Blog Tour- TRACKED by Jenny Martin A Playlist and A Giveaway

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on the TRACKED blog tour! I have Jenny's playlist and make sure to enter the giveaway below for a copy of the book and swag!
Haven't heard of TRACKED? Check it out!

Title: TRACKED

Author: Jenny Martin

Pub. Date: May 5, 2015

Publisher: Dial Books

Pages: 400

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

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

The Fast and the Furious gets a futuristic twist in this action-packed debut!

On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee’s legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra’s future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?

Check out the book trailer!

Now on to the post! Jenny sent the spotify code so have fun listening! 

I love music—it’s a big part of my life, even when I’m writing. Often, when I’m trying to think deeply about a character or gearing up to write a big scene, I’ll key into a particular song, listening to it over and over, for inspiration. Here are some of the tracks that…ahem…inspired Tracked.

1. Strange Times by the Black Keys

Man, I love the Keys. And to me, Strange Times evoked Phee’s world, a planet that’s so corrupt, and so far gone from its original, Earth-colony roots. There’s a line in Strange Times about “statues in the square” and what they used to stand for, and that’s pretty much Phee’s planet in a nutshell.

2. Fast Fuse by Kasabian

This song reminds me of Phee, during her first few races, when she’s all heart, but no head, just a fast fuse, smoking the competition.

3. Howlin’ for You by the Black Keys

I always imagined this song playing in the backroom club when Phee first meets Cash. It’s pretty clear, right away, that there’s something between these two. They’re both a handful. They’re both smart-mouthed and bold and volatile, for entirely different reasons. And this song…it’s like what happens when you mix two brands of TNT…spontaneous combustion. But oh boy, it’s fun to write that kind of chemistry.

4. February Stars by Foo Fighters

While Phee and Cash make a strong case for explosive chemistry, Bear’s relationship with her is something all together. Bear and Phee share a deep bond, an abiding closeness built on family and friendship. For me, this song seems to ask the question--what happens when that friendship changes…what happens when we grow up, and loyalty grows into love?

5. Lightning Bolt Pearl Jam

Another anthem for Phee, only this one’s a shade more triumphant. I think of this one when Phee’s just starting to practice for her first circuit race. She’s in this hot, state-of-the-art machine, spinning out of control, simply for the pure joy of it.

6. The Perfect Drug by Nine Inch Nails

For me, this song is all about obsessive, out of control love, and the price it exacts. To understand why this song reminds me of Tracked…no spoilers, you’ll have to read it.

7. Rope by Foo Fighters

There are moments in Tracked, when the noose tightens and Phee’s staring at a set of seemingly no-win choices. I love the way Rope speaks to that kind of emotional state—that sense of crippling indecision.

8. White Limo by Foo Fighters

I always, always listen to Foo Fighters when I’m deep into a book, looking for inspiration. And if I had to pick one song for this book, it’d be White Limo. There’s a really big, climactic race in Tracked, and I listened to this song over and over while dreaming it up, drafting and revising it. Honestly, listening to White Limo is like put an ear to the most primal corner Phee’s soul. (And hey, this song is totally kickass.)

9. Dear Dictator by Saint Motel

If I had to pick a song for my bad guy, Charles Benroyal, it’d be this one. Saint Motel is such an awesome band, and if you’re not listening to them, you should be. Dear Dictator is pure villainy. Love it.

10. No Church in the Wild by Kanye West

Another perfect track for my sharply dressed, smooth-talking villain, Benroyal. I listened to this one a lot, when drafting scenes in the Spire.

11. Satellite by Guster

Here’s another song for Cash, one that evokes the softer side of his personality. Satellite is touching and tender, and it perfectly articulates his feelings for Phee.

12. Bridge Burning by Foo Fighters

There are a lot of Foo Fighters songs on this playlist, so many that the band’s in my acknowledgments. I feel I owe them a huge debt for all the inspiration! So many of their songs are perfect for action scenes, and this track is no exception. If I imagine Phee sitting behind the wheel, before her most fateful race, it’s this song I hear.

13. Half the Man by Methodic Doubt Music

Here’s the perfect track for a sweeping, epic climax…no words, just a hard-driving beat and a sense of pulse-pounding doom. I’ll let you figure out what scene this song evokes.

14. Something from Nothing by Foo Fighters

This is Phee, facing down all the powers who oppose her. She is not going down without a fight, or without blazing bright. If you read the lyrics, it’s totally Phee vs. Benroyal, and I love it.

15. Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters.

It was really difficult for me to say goodbye to book one, and draft the final chapters of Tracked, so this song really evokes the feelings I had writing them, and the emotional tone of the book’s resolution.

Hope you enjoy the playlist, and hope you enjoyed getting a sneak peek at my thoughts about Tracked. ;) 

About Jenny:

Jenny Martin is an author and librarian. Her first novel, Tracked, will be released on May 5th, 2015 by Dial, an imprint of Penguin Random-House. Jenny is also an experienced speaker, panelist and presenter who’s appeared at many state and regional conferences, events and festivals. She lives in Dallas, with her husband and son, where she hoards books and writes fiction. And yes, she’s still on a quest for the perfect pancake.

Website  | Blog | Twitter  | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

5 winners will receive a finished copy of TRACKED and an awesome swag pack! US Only.

5 winners will receive a finished copy of TRACKED! US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule!

Week One:

4/27/2015- Icey Books- Review

4/27/2015- Girls In The Stacks- Guest Post

4/28/2015- Novel Novice- Guest Post

4/28/2015- I Read Banned Books- Interview

4/29/2015- Alice Marvels- Review

4/30/2015- Mundie Moms- Interview

4/30/2015- Nerdophiles- Review

5/1/2015- Bookhounds YA- Guest Post

Week Two:

5/4/2015- Reading Teen- Review

5/4/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

5/5/2015- Fiktshun- Interview

5/6/2015- Stuck In Books- Review 

5/6/2015- Parajunkee- Interview

5/7/2015- Me My Shelf And I- Interview

5/8/2015- Fangirlish- Guest Post

5/8/2015- Page Turners- Review

Blog Tour- STRANGE SKIES by Kristi Helvig Her Favorite Passages and a Giveaway!

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on the STRANGE SKIES Blog Tour! I love this sci-fi series and I really hope Kristi finds a home for book 3 (since Egmont has closed)! I have a post about Kristi's favorite passages from the book. Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a copy of the book!
Haven't heard of STRANGE SKIES? Check it out!

Title: STRANGE SKIES

Author: Kristi Helvig

Pub. Date: April 28, 2015

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Pages: 272

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

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

Action, adventure, and romance are heating up in this sequel to the futuristic science fiction thriller Burn Out. Perfect for fans of Across the Universe and The Memory of After.

Caelia is the new Earth. That's what the Consulate told everyone and, against all odds, Tora finally has made it there. She can't see the ocean from her cell in the Consulate's containment center, and she doesn't know what happened to the weapons her father died for and she's risked her life to save.

But as she plans her escape, she runs into the last person she ever expected to see-her dad. The Consulate has kept held him prisoner in a complicated plot designed to lure Tora out of hiding. Now Tora has a new purpose: break free, get the guns, and save her father.

But first she'll have to navigate a strange new planet, track down James (whose loyalties still remain questionable), and find Kale…before he finds her first.

Now on to the post!

Hi all—I’m very grateful to Jaime for having me back again on her blog. For the debut of the first book in the series, BURN OUT, I shared a scene from the POV of James, the quiet soldier who draws Tora toward him even as she suspects she can’t trust him. I thought I’d change things up for the sequel, and this time, I will share my top 5 passages from the book and tell you why they’re my faves. I have to admit that I’m not including 2 of my very favorite scenes: one because it’s a sex scene between Tora and James, (redacted because it’s spoilery lol) and the second one because it’s at the climax of the book and would be a huge spoiler. But I love these other scenes too! Ready? Here we go.

Scene #1)

A high-pitched beeping of a nearby monitor permeated my consciousness. Goose bumps broke out on my arms as my skin registered the cold air. An extra thin blanket lay on the cot by my feet, yet I couldn’t find the strength to pull it up. My eyes had trouble focusing and I could just make out the giant form coming toward me. A mix of relief and hostility swirled through my brain. I couldn’t think straight. I didn’t know what it meant.   

“Morning, Miss Sunshine,” the large woman grumbled. “Couldn’t even wait another hour for your dose, could you?”

I stared back at the red button under my finger. So I’d caused the beeping sound. The woman grabbed my arm as though she expected resistance, but my limb was limp in her hand. Her dark eyes bore into me as she lifted a green med tube and pressed the tip of it to my arm. I swear she smirked as she pressed the injection trigger.

Why I chose this scene: In the first book, BURN OUT, Tora would never use any kind of meds due to her mother’s addiction, yet through forces beyond her control, she begins STRANGE SKIES addicted to them. She starts the book in a position she never imagined she would be in.

Scene #2)

I gasped at what lay before me. It looked like the Infinity program, only better. Pink sand stretching out in all directions. Beyond that, aquamarine water as far as the eye could see.

The ocean.

I took off my shoes, put them in my satchel, and squished my toes in the pastel sand. It felt incredibly soft, like I’d stepped into a cloud. My eyes fixed on the sparkling, churning sea of blue.

Alec smiled. “Breathtaking, isn’t it?”

Why I chose this scene: When Tora’s younger sister was alive on Earth, they used to pull up a simulator program of the beach and pretend they were there. Tora has only known a barren, scorched Earth with no lakes, oceans, or streams. This was her first time seeing a real ocean so I loved writing this scene.

Scene #3)

Reddish hair fell in waves over her shoulders as she leaned toward James, her mouth curved into a smile. His left arm rested on the table, and her fingers playfully walked up his muscled forearm as she spoke. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut and wanted to throw up. So shooting you is okay but talking to another girl makes you sick? I couldn’t speak, so I grabbed Alec’s arm before he could leave. He followed my gaze to the corner table.

“Oh, her,” Alec said.

She looked up and noticed us staring. Her eyes fixed on mine and something flashed across her face before she removed her hand from James’ arm.

Why I chose this scene: This scene introduces a new character, Sonya, who turns out to have a complicated relationship with Tora for reasons that Tora doesn’t realize in this scene. It seems like a case where Sonya doesn’t like Tora solely due to wanting James, but it’s not that simple.

Scene #4)

As it grew closer, the howl morphed into a snarl. I was so done for. My ankle felt like it had swelled to twice its normal size. Though I’d never be able to outrun the creature even in my best condition, I certainly couldn’t out-hobble it. I grabbed for my gun but it was still waterlogged and wouldn’t fire, so I reached down in a desperate attempt to find anything I could use to defend myself. My fingers curled around a broken tree branch that was just visible the dark gray light, and I lifted it into the air.

I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time when I realized it was only about six inches long and the width of my pinkie finger. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, the creature charged. I registered its massive size and glowing red eyes before it lunged. I ducked and rolled on the mud-soaked ground, snapping my pathetic twig in the process.

Awesome.

Why I chose this scene: Along with some beautiful, strange new things such as glowing bird-like creatures, there are also some scary animals. One of them, that Tora nicknames the “tooth monster” due to its large jagged teeth, comes across her while she’s alone and injured in the forest. I felt Tora’s fear while I wrote this scene.

Scene 5)

Kale’s smile was forced and his cheerful tone couldn’t have been more fake. But you had to give him credit for having ginormous balls. “Tora, let’s let bygones be bygones, water under the bridge, as people used to say on Earth. We’ve got Consulate burners after us and I think we have a chance if we all work together. I know you and I have had a bit of a rocky relationship—”

That was the understatement of the year. Like saying Earth had been water-challenged.

Kale held out his hands in a gesture of goodwill. “—but I think we can get past it. We both want the Consulate off our backs, once and for all, and I have the guns that can make that happen…if you’re willing to use them. Then we can go our separate ways and pretend this never happened.

I loved how he called the stolen guns his. Whatever. He wasn’t going to live long enough to go anywhere once I was done with him. I forced a smile.

Why I chose this scene:

In this scene, Kale realizes that he needs Tora in order to survive the Consulate, and Tora realizes she needs the guns in order to survive at all. She knows as soon as they’re safe that Kale will kill her, so she’s trying to walk a fine line with him until she can make her next move. This scene sets up a showdown with the Consulate and the eventual face-off with Kale. 

About Kristi:

Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. clinical psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy author. Her first novel, BURN OUT (Egmont USA), which Kirkus Reviews called “a scorching series opener not to be missed,” follows 17-year-old Tora Reynolds, one of Earth’s last survivors, when our sun burns out early. In the sequel, STRANGE SKIES, coming 4/28/2015, Tora makes it to a new planet only to discover a whole new host of problems—and the same people who still want her dead. Order Kristi’s books through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite local retailer. Kristi muses about Star Trek, space monkeys, and other assorted topics on her blog at www.kristihelvig.com and Twitter (@KristiHelvig). You can also find her on Facebook. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, two kiddos, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.

Website  |  Blog | Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed paperback of BURN OUT and a signed hard cover of STRANGE SKIES...plus swag! US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule!

Week One:

4/20/2015- Dark Faerie Tales- Interview

4/21/2015- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

4/22/2015- Such a Novel Idea- Guest Post

4/23/2015- Addicted Readers- Review

4/24/2015- A Book and a Latte- Interview

Week Two:

4/27/2015- Reading with ABC- Guest Post

4/28/2015- Moonlight Gleam Reviews- Review

4/29/2015- Bookhounds ya- Interview

4/30/2015- Library of a Book Witch- Review

5/1/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

M9B Friday Cover Reveal- MINOTAUR by Phillip W. Simpson and a Giveaway!

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing the cover for

Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson

presented by Month9Books!

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

“Where shall I start?” asked Minotaur.

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

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

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

This is the true story of the Minotaur.

Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Month9books

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

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

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

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

He is represented by Vicki Marsdon at Wordlink literary agency.

When not writing, he works as a school teacher.

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

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

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
Title will be sent upon its release.

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Blog Tour- THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT By Melissa Grey Book Influences and a Giveaway!

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT Blog Tour! I loved this book! It was a fantasy but it's set in the real world with bird like people and dragons! I fell hard for a certain dragon named Caius (when you read the book you'll see why). I have a post about Melissa's inspirations for the book. Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a copy of the book!
Haven't heard of THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT? Check it out!

Title: THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT

Author: Melissa Grey

Pub. Date: April 28, 2015

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 368

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Indiebound, Powell’s,  Goodreads

ORDER A SIGNED COPY FROM BOOKS OF WONDER

For readers of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones and Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, The Girl at Midnight is the story of a modern girl caught in an ancient war.

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she’s ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she’s fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it’s time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it’s how to hunt down what she wants … and how to take it.

But some jobs aren’t as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Praise for THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT:

"Grey’s energetic debut offers a strong protagonist…[and the] well-built world, vivid characters, and perfect blend of action and amour should have readers eagerly seeking the sequel." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred

 "Sparks fly...This first novel will please fans of Cassandra Clare and Game of Thrones watchers with its remarkable world building; richly developed characters...[and] a breathtaking climax that...cannot come soon enough!""—Booklist starred review

"Inventive, gorgeous, and epic—Grey dazzles in her debut." — Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die

“A stunning debut. Equal parts atmosphere and adventure … positively divine.” – Victoria Schwab, author of A Darker Shade of Magic

Now on to the post!

Influences and The Girl at Midnight

Every author is influenced by something: books they've read, plays they've seen, movies they watched. We -- and the books we write -- evolve from the stories we've consumed throughout the years. Here are a few of the works (only 33% literary!) that influenced the world and characters of The Girl at Midnight.

1) NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman

I read this book when it came out ages ago (I was still in high school) and its stayed with me ever since. The idea of a subterranean world, hidden beneath the streets of one of the world's most populous cities, inhabited by creatures both magical and mundane captivated my imagination and the way Gaiman envisioned his world beneath London played a big role in how I approached the Avicen's home, the Nest, beneath the streets of New York.

2) STAR WARS

This one hardly needs an introduction. There's a reason for the enduring nature of its story -- spelled out nicely when you consider Joseph Campbell's THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES -- and I think the notion of a hero rising from unlikely circumstances is one of them. There is an element of fate to Luke Skywalker's story but more importantly, he is defined by the choices he makes. He chooses to do good in the face of overwhelming odds and that's a really powerful message.

3) FINAL FANTASY VII

This game was a life-changer for me. You can read more about how FF7 influenced my approach to storytelling in general but when it comes to The Girl at Midnight, it helped me develop my cast of characters. Having a strong protagonist is vital but it's just as important to have that person surrounded by a strong and diverse crowd. In FF7, Cloud was the central focus of the story but what would he be without Aeris, Tifa, Barrett, Red XIII, Cait Sith, Cid, Vincent, and Selphie? A lot less interesting, that's for sure.

About Melissa:

Melissa Grey was born and raised in New York City. She wrote her first short story at the age of twelve and hasn't stopped writing since. After earning a degree in fine arts at Yale University, she traveled the world, then returned to New York City where she currently works as a freelance journalist. To learn more about Melissa, visit melissa-grey.com and follow @meligrey on Twitter.

Website  | Blog | Twitter  | Instagram | Pinterest |  Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed Hardcover of THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT! US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule!

Week One:

4/20/2015- Novel Sounds- Guest Post

4/21/2015- Cuddlebuggery- Review

4/22/2015- Parajunkee- Interview

4/23/2015- Fiktshun- Review

4/24/2015- Dahlia Adler- Guest Post

Week Two:

4/27/2015- Paperback Princess- Review

4/28/2015- Bookish Broads- Interview

4/29/2015- Mundie Moms- Review

4/30/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

5/1/2015- Icey Books- Review

Dying To Read (102)- THE SCORPION RULES by Erin Bow

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 just found out about this one over the weekend and had to add it to my TBR it sounds awesome!!!!

Title:THE SCORPION RULES
Author: Erin Bow

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

A world battered by climate shift and war turns to an ancient method of keeping peace: the exchange of hostages. The Children of Peace - sons and daughters of kings and presidents and generals - are raised together in small, isolated schools called Prefectures. There, they learn history and political theory, and are taught to gracefully accept what may well be their fate: to die if their countries declare war.

Greta Gustafsen Stuart, Duchess of Halifax and Crown Princess of the Pan-Polar Confederation, is the pride of the North American Prefecture. Learned and disciplined, Greta is proud of her role in keeping the global peace — even though, with her country controlling two-thirds of the world’s most war-worthy resource — water — she has little chance of reaching adulthood alive. 

Enter Elián Palnik, the Prefecture’s newest hostage and biggest problem. Greta’s world begins to tilt the moment she sees Elián dragged into the school in chains. The Prefecture’s insidious surveillance, its small punishments and rewards, can make no dent in Elián, who is not interested in dignity and tradition, and doesn’t even accept the right of the UN to keep hostages. 

What will happen to Elián and Greta as their two nations inch closer to war?

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