong and they break the only rule they were given: do not look into their own fates.

Now they have twenty-four hours to get back to the present and find a way to stop a seemingly inevitable future from unfolding. With time running out and deadly secrets uncovered, Elena must use her eidetic memory, street smarts, and a growing trust in Adam to save her new friends and herself. 
Now on to the interview!

Would you rather travel to the future or the past?
The future – that’s how I got the idea for Future Shock!
Would you rather have the ability to fly or teleport?
Teleport
Would you rather have the ability to read minds or to heal?
Heal
Would you rather be super strong or super fast?
Super fast
Would you rather read one awesome book for the rest of your life or a hundred mediocre books?
A hundred mediocre books… I get bored easily.
Would you rather eat sweet or salty foods?
Salty
Would you rather have a dragon or be a dragon?
Have a dragon
Would you rather get up early or stay up late?
Stay up late
Would you rather speak every language in the world or play every instrument?
Speak every language
Would you rather always have the same song stuck in your head or always have the same dream at night?
Same dream every night
Would you rather live in space or under the sea?
In space
Would you rather take a vacation on an exotic island or in a romantic city?
Romantic city
Would you rather live without a telephone or a television?
Television
Would you rather live in the city or the country?
City
Would you rather live by the ocean or by the mountains?
Ocean
Would you rather be stuck in a house with someone you hate or be stuck in a house alone?
Alone


Check out the book playlist!


About Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Sociology, currently mentors teens in writing, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She's the author of the new adult Chasing The Dream series and the upcoming young adult novel Future Shock. Elizabeth lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of fluffy dogs. You can connect with her online at:www.elizabethbriggs.net


Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of FUTURE SHOCK, US Only


10 will receive swag sets, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/21/2016- The Cover Contessa- Interview
3/22/2016- U.S. - Brazil Book ReviewReview
3/23/2016- A Dream Within A DreamGuest Post
3/24/2016- Andi's ABCsReview
3/25/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:
3/28/2016- Polished Page-TurnersReview
3/29/2016- Addicted ReadersGuest Post
3/30/2016- 125PagesReview
3/31/2016- Owl Always Be ReadingInterview
4/1/2016- Rachel's Book ReviewsReview



Thursday, March 24, 2016

Blog Tour- THE SKYLIGHTER by Becky Wallace An Interview & Giveaway!


I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on blog tour for THE SKYLIGHTER by Becky Wallace! I freaking LOVED this series!!! I have an interview with Becky to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a finished copy of the book! 


Haven't heard of THE SKYLIGHTER? Check it out!

Title: THE SKYLIGHTER
Author: Becky Wallace
Release Date: March 22, 2016
Pages: 432
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Johanna and Rafi are in a race against time to save their country before a power-mad Keeper destroys everything they hold dear in the “enthralling magical world” (Cinda Williams Chima, author of The Heir Chronicles) introduced in The Storyspinner.

As the last of the royal line, Johanna is the only person who can heal a magical breach in the wall that separates her kingdom of Santarem from the land of the Keepers, legendary men and women who wield elemental magic. The barrier protects Santarem from those Keepers who might try to take power over mere humans…Keepers who are determined to stop Johanna and seize the wall’s power for themselves.


And they’re not the only ones. As the duchys of Santarem descend into war over the throne, Johanna relies more than ever on the advice of her handsome companion, Lord Rafael DeSilva. But Rafi is a duke too, and his people come first. As their friendship progresses into the beginnings of a tender relationship, Johanna must wonder: is Rafi looking out for her happiness, or does he want the throne for himself?


With war on the horizon, Johanna and Rafi dodge treacherous dukes and Keeper assassins as they race to through the countryside, determined to strengthen the wall before it’s too late…even if it means sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their world. 
Now on to the interview!

Hi Becky! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books! I freaking LOVED THE KEEPER’S CHRONICLES and I know my readers will as well and am so happy that you could stop by for a visit!

For the readers: can you recap where we left off after THE STORYSPINNER and what we can expect from THE SKYLIGHTER?

THE SKYLIGHTER picks up right where THE STORYSPINNER left off.  Here’s my short summary:
War is coming.
The magical wall that protects Santarem is falling.
Johanna and Rafi must defeat treacherous dukes and dodge magic-wielding assassins to save their people from slavery and destruction…
Even if it means sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their world.
DUN, DUN, DUNNNNN!
Okay, the last line is not part of my official summary. I just like the way it sounds.

So…. What are you writing now??? Please say a story from Dom’s POV!

I would LOVE to say that I’m writing Dom’s story, but whether that story gets picked up depends on how well SKYLIGHTER is received! *crosses fingers*

But other than that, I’m working on another fantasy in a totally different world. It’s a much closer story than my duology, focusing on only two characters and the dangerous appeal of magic and power.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

Dom is my favorite character to write because he’s so FUN. I’d love to hang out with him in real life because beyond the good looks, wit, and charm, he’s passionate and caring. Also, easy on the eyes. Did I mention that?

I don’t have a least favorite, but the hardest character to write in SKYLIGHTER was Pira. Oh, the stuff I put her through…*cringe* Trust me, you’ll totally understand when you read chapters 45 and 46. I’m sorry, Pira!  

What is your favorite passage/scene in THE SKYLIGHTER?

I love the Inn Scene because…



Yes. That.

I also love Rafi-the-Warrior scene.  You don’t get to see him in action very much in THE STORYSPINNER, but you get a lot more sword-wielding, butt-kicking, gauntlet-throwing moments in THE SKYLIGHTER. Also, he wears this painfully ugly little shirt, which I find hilarious. He manages to be a total Bad A while wearing a multi-colored sheep shirt.

Sheep Shirt. Say it with me. It gets funnier with repetition.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I learned a LOT about European influence on South America, specifically northern Brazil. The colonization by both the Portuguese and the Dutch really changed the culture, architecture, language, and food. I grounded the world of Santarem in that era, and it’s beautiful in my head!  Here’s one of the pictures that inspired me:

Photo credit: Jennifer Chen

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I’m currently reading Lee Kelly’s A CRIMINAL MAGIC. I love the fantastical twist on the prohibition era and mobster magicians!! 

I’m looking forward to Victoria Schwab’s A GATHERING OF SHADOWS. It’s on my kindle right now, but I can’t open it until I finish the draft of my current project.  It’s good motivation! ;)

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

Gavriel Duval from Robin LaFevers GRAVE MERCY. I’ve read dozens of EXCELLENT YA books since GRAVE MERCY released, but none of the love interests affected me like Duval. The scene where he comes into Ismae’s room and is sitting on the floor beside her bed, and she’s trying to decide if she should reach out and touch him or not??? Yes, please. More of that. Forever.

What inspired you to write YA?

I have four small children, and I write for them and the teenagers they’ll become! I believe books teach us empathy and inspire our imaginations. I hope my children will look at the world with open hearts, and seek EVERYONE’S backstory before making a judgement. And if they can’t learn or understand why people do or believe a certain way, I hope my children will create a backstory that allows them to see every person in the kindest light.

Lightening Round Questions

Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter.

If the sorting hat were to place you into a house at Hogwarts which house would you be put in?
Hufflepuff. Niceness can be a curse.

Favorite Superhero?
Captain America because Chris Evans.

Favorite TV show?
So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing with the Stars! 

Sweet or Salty?
Sweet

Any Phobias?
The list is long: heights, naturally occurring holes (trypophobia), small caves and tunnels (not really claustrophobia because it’s only caves and tunnels…weird, I know), water that I can’t see through (just because you can’t see the shark doesn’t mean it’s not there), and cluttered counters.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?
I find myself listening to Shawn Mendez’s Stitches a lot…which I find painfully embarrassing to admit for some reason.

Upcoming Movie you’re most looking forward to?
The new Jason Bourne Movie! Did y’all see the Superbowl Commercial? I rewound the game and watched it twice. SO GOOD.

Thanks so much Becky for answering my questions! 





About Becky:
In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.


Giveaway Details:
5 winners will receive autographed SETS of STORYSPINNER and SKYLIGHTER with swag, US Only.


10 will receive swag sets, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/14/2016- Once Upon A TwilightInterview
3/15/2016- Jessabella ReadsReview
3/16/2016- Owl Always Be ReadingExcerpt
3/17/2016- Take Me Away To A Great ReadReview
3/18/2016- a GREAT readInterview

Week Two:
3/21/2016- Mundie MomsReview
3/22/2016- Supernatural SnarkGuest Post
3/23/2016- Wishful EndingsReview
3/24/2016- Two Chicks on BooksInterview
3/25/2016- Seeing Double In NeverlandReview


Start where it all began!

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