Showing posts with label Amalie Howard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amalie Howard. Show all posts

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Blog Tour & Review: Waterfell (The Aquarathi, #1) by Amalie Howard

 

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

 
I have to admit that I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when the opportunity to participate in the tour came around.  I figured I'd give it a shot after checking out the book's synopsis and finding it interesting enough.  I cannot express how happy I was that I did.  Without the chance to jump on this blog tour I'm not sure if I'd have come across this book quick enough and that would have been a sorry state.  If you're in the market for a great read, and maybe one that hasn't been plastered all over the Internet but deserves every bit as much attention, look no further.
 
While every reader and fan of YA literature most likely will have come across a book featuring an under-the-sea type of world, I highly doubt you'll have come across one quite like this.  Howard has taken a unique idea and worked her magic.  What might have started out normal enough quickly turned into something extraordinary!
 
Nerissa might appear to be the typical high school girl attending a private school with the hopes of doing well and surviving like the rest of her classmates, but in fact, she's far from normal.  She's got secrets her fellow classmates could never possibly imagine and things are about to change.  The plan might have been to fly under the radar and go about her normal routine as if nothing was amiss, but soon things change and she has no other choice than to face facts, and realize that actions will need to be taken, and quickly.
 
There's a new boy at school's who has caught her eye and of course seems to be showing up wherever she is, and there's something different about him.  But who's Nerissa to judge...after all, she's not exactly human...no matter how hard that might be to believe, or how good of a job she's done to have everything thinking otherwise.  Secrets unfold, tensions begin to mount, and Nerissa is running out time.  She's got to act, and in order to get things done and solve the problems she's faced with, she'll need help...there's just no way she can do this on her own.  Luckily for her she's got help.
 
This novel is full of surprises and plenty of action and romance that will leave readers content and on the edge of their seats, all at the same time.  I can't wait to see what Howard has in store next for the series, and will be on the lookout for the next installment's release date so that I can start the countdown.  Because with any great series and it's opener, there's always a cliffhanger to leave readers wanting more and to plain and simply drive them crazy.  Howard quickly jumped to the top of my favorite authors list and I'm truly looking forward to what she brings to the bookshelves next!
 
About the Author
 
 
A rising star among young adult writers, Amalie H oward developed a loyal following after releasing her debut book, “Bloodspell,” in 2011. Now, she is returning with five new books that are sure to excite her devoted fans and catch the attention of new readers.
 
A bookworm from the beginning, Howard grew up on a small island in the Caribbean with her nose
buried in books. When she was just 13 years old, her poem “The Candle” was published in a University of Warwick journal, marking a sign of great things to come. Howard immersed herself into other cultures, globetrotting through 22 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. After moving to the United States, she earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies and French from Colby College in Maine. She also holds a certificate in French literature from the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, France. Traveling around the world, Howard has lent talents as a research assistant, marketing representative, freelance writer, teen speaker, blogger and global sales executive.
 
Howard is a recipient of a Royal Commonwealth Society award, an international youth writing competition. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers Howard’s first book, “Bloodspell” (June 2011, Langdon Street Press) earned rave reviews and was named a Seventeen Magazine Summer Beach Read. Readers will hear more from Howard as she releases a pair of two-book series, “Waterfell” (November 2013, Harlequin TEEN) and “The Almost Girl” (January 2014, Strange Chemistry), as well as “Alpha Goddess” (March 2014, Skyhorse/Sky Pony Press) over the next two Howard lives in New York with her husband, three children and one willful feline that
she is convinced may have been a witch’s cat in a past life.
 

Monday, September 30, 2013

Countdown: October 2013 (4)


I've been excited to feature this month for countdowns for some time now. October is my birthday month, so I always look forward to seeing what books are going to be hitting the shelves throughout the thirty-one days that make up this calendar month. It's never a bad idea to have my birthday wish list ready for friends and family to draw from right? I've also always been a big fan of Halloween and getting dressed up and celebrating and marking the day with all the good fun that comes with it...and don't even get me started on pumpkin carving. The competition is pretty steep in my family and I've yet to come out on top, but it is a whole new year, and I'll have plenty of time to try and create a very impressive looking jack-o-lantern that will hopefully put my dad's to shame.
 
Countdown Pick #1:  Allegiant (Divergent, #3) by Veronica Roth (10/22/2013)
 

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

This needs no explanation as to why I added it to my countdown list.  I think pretty much everyone who hasn't been in hiding somewhere knows about this series and has fallen in love with it.  There isn't one person who I've recommended it to, that hasn't come back raving about it and wanting more!  I think it's safe to say that there isn't another book coming out this year that I have been more eager to read.
 
 

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flash drive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

 
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this title and couldn't resist diving right in to see how things picked up after Bracken's series opener, The Darkest Minds.  Since I've already read the book and have a review schedule to go live around the release date, I don't want to say anything that might reveal anything.  All I will say is that this title and series are ones that you should read if you haven't already!
 
Countdown Pick #3:   Waterfell (The Aquarathi, #1) by Amalie Howard (10/29/2013)
 

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

I think its safe to say that unrequited and star-crossed love stories will be popular forever, and for very good reason.  They're irresistible to someone like me, who loves a good romance, and enjoys the happy endings that come after the pairs have fought so hard to be together.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this one pans out in October.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Countdown: Missed Titles (3)


While trying to get back into the swing of things on the blog after my crazy, wedding filled Summer, I of course decided to bring back the countdowns.  They're some of my favorites posts to prepare and doing the research on them is always exciting because I seem to always end up pleasantly surprised by how many titles out there that I end up wanting to read in the worst possible way.

So while I've got a huge list already compiled of all the great titles coming out in 2013, I wanted to come back and start first by featuring some reads that I somehow missed in the past year or two.  I'm always both upset and excited to find titles that somehow went under my radar.  Upset because I already feel like I'm behind, and have possibly missed out on great reading experiences, but also excited to finally come across them so that I'll have the chance to make up for lost time and dive right into these intriguing reads.  So here's the start to the missing titles countdown.  Since these have been on the shelves for a while now, if you see any that you've read or heard anything about, let me know and give me your opinion....should I rush them to the top of my TBR pile, or possibly hold off???


Countdown Pick #1:  Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star by Heather Lynn Rigaud


"Darcy's as hot as he is talented..."

Fast music, powerful beats, and wild reputations-on and off stage-have made virtuoso guitarist Fitzwilliam Darcy's band into rock's newest bad boys. But they've lost their latest opening act, and their red-hot summer tour is on the fast track to disaster. Now Darcy and bandmates Charles Bingley and Richard Fitzwilliam are about to meet their match...
"But she's about to rock his world..."
Enter Elizabeth Bennet, fiercely independent star of girl-band Long Borne Suffering. Elizabeth, her sister Jane, and friend Charlotte Lucas have talent to spare and jump at the opening band slot. Elizabeth is sure she's seen the worst the music industry has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, it becomes clear that everyone is in for a summer to remember.

Most of you know that Austen is my all time favorite author, and Pride and Prejudice has been my favorite book since I don't even remember when.  It's that special.  So while I know other fans of the classic don't care for remakes, spins or twists on the famous title, I'm not one of them.  I enjoy any and all chances I get to become reacquainted with my favorite characters and the storyline they follow.  While they're of course never going to touch Austen's original masterpiece, it's still fun to see what new ways authors now days have for putting Darcy and Elizabeth back into the swing of things.  And this rock and roll version sounds highly entertaining.  I can't wait to check it out!

Countdown Pick #2:  The Way We Fall (Fallen World, #1) by Megan Crewe

It starts with an itch you just can’t shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you’ll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you’re dead.


When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest. 

Because how will she go on if there isn’t?


This is another example of one of those scary situations that you hope won't even happen but in the back of your mind you know is completely possible to come to fruition in the future.  While I don't think (at least I hope not) that we'll have a crazy virus that will break out in the world and force us to be quarantined any time soon, it's still freaky to think about.  I'm curious to see how the main character handles things, and whether or not a happy ending is possible for her at the end.

Countdown Pick #3:  Bloodspell (Bloodspell, #1) by Amalie Howard

The spell was simple...

Cruentus Protectum (Defend the Blood)

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds -- much less one that reveals she's a witch with unimaginable power.

What's more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own...

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood's deadly desires? Or will she lose everything, including herself?


I'm not sure where these authors come up with new material in an overloaded paranormal literary world, but somehow they manage just fine.  Howard seems to have taken on the task of telling a witches tale, and one that's intriguing, mysterious and has suspense on overload.  I'm curious to see how these two characters will interact and if Howard will throw a little romance into her pages as well.

Countdown Pick #4:  Sojourner (Sojourner, #1) by Maria Rachel Hooley


Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Moon has been dreaming of her murder her entire life, and in those dreams, a dark presence is there, watching. When she returns home to Hauser’s Landing, the very place her father disappeared, she comes in contact with a gorgeous boy named Lev Walker, and it’s not long before she’s falling in love. But there’s something wrong with Lev. When she realizes he’s the eerie watcher in her dreams, she’ll have to discover the truth. Is he a guardian angel or a sojourner, an angel of death who has come to collect her soul?

I'm not loving the sound of Angels of death but at the same time, I rarely pass up a title with Angels in it of any kind.  I don't think I'll change anytime soon.  Hopefully this mystery guy that Elizabeth has met and seen in her dreams turns out to be a good guy and not what it sounds like.  But I'll admit that while I'm intrigued, this one does kind of freak me out when it comes down to it.  A girl who has dreamed about her murder her entire life?  Yikes...not something I want on my resume for sure!

Countdown Pick #5:  For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison, #1) by M. Leighton

Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back; back from the dead. But what Ridley didn't know was that her wish would come at a price. 

Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn't die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn't know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn't know at all.

As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo's true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?


So does she know he's a vampire or not?  I'm slightly confused where this title is concerned but I'm still interested and couldn't resist passing this one by without adding it to my TBR list.  Has anyone checked out this title since it's release?  What do you think?  Did you continue on in the series?

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