Masque of The Red Death Blog tour and a Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on the Masque of the Red Death blog tour! Today we have the honor of hosting the amazing Bethany Griffin who answered some of Jaime’s burning questions about Masque, writing, and birthdays! Yep you heard that right, birthdays why you ask? Well not only is today our tour stop day but also Bethany’s birthday. Happy Birthday Bethany!!!!!! Yay *throws confetti* *cracks open the champagne* and because it’s Bethany’s birthday we’re giving away a present! One signed ARC of the Masque of the Red Death  a gorgeous bookmark, and an awesome leather wristband with a quote from the book!

On to the Q&A and we love Bethany’s answers!

1. Why Poe and why Masque? What made you decide to pick that instead of say…. The Fall of The House of Usher or The Tell Tale Heart?

Well, I don't have any reason NOT to write/retell any of Poe's other stories, but  there are a million reasons for Masque of the Red Death. The themes of Masque, trying to cheat death, the idea of a rich upper class trying to cheat death by partying while the world falls apart, these are relevant and timely, and...interesting. I've always loved dystopian and post-apocalyptic books, The Handmaid's Tale, The Stand, and The Giver are three of my all time favorite books. But I wasn't willing to even attempt any of those genres until I felt I had something interesting and unique. When I started re-reading Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, the ideas that were percolating in my head were (or at least seemed) unique and different, and that gave me the impetus to start this project. And once I started it, I really couldn't stop. I loved writing it. 

Jaime loved reading it J

2. Did you always plan on writing both of the male characters Will and Elliott to be so darned different but lovable? Usually in books there’s a clear choice whom the heroine should be with but in yours it’s almost impossible to choose.

Honestly, I don't know. I do love both of them in different ways. Elliott was fun because he is so messed up (you'll learn a bit more about that in book 2) and Will is mysterious and so different from you expect the first time you meet him. I loved writing them. And I agree with your assessment that there is no clear cut choice at the end of book 1. I had a basic plan for the story, but when I sat down to write the outline for book 2, I had to really second guess my choices and think about who she  would end up with and why. 

Ok dying to know here but we know we’ll have to wait…… (very impatiently)

3. The cover art for Masque is gorgeous!!! Was it love at first sight when you saw it? Is that what you pictured Araby looking like?

I thought it was beautiful when I saw it. But now that I've seen the effects, the glowing background and the raised lettering, the entire package of the book, I'm totally in love with it. I guess I see the girl on the cover as sort of symbolic representation of Araby, rather than like an exact portrait. That's really how I like to see characters on book covers, I guess, sort of symbolic and representational (which is another reason I LOVE my cover). 

We loved it too it’s very haunting and beautiful!

4. Oh and the Debauchery Club (loved it btw) how did you imagine this multi-leveled place with secrets and danger? Was there a location that you had maybe seen or is it all made up?   

 The Debauchery Club is based on Victorian Gentleman's clubs, or private clubs where people would have gone to drink and gamble, hang out? I don't know. I had a vague idea what those sort of places might be like, and then I changed it in ways that I thought were awesome and cool and worked for the story. Of course I needed the club to be open to females, and teenage girls at that. I'm pretty happy with it. I've seen a few reviewers who said that not enough Debauchery happens there...but I think we see enough. We see what Araby is okay with seeing. 

Haha Jaime thought it was perfect no one wants to see all the seedy things going on. Some things are better left to the imagination ;)

5. Did you listen to any music when you were writing Masque? What was your playlist?

Ah, the Playlist question. I don't actually listen to music while I write (okay, sometimes the LORT soundtrack, but don't tell anyone) but really, music with lyrics is distracting to me. When I do listen to music, is when I walk, and I amble around a lot when writing. When writing Masque I listened to a lot of Portishead, a lot of Nine Inch Nails, and quite a bit of Tool. 

Just had to say Hell Yes to Portishead, Tool, and Nine Inch Nails!!!! Jaime loves those bands and they totally popped into her head when thinking of the Debauchery club and certain other scenes.

6. So we know April 16^th is your birthday and it just happens to be our tour stop day ;) what was the best birthday present you ever received?

Oh wow, that's a good question. I'm not really a surprise person, I'm more of a carefully choose something and think about it for three months before the event happens sort of person, but, when I was in 6th grade, my grandmother took me to Hawaii over spring break, so for my birthday, which was the week before, my mom bought me this fancy underwater 35mm camera, complete with a variety of cases and accessories. It was awesome, and way too expensive for a 6th grader. 

Oh what a great mom and grandma! That would have been an awesome birthday!

7.  So we know you’re going to be in Salt Lake City for the Smart Chicks Kick It tour in September. What’s the rest of your tour schedule look like? And how excited are you to get out and meet your readers? 


 I'm going to be at BEA, and I'm checking for more information...if I don't get back to you on this email me! 

Oh poop we’re not going to BEA. Haha don’t worry we will ;)

8. Last question any tips for our aspiring writers out there? 

I think you just have to find the thing that's right for you. Masque is such a weird blend of all the genres I read growing up, and all this weird knowledge I have about different time periods. My first published book, which I'm still really proud of, was realistic contemporary, and I didn't have anything particularly new or insightful to add to that genre. It wasn't until I figured out what I could do that was different that I really found my voice/niche. So, find what you want to do...what you are good at...and don't ever stop trying. I've written a lot of manuscripts. 

Thanks so much Bethany for answering our questions! And happy birthday again hope your day totally rocks! Make sure to check out Jaime's review of Masque of the Red Death Here

Also thanks to Harper Teen for inviting us to be on the tour and the signed ARC of Masque that we’re giving away! To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to check out all the other awesome blogs hosting the tour for some awesome posts and a few other chances to win a Signed Book!

4/17    http://amberinblunderland.blogspot.com                     

4/18    http://bookalicio.us                                                               

4/19    http://hobbitsies.net/wordpress                                

4/20   http://www.princessbookie.com                                   

4/23   http://www.spadeshighreads.com                                

4/24   http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com                    

4/25   http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy.com              

4/26   http://booktwirps.com                                                  

4/27   http://www.iceybooks.com                                             

Jaime's Review of Balthazar by Claudia Gray

From Goodreads.
Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

Jaime’s review….

First thing I said when I found out about this book was “Heck Yes!” Balthazar was my favorite character from the Evernight Books. Second thing? I hope it’s a series! Well I’m not sure now if it will be one but I can still hope because she left the ending open with plenty of potential for one. J

When reading Balthazar I thought I’d miss Bianca and Lucas in the story but they were both there for small parts and, I really wished a few of the other characters I loved from the Evernight books would be as well but alas they weren’t. I loved getting to know Skye better though she’s so much more than I thought she would be and she’s pretty kick ass on her own. I enjoyed her spunk and willingness to do whatever she needed to do to stay safe and beat the bad vampires.

The best part of this book though was all the things Balthazar I fell in love with this guy even more than I thought I could. I loved seeing glimpses into his past which made him what he was in the present. I absolutely loved his protectiveness over Skye and him falling in love with her was awesome! He tried to fight it to protect her but she didn’t make it easy and I found myself saying “You go girl!” in a few different places. Skye knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it. I loved Balthazar’s internal struggles and it was quite funny when he got flustered he made me giggle.

The story itself was really engrossing I couldn’t wait to see what would happen with this Redgrave fellow and what Balthazar’s crazy sister Charity had up her sleeve. I can honestly say after what she did to Lucas I wanted her dead but Balty being well, Balty he couldn’t kill his damaged sister. Redgrave is seriously one smart bad guy he’s calculating and cruel but, he’s also gorgeous and suave which makes him even more dangerous.

So back to why I think this should be a series I love Balthazar and I could read many more books about him! We barely scraped the surface on his past and what makes him tick and like I said Claudia left enough on an opening at the end there. Also by the end of the book we knew what Skye was and what she could do but, we didn’t get to explore it much and if there’s not a strictly Balthazar series I would love to see one with the both of them. There are so many places it could go!

For my teaser passage I decided to use one with Skye where she’s talking to an old friend from Evernight because I thought this was freaking hilarious J

“Nothing else has happened.”

“He kissed you!”

“Once. And I kissed him once. That’s it.”

“You need to jump his bones.”

“Clementine!”

“You know you do!”

“No,” Skye said, trying to sound more firm than she felt.”Chasing a guy like that only gets you hurt. Any guy who really cares about you should want to be with you. Once he knows how you feel, He should step up.”

“And you feel like Balthazar’s not stepping up?”

Balthazar comes out March 6^th so pre-order it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or The Book Depository.

Make sure to add it to your Goodreads lists and make sure to check out Claudia’s website!

Thanks again to the amazing people at Harper Teen for the Advanced Readers Copy!

Jaime's Review of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

From Goodreads.
I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.
Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Jaime’s review….

During my week off from review books Delirium was on my list and the minute I picked it up I was sucked into this amazing dystopian world where love is outlawed. When I first met Lena she completely broke my heart how could a girl not want to love? But then we both met Alex and we both fell hard for the boy with hair like an auburn crown and I didn’t want this love story to ever end! Then it did and it killed me I cried and was completely stunned with what happened.

Skip forward to Pandemonium I was so mad with Lauren for what happened at the end of Delirium that I didn’t want to like this book. I really didn’t and when I heard some non spoilery stuff online like there being another boy I did not want to fall for him at all. I wanted to stay true to Alex. As the story unfolded though I found it hard not to care about this new boy Julian I fought my emotions hard I could not be falling for another one could I? The same thing Lena was thinking.

What I loved about this book was like in Delirium we jumped between Then and Now. Then being The Wilds after Lena’s escape from Portland and Now being set in New York where she is part of the Resistance working hard to make love legal again. I really enjoyed the Ten parts because we get to meet some really cool people I know a lot of the reviews say they hated Raven at first but I didn’t I got her and why she acted the way she did. I also grew really fond of Hunter and Tack. In the Now is where I found myself fighting and losing my battle not to fall in love with Julian who in all rights I should have hated he was part of the bad people, the ones who want to do away with love, but something happens and well I’ll just say wow! Oh and then the ending??? I kinda saw it coming for a few reasons but all I can say is holy crap that blew my mind and book 3 now please! The wait is going to suck for sure.

I had a really hard time picking a quote or scene from this one there’s so much spoilery but I think I found a good one….

“You were calling for Alex,” Julian says, and I feel a small spasm of pain in my stomach. More silence, then: “It was him, wasn’t it? He’s the one who got you sick?”

“What does it matter?” I say. I lie down again.

“So what happened to him?” Julian asks.

“He died,” I say shortly, because that is what Julian wants to hear. I picture a tall tower, smooth-sided, stretching all the way to the sky. There are stairs cut in the side of the tower, winding up and up. I take the first step into the coolness and shade.

“How?” Julian asks. “Because of the deliria?” I know if I say yes he’ll feel good. See, he’ll think. We’re right. We’ve been right all this time. Let people die, so we can be right.

“You,” I say. “Your people.”

Julian sucks in a quick breath. When he speaks again, his voice is softer. “You said you never had nightmares.”

I wall myself up inside. From the tower, the people on the ground are no more than ants, specks, punctuation marks: easily smudged out.

“I’m an Invalid,” I say. “We lie.”

Ok so I hope that didn’t tease you too much because you don’t have that long to wait 

Pandemonium comes out February 28^th so pre-order it on Amazon
Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository.

If you haven’t make sure to add Pandemonium to your Goodreads lists and check out Lauren’s website!

A huge thanks to Harper Teen for the Advanced Reading Copy! As always you are too good to us!

Jaime's Review of Everneath by Brodi Ashton and a Giveaway

From Goodreads.
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her; six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Jaime’s review….

Brodi Ashton’s debut novel is a fresh breath of air in a genre swamped with witches, vampires, and werewolves! The mythology she brought to life in this story is amazing! I already knew the myths of Persephone and of Orpheus and Eurydice and so I was very interested to see Brodi’s take on this myth.

She did not disappoint at all!

This is my take on the story but in the synopsis above the immortal Cole is the villain. I disagree I believed time to be the bad guy and, I actually fell head over heels in love with Cole I believe he was behaving the only way he knew how. If I would have been Nikki I would have followed him wherever he asked me to. Nikki on the other hand is completely in love with Jack all her plans and her reason for coming back is Jack. I liked him but for some reason I didn’t connect with him like some of my other friends did. I figured out what was going to happen at the end of the story about half way in but that didn’t stop me from finishing I had to make sure that Brodi didn’t throw in any surprises there. Another reason I finished? Brodi’s writing is superb and I had to see how she was going to write the end and like I figured she left me wanting more! I am so happy this is a trilogy I put Everneath down and immediately wanted to start book 2 which sucks because we have a long wait for that.

Lately I’ve been posting quotes from my favorite characters to show you why I love them so now for a quote from the immortal rock god Cole ;)

“Sometimes, when something hurts us, our hearts break a little- in a slightly more… literal way than for humans. Our pain sort of spills out and onto anyone around us. We call it a cracked heart.”

I loved him before that quote and I believe I fell a bit harder at that moment!

If you like mythology or just want an awesome read this book is definitely for you! The wonderful love story will keep you turning the pages either way you read it Nikki and Cole or Nikki and Jack it is epic and I highly recommend it!   Here’s the trailer to tempt you just a little bit more!

Everneath comes out January 24^th and you can pre-order it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the Book Depository and be sure to follow Brodi on twitter and check out her website!

Thanks Harper Teen for the Advanced Reading Copy and Brodi Ashton for writing an incredible story!


************Update*********
The winner of the signed bookmark and guitar pick is Julianna Helms!!!! Congrats Julianna we sent an email your way :)


Ok so for the giveaway! Jen over at Fictitious Delicious is posting her review now as well. While Jen and I are dear friends we have chosen different teams in this book I am clearly #TeamCole and Jen is #TeamJack. So comment below and let us know which boy you would choose based off our reviews and you could win a signed bookmark and a guitar pick from Brodi! She has given us some to give out. Here's what they look like.

Pretty right? So comment below and remember to leave your email address and for another entry hop over to Fictitious Delicious to enter on their site! Good Luck!!! :) Contest ends midnight EST next tuesday. oh yeah and remember to tweet Jen @FictishDelish   and tell her why Cole is the best :D

Jaime's Review of Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

From Goodreads.
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Jaime’s review….

So you’re probably wondering why Patricia and I are posting back to back reviews; we normally don’t but when we both had the chance to read an ARC of  Clockwork Prince we jumped at the chance! The awesome Amy from the YA Sisterhood had received one because she was Jace’s advocate in the Hero’s Tournament on their page and being that Amy is a total sweetheart she wanted to share it with us! Thanks Amy!!!!! <333333

On to the review.

My heart actually hurts with thoughts of this book not because it was bad but, because it was absolutely brilliant, heart stopping, tears streaming down my cheeks, frustrated screaming, jumping with joy brilliant!!!!! This series is by far a favorite of mine and don’t me mad all you TMI fans and Team Jace people out there but, The Infernal Devices series in my opinion is sooo much better and I am completely and 100% Team Will! He utterly and completely shatters my heart and turns me into a pile of goo. I do love Jem also, sweet compassionate Jem but not with the fiery passion that Will has set ablaze in my heart and bones.

The story itself is beautifully written and there is violence, betrayals, new characters that bring even more to the fray, passion, and some very sexy, steamy, fans oneself scenes! I know most of you have probably seen the teaser trailer of the Balcony Scene by now but holy hell that teaser as steamy as it was doesn’t do it justice! I literally had flushed cheeks and was biting my lip reading it! If you haven’t seen the trailer I’ll post it below or if you just wanted a little reminder ;) I am so happy that I read this book and so sad at the same time seeing as the wait for the next one is going to be pure torture! There will be no ARC’s of the third book and next winter seems soo far away! Regardless of the wait I loved this book and will read again and again until next winter!

Normally I choose a quote to close that has some passion or fire and there’s plenty in this book but this time I chose to post a poem that Will wrote for Tessa it brilliantly captures my feelings and I needed a bit of his humor after reading this one. This is in a book he wanted her to read.

“Caliph Vathek and his dark horde

Are bound for hell, you won’t be bored!

Your faith in me will be restored-

Unless this token you find untoward

And my poor gift you have ignored.

-Will”

Here’s the Balcony Scene clip.

When Clockwork Prince arrives in stores go buy this book or better yet pre order it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble where they have an exclusive edition with a letter from Will to Tessa, or the Book Depository so it’ll be at your door waiting for you! Also check HERE for a deleted scene from Clockwork Prince and Cassie's website for all sorts of cool stuff :)

Jaime's Review of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Exiled from her comfortable home in the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. In Reverie, she spent time with her friends roaming virtual environments called Realms. But in The Death Shop, even the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage. He’s also her only hope for survival.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry sees Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he also needs Aria’s help; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, they come together reluctantly, and embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by cannibals and wolves. Their unlikely alliance will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure.

Jaime’s review….

This story was a fantastic mix of dystopia and fantasy!  The world that Veronica wrote about is something that is both something that is of our world and something that is not but quite possibly could be someday. Another thing I absolutely loved about this book was it was told from two POV’s so we got to feel what Aria and Perry were both thinking and feeling.

The lands described in the story are vivid I could almost feel the wind pick up and the air charge with energy when an aether storm came, and feel the sensation of rocks sliding through my fingers. I also felt Perry’s angst and Aria’s suffering and also love emanating off the pages. I could smell violets every time they were mentioned I will not say in what context because it might spoil something and I could hear Aria singing Tosca which is awesome because I love that opera! (Yes Jaime likes opera shhh)

I will admit in the beginning Aria annoyed me a bit. I think it’s because she was kinda whiny but, who wouldn’t be? She lived a sheltered life ,never experiencing anything real she did everything in virtual reality. She did grow and by the end of the story I really liked her! Perry on the other hand, I fell in love with his POV from his first chapter his strength and protectiveness leaked off the pages and into my heart. He had me swooning in the scenes with his nephew Talon whom I loved too what a great kid! There were also other characters that I grew fond of Roar for one I’ll use the description from Aria’s POV.

“Up close, she saw a gleam in Roar’s gaze. He had a prince’s looks but a pirate’s eyes. Roar smiled, an appealing, clever flash. Aria laughed. Definitely more pirate. Roar laughed at her laugh, and she decided on the spot she liked him.”

Ok I like Roar a lot! I even told Veronica that I loved him and she told me he was a heart breaker ;) The other characters I really liked were Marron and Cinder you’ll see why when you read the book. They all play an important part in the story.

I really loved this book and I can’t wait for book 2 which will probably be another nail biting long year. Thanks Harper Teen and Veronica Rossi for sending me an ARC and letting me be a part of this journey! Under the Never Sky comes out January 3, 2012 and is available for pre-order so go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or The Book Depository to grab your copy now! Make sure to check out Veronica’s Blog for news, updates, and even some contests!