Spotlight, Q&A & Giveaway: Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep

Today Jennifer Estep is stopping by Our Thoughts Precisely for a Q&A, and if you keep reading there's a Giveaway at the bottom of the post.  Killer Frost is the last book in the Mythos Academy series by Jennifer Estep, but before we get to the good stuff, first a little bit about the book.

Coming from Kensington Books February 25, 2014

Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep

Summary From Goodreads

I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird girl everyone at school loves to gossip about. Read More Here

Don't forget to visit Jennifer Estep!

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Breana:  First off, a big thank you to Jennifer Estep for stopping by today to do a Q&A.! So I know Killer Frost is the last book in your Mythos Academy Series.  *cue sad face* Would you ever revisit the world with another series, possibly a spinoff spotlighting other characters from the same universe? 

JE: Thanks for hosting me on your blog. I appreciate it. Yes, Killer Frost will be the sixth and last book in my Mythos Academy series, out on Feb. 25. I've thought about going back to the Mythos Academy world or doing a spinoff series. If I have an idea that really interests me and something that I think would work well with Gwen or perhaps even another character, I might write another Mythos Academy book or a spinoff series someday. But for right now, Gwen’s story is finished. So we’ll see what happens. 

Breana: I noticed that there aren’t a lot of YA books centered solely around the holiday season.  Would you ever write a YA novel for a specific holiday season?  Which holiday would it be, and why?  

JE: I think it would be fun to write a holiday-themed book. As for what holiday I would pick, it would just depend on the characters, magic, world, and what sort of idea I came up with. I haven’t specifically written a holiday book, although I have mentioned various holidays in my Mythos Academy series. Kiss of Frost, book #2, is set during December, and there are mentions of Christmas and the holiday season. In Killer Frost, book #6, I mention Valentine’s Day.

Breana: To date, what is the longest book you’ve ever written?

JE: I don’t know exactly which book is the longest, but all of the books in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series are about 100,000 words long. The books in my Mythos Academy series are about 85,000 to 90,000 words long.

Breana: Do you prefer paperback or digital books?  

JE: I like them both. I recently got an e-reader, so I definitely see the appeal of being able to download a book and start reading it a minute later. Plus, downloading e-books, especially when they are on sale, is totally addictive. LOL. But I still read paper books too. I like the physical feel of holding a book in my hand, being able to flip back and forth through the pages, and things like that. So I’ll continue to read both e-books and paper books.

Breana: In a year, how many books do you typically write?

JE: I would say that I typically write about three to four books a year, along with some short stories/novellas. From 2010 to the end of 2013, I wrote/released 10 books in my Elemental Assassin series; 5 books in my Mythos Academy series; and several short stories and e-novellas.  

Breana: What’s next for you on the Young Adult end, after Killer Frost is released?

JE: Killer Frost is the last book in my Mythos Academy series, so I hope that readers enjoy the finale to Gwen’s story. Right now, I’m mulling over ideas for some new series, for both young adult and adult books. We’ll see what I come up with.

Breana: How well do you do with Deadlines?  Have you ever missed one, or are you always on time?

JE: Deadlines motivate me to meet my goals, and I always try to meet them, if not get a book/project done before it’s due.

Quick Questions:
What's your favorite part about the holiday season? 

JE: I always enjoy decorating my Christmas tree.

Favorite dessert?

JE: Oh, that’s a tough one! But strawberry cheesecake ice cream is one of my favorites.

Favorite place to write?

JE: In my office.

Favorite book from 2013?

JE: Some of my favorite reads from 2013 were Also Known As by Robin Benway; Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry; and Poison by Bridget Zinn.

Favorite TV show/ Movie from 2013?

JE: I’m really enjoying Reign and The Blacklist as far as new TV shows go.
Happy reading, everyone!

Breana: Thanks again to Jennifer Estep for stopping by! Don't forget to check out the Mythos Academy Series especially the final book Killer Frost when it comes out. In the meantime keep reading to find out how you could win a finished copy.

 

Ok so here's the thing, Jennifer Estep is giving away a finished copy of Killer Frost.  Awesome? Um yes. But it's US ONLY.  Here's how it works.  To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. See our giveaway policy for more details. The contest will remain open till February 20th, winner will be announced soon after. *Don't worry if your comments don't show up right away, it is moderated, and remember, no email addresses in the comments.  Now, go forth, enter!

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Alienated Launch & Nook Giveaway

First off, welcome to the Alienated Launch post!  Before we get to the giveaway, below Melissa Landers explains about her new book Alienated.

Melissa Landers:
Hey, fiction lovers. I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut YA sci-fi romance, ALIENATED, is finally available from Disney-Hyperion! Cue the dancers and toss the confetti, because it’s been a long wait!

In a nutshell, ALIENATED is the story of valedictorian Cara Sweeney, who gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to host the nation’s first intergalactic exchange student, the gorgeous but emotionally-stilted Aelyx (pronounced A-licks) from planet L’eihr. The tone is light and humorous, but I explore some deeper themes as well.

What the reviewers have to say:

“The storyline is out of this world and character development paired with authentic voice is superb. Filled with intrigue and suspense, this book will appeal to both sci-fi and contemporary YA fiction fans.” –VOYA

“Interstellar relations heat up in this start to a new romantic science fiction series. Landers [explores] larger social, ecological, and ethical issues in this tense, fast-paced read.” –Booklist 

“The perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Smart, funny, and epic. I am now awaiting contact from planet L’eihr.” Julie Cross, bestselling author of Tempest.

“Intergalactic exchange students? Yes, please! I fell in love with this story and couldn’t put it down.” Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate.

If you like hot, swoony science fiction as much as I do, I hope you’ll give ALIENATED a try. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Book Depo     Indie Bound

                                                                     

Before we get to the Giveaway, check out the Alienated Book trailer below!

To celebrate Alienated's book birthday, Melissa Landers is offering one lucky winner a Nook Simple Touch. She's even throwing in a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so you can fill your new e-reader with whatever you want! Now for the fine print: This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Sorry, international friends, but you need a US billing address to buy digital content on the Nook.) Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate. Best of luck, and happy reading!

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About Melissa Landers

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

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ARC Review: The Winners Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Title:The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Source/Formate: Goodreads, Bound ARC
Age Range: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Farrar Straus Giroux, March 14, 2014



My Thoughts:

     Today I'm going to keep this kind of short, so rest assured there won't be any angry rants ahead. *Warning there will be...nope, kidding, there aren't any spoilers ahead so continue on.
     The Winners Curse was the first YA book I’ve picked up in a while, and all I have to say is that I’m really disappointed.  While the synopsis sounded mildly interesting, once I started reading I found that I couldn’t get into this book.  It wasn’t for me, at all.  And you know what?  The writing style wasn't even an issue at all.  My problems began with the opening chapter, it didn’t captivate me, and it certainly didn’t draw me into the story.  I was more or less indifferent towards it, and unfortunately I found myself leaning more towards dislike.  I didn’t like the concept of the slaves at all, nor did I like the initial setting of the slave market.  And Kestrel, oh gosh, what to say?  She was just another YA heroine that I’ve seen so many times already that just…blah—just another cookie in the giant jar filled with them. This book, from what I read of it, left a bad taste in my mouth.  While it might not have been a fit for me, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t check it out if it’s something that interests you.  But sadly for me, this will probably be the only thing I’ll ever read by Marie Rutkoski.

This Bound ARC was won through Goodreads First Reads, thank you!

Pardon us...

Hello, it seems to be that time again. While not everything will be changing, the header has received a bit of a redesign, blue, with a birdcage and a bird. I mean, it has to have a bird right? Right? Ok, anyway, the rating art you can find at the bottom of most posts, specifically reviews, has also changed…drastically.  But in my defense the tree didn’t really fit much with the newish theme—sorry tree, you have served me well.  Anyhow, I thought a key, kind of vintage in style, would fit a little better.  The new rating art can be found on the about page.  So, pardon us while we tinker with the blog…

Cover Reveal: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris

                                                

About THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING
Release Date: September 30, 2014

Author: Rachel Harris 

Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary 

According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.

Find Rachel Harris Online

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