Blog Tour- TITANS by Victoria Scott An Excerpt and Giveaway!

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on blog tour for TITANS by Victoria Scott I adore Victoria and her books!! I have an excerpt from TITANS to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a finished copy of the book! 

Haven't heard of TITANS? Check it out!

Title: TITANS

Author: Victoria Scott

Pub. Date: February 23, 2016

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Format: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

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

From Victoria Scott, author of FIRE & FLOOD, comes a thrilling story of impossible odds. 

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

Now on to the excerpt!

Excerpt from TITANS

by Victoria Scott

Rags glances around to check if anyone’s listening and then says, “Astrid, I’m never going to make this offer again. Not to you. Maybe not to anyone. So you can come and have a look, or you can go home. It’s no sweat off my back.”

Dead bodies. There have to be dead bodies in there. Or maybe a lifetime supply of orange vests, lightly splattered with inconspicuous blood for good measure. I’m not sure what’s in his work shed, but I do know fifteen minutes ago I felt like the world was ending. And now my lungs are pumping and my blood is warming and I’m walking toward the thing he’s motioning to.

He steps all the way inside, and I follow him in. After he flips the light switch, I make out a lumpy figure on the dirt floor, covered by a burlap blanket.

Yep, dead body.

“Can I trust you?” he asks.

“Can you trust me?” I repeat. “I’m standing in your Creep Dungeon staring at what looks like neatly arranged corpses. I think the question is whether I can trust you.”

He shakes his head. “I’m an idiot for doing this, but I’m getting too old to stand still.”

He bends down, knees creaking, and pulls back the blanket.

I gasp when I see what he’s revealed. A Titan like I’ve never seen before, with smooth black steel and silver hooves dirtied by years of neglect. The animal’s legs bend at awkward angles, and its head is thrown back as if in pain. Though its eyes are closed, soft faux lashes encircle the sockets, giving the horse a kind appearance despite its intimidating black coat.

I circle the creature, and my eyes land on the control panel at the base of its neck. The dials are different from today’s Titans, but I could figure them out.

I could figure them out.

That’s how quickly I go from studying this broken-down Titan to thinking about the one rider who will be allowed to enter the circuit this year, free of charge.

I could figure them out.

I could race in the Titan Derby.

I could win and save my family’s home.

About Victoria:

Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe of the Harvey-Klinger Literary Agency. She’s the author of the FIRE & FLOOD series, and TITANS published by Scholastic, and the DANTE WALKER trilogy published by Entangled Teen. Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets including the UK, Turkey, China, Poland, Israel, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.

Find Victoria: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook |Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 will receive finished copies of TITANS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

2/15/2016- Lost in Literature- Interview

2/16/2016- Paranormal Book Club- Review

2/17/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

2/18/2016- Stuck in Books- Review

2/19/2016- Fangirlish- Guest Post

Week 2:

2/22/2016- Seeing Night Reviews- Review

2/23/2016- Mundie Moms- Review

2/24/2016- The Book Cellar- Excerpt

2/25/2016- Krista's Dust Jacket- Review

2/26/2016- Addicted to Happily Ever After- Review

Blog Tour- SALT & STONE an interview with Victoria Scott and a Giveaway!

Hey y'all! I'm super excited to take part in the blog tour for SALT & STONE by Victoria Scott! I love this series it's got action, mystery, an amazing sci-fi element, and romance! I have an interview for you today. So check it out and make sure to stick around for the giveaway!
Haven't heard of SALT & STONE ? Check it out!

Title: SALT & STONE 

Author: Victoria Scott

Pub. Date: February 24, 2015

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 320

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win. 

Now on to the interview!

Hi Tori! First I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books! I loved having you here and am super excited for SALT & STONE!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about SALT & STONE and the characters? What has been happening since FIRE & FLOOD?

Hi! So happy to be here. Salt & Stone covers the second half of the Brimstone Bleed, a brutal race across different terrains. Each Contender is aided by a genetically-engineered animal, and they’re each trying to cross the finish line first to save someone they love. Salt & Stone focuses on the ocean and mountain ecosystems, and has some returning characters—Tella and Guy—as well as some new ones—Cotton and Mr. Larson.

What about book 3? Do we have a title yet?

We don’t yet, but you’ll know it as soon as I do! 

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

This time, no. My Dante Walker trilogy had some characters based on people I know, though.

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

Favorite character is Guy Chambers because he’s just so opposite of how I would behave in a dangerous race (read: brave versus cowering). Least favorite is Willow, a character in Salt & Stone.

What is your favorite passage/scene in SALT & STONE?

It’s about halfway through the book, on an island. It challenges the Pandoras. That’s all I can say. ;)

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

I watched a lot of Man vs. Wild and read first-hand accounts of people who survived being lost at sea and in the mountains. I also read a lot of survival manuals I found online. There are a lot of weird ways to stay alive, I’ll tell you that much.

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

I’m reading The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. It’s my first title by her, and I’m really enjoying it!

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

I’m obsessed with Hector from the Girl of Fire & Thorns series. Yes, please. (J Me too! I loveee Hector!)

What inspired you to write YA?

Picking up Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. I wanted to try and capture that magical voice that only she has. I was shocked when I saw that she’s blurbed Salt & Stone!

Lightening Round Questions

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter is my hero.

Favorite Superhero?

Batman, because he doesn’t need special equipment or powers. He’s just a hot dude with gadgets.

Favorite TV show?

My new favorite show is Hindsight. (J! Eep mine too and Craig Horner with long hair? Swoons!!! Here's the trailer y'all!)

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet, all day long. Also important to note that I just had three fillings done.

Any Phobias?

Monkeys and balloons.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

That ‘Take me to Church’ number. Though they’ve just about overplayed it to death.

Fall Movie you’re most looking forward to?

‘The Boy Next Door’ with Jennifer Lopez. Yes!!!

Thanks so much Victoria for answering my questions! I can’t wait to read Book 3! And btw love that you mentioned HINDSIGHT! I freaking love that show it’s perfect for all of us 90’s kids!

About Victoria:

Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe of the Harvey-Klinger Literary Agency. She’s the author of the FIRE & FLOOD series published by Scholastic, and the DANTE WALKER trilogy published by Entangled Teen. Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets including the UK, Turkey, China, Poland, Israel, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

5 finished copies of FIRE & FLOOD US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule for more awesome posts!

Week One:

2/16/2015-Mary Had a Little Book Blog-Review

2/17/2015-a GREAT read-Review

2/18/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

2/19/2015- Falling For YA- Review

2/20/2015- Fiction Fare- Review

Week Two:

2/23/2015- StuckInBooks- Review

2/24/2015- MEREADALOT- Review

2/25/2015- Reading YA Rocks- Interview

2/26/2015- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

2/27/2015- Mundie Moms- Review

Dying to Read (73)- SALT & STONE by Victoria Scott

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 need this book like yesterday! Tori killed me with the ending to FIRE & FLOOD and I need more of Tella and Guy now!

SALT & STONE
Victoria Scott

Release Date: February 24, 2015

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 978-0545537483

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

What would you do to save someone you love?

In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

So what do you think? Will you be adding this to your pile? What are you dying to read this week?

Blog Tour- FIRE & FLOOD by Victoria Scott and a Giveaway!!!

I am so excited to have Victoria Scott here with a bonus scene from the hero of FIRE & FLOOD, Guy Chambers! I loved this book  and am dying to get my hands on book 2! Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a copy of the book!
Haven't heard of FIRE & FLOOD? Check it out!

Title: FIRE & FLOOD

Author: Victoria Scott

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 320

Pub. Date: February 25, 2014

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Now on to the  scene!

Bonus Scene from Guy Chamber’s Perspective

The girl is tugging on the front doors of the Old Red Museum like a wild banshee. I’m not sure what the problem is. The handles are easy enough to operate. Oh, there we go, she got it.

With my own Pandora egg tucked safely in my car, I know I should go. I’m done here, and the device said I need to get to Lincoln Station.

My father’s words still ring in my ear. Keep moving. Don’t let anything distract you.

I shouldn’t know about this race. He risked his life by telling me and my brothers what he knew.

I guess he was past caring.

So, yeah, I should go. But the girl is fascinating in a way I can’t finger. Maybe it’s the blue-green feather in her hair, and a memory I can’t place concerning it. Lying to myself, I decide this would be a great opportunity to stake out the competition. So I follow her inside, silently, and watch as she sniffs some pamphlets. Her face scrunches like she didn’t like the scent, and I almost laugh. After an eternity, she finds the stairs that will lead her to the remaining Pandora eggs.

Shaking my head, I head toward the front doors, back to my car. So the girl is wearing a feather. Whatever. A second after I close the car door, a herd of Contenders rush toward the Old Red Museum and disappear inside. I wait with curiosity, crouched down in my seat, to see if the same number of people reappears. It might help me understand how cutthroat this race will be.  

Eventually, they do reappear.

Everyone except the girl with the feather.

I curse under my breath and shoot a glance at my Pandora egg. What if they killed her? What if she’s down there bleeding out? I tell myself another lie—that I don’t care. But I know that isn’t true. So I groan and jog back inside, taking my egg with me because I’m not about to chance it.

I find the girl on the floor, wiping blood from her head. She looks up at me, her eyes filled with hurt and disappointment, and she says, “They’re all gone.”

         

Not my problem, I think.

But I can’t stop the unconscious flick of my eyes toward the last remaining egg. The one I dropped earlier that rolled under the shelves. 

I turn and leave, remembering my cousin and why I’m here. I can’t bother myself with this girl, despite that feather that nags at the back of my mind. To the place my father filled with data regarding the Brimstone Bleed.

The girl appears a few seconds later when I’ve already pulled out on the street. And as I watch, she cuts her hair. I mean, she does a real hack job and then stares at herself in the mirror like she’s freaking Natalie Portman in Vendetta. 

I pat my Pandora egg and smile to myself.

Girl just might stand a shot inside this race.

But I doubt it.

Thanks Tori! That was awesome I freaking love Guy!

About Victoria:

Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe of the Harvey-Klinger Literary Agency. She’s the author of the FIRE & FLOOD series published by Scholastic, and the DANTE WALKER trilogy published by Entangled Teen. Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets including the UK, Turkey, China, Poland, Israel, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

10 finished copies of FIRE & FLOOD US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Week One:

2/17/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

2/17/2014- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

2/18/2014- No BS Book Reviews- Review

2/19/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post

2/19/2014- Ketch's Book Nook- Review

2/20/2014- Step Into Fiction- Review

2/21/2014- Bewitched Bookworms- Interview

2/21/2014- Seeing Night Reviews- Review

Week Two:

2/24/2014- Bookish- Interview

2/24/2014- Nerdophiles- Review

2/25/2014- The Book Cellar- Review

2/26/2014- The Irish Banana Review- Review

2/26/2014- Cuddlebuggery- Guest Post

2/27/2014- Obsession with Books- Review

2/28/2014- Mundie Moms- Interview & Review

2/28/2014- iceyBooks- Review