Guest Post: Author Jenna Black

Resistance is the second installment in acclaimed author Jenna Black’s YA SF romance series.

Nate Hayes is a Replica.

The real Nate was viciously murdered, but thanks to Paxco’s groundbreaking human replication technology, a duplicate was created that holds all of the personality and the memories of the original. Or...almost all. Nate’s backup didn't extend to the days preceding his murder, leaving him searching for answers about who would kill him, and why. Now, after weeks spent attempting to solve his own murder with the help of his best friend and betrothed, Nadia Lake, Nate has found the answers he was seeking...and he doesn’t like what he’s discovered.

The original Nate was killed because he knew a secret that could change everything. Thanks to Nadia’s quick thinking, the two of them hold the cards now—or think they do.

Unfortunately, neither of them fully understands just how deep the conspiracy runs.

The Leap of Faith

 

I'm not the most trusting person in the world.  Nor am I what you'd call a pillar of self-confidence.  Doubt and I are close personal friends.  Which can make starting any book feel rather like jumping out of an airplane.  Without a parachute.

 

For me, the second book of a series is almost always the toughest.  When I start writing the first book of a series, it's generally something that's not under contract - which means there's basically no pressure.  If the book doesn't work out, then I can shrug, say "oh well," and try something else.  But that second book...It's under contract.  It's got a deadline.  There are fans waiting for it, and the have expectations.

 

Some people carefully plot out their series and have the plot arc all set in their minds when they start.  I'm not one of those people.  When I'm writing a first book, my entire focus is on that first book.  I may have a few big-picture ideas for what will come in the future of the series, but I don't let myself think too much about the details.  I can't, because if I start looking at the arc of the whole series, it starts to get overwhelming.  There are too many variables - and too many ways I can find myself getting distracted so I don't actually work on the book that's on my plate right now.

 

So basically, starting the second book in a series is an invitation to panic.  I may feel good about the previous book, but now I have to do it again, and I have no idea how I'm going to manage it.

 

What I've learned is that in one way or another, starting a new book - especially the second book in a series - requires a leap of faith.  I have to believe that whatever magic happened in the first book will happen in this one, also.  I have to jump out of that airplane and believe I have that parachute, even if I don't have hard evidence to support that belief.

 

I've often been disappointed to find that almost nothing about writing seems to get easier with experience, as logic would generally suggest it should.  But in this one area, I think I am finally starting to see an improvement.  The first few times I had to take that leap of faith, it was terrifying, and I had a lot of trouble shouting down the voice in my head that said I couldn't do it.

 

Fast forward to when I had to start writing Resistance.  I was ruthless with myself when writing Replica, not allowing myself to do any plotting for the other two books in the series.  I had a plan for the major plot development that's revealed at the end of Resistance, and that was it.  But one thing I've learned about myself is that I love telling stories, love spending time with my characters and figuring out what terrible things I can put them through.  I have jumped out of this plane before, and so far I haven't ended up splattered on the pavement.

 

I won't say writing Resistance was easy.  Nothing about writing is easy.  But instead of facing this new beginning with terror, I faced it with a hint of confidence.  I believe that the story would come to me once I got started, no matter how daunting the project appeared.  And I was right.  I'm very happy with how the book turned out.

 

I think I've learned a very powerful lesson as a writer, one I'd like to pass on to all the other writers out there who struggle with self-doubt:  trust yourself.  Take that leap of faith and write that daunting story.  I can't promise it was always work out for you, but I can promise it'll work better than letting your own self-doubt get the better of you.

 

About the Author:

 

 

Jenna Black is your typical writer. Which means she's an "experience junkie." She got her BA in physical anthropology and French from Duke University.

 

Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.

 

Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. Among her other experiences . . .

 

Ballroom dancing.

Traveling all seven continents. Yes, even Antarctica.

Becoming a Life Master in Bridge.

Singing in a barbershop chorus.

 

Read the true story of Jenna's first trip out of the country by herself at the age of 16: Jenna's Zaire Adventure. And remember, insanity is a good thing for a writer.

 

She's also a proud member of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, and would love for her readers to support her fellow authors!

 

Jenna is represented by Miriam Kriss, of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

 

Author's Website

Goodreads

Twitter



Countdown: March 2014 (3)

It's almost here...March is one of my favorite months in the whole year because of just one day! On this very special day (you know which one I'm referring to) everyone comes out and shows their Irish pride. Whether they're Irish or not, they are on this day, and somehow we all manage to have a great time. On top of all the fun and festivities that come with this month, there are also quite a few new releases that are scheduled to hit the shelves and I can't wait to check them out for myself. Here's a few I'm looking forward to reading, are there any you've come across that I missed on my list?

Countdown Pick #1:  Sing Sweet Nightingale (The Dream War Saga, #1) by Erica Cameron (03/04/2014)

 

Mariella Teagen hasn't spoken a word in four years.

She pledged her voice to Orane, the man she loves—someone she only sees in her dreams. Each night, she escapes to Paradise, the world Orane created for her, and she sings for him. Mariella never believed she could stay in Paradise longer than a night, but two weeks before her eighteenth birthday, Orane hints that she may be able to stay forever.

Hudson Vincent made a pledge to never fight again.

Celease, the creature who created his dream world, swore that giving up violence would protect Hudson. But when his vow caused the death of his little brother, Hudson turned his grief on Celease and destroyed the dream world. The battle left him with new abilities and disturbing visions of a silent girl in grave danger—Mariella.

Now, Hudson is fighting to save Mariella's life while she fights to give it away. And he must find a way to show her Orane’s true intentions before she is lost to Paradise forever.

 

I'm not sure how all these characters will tie in together, but this whole idea is so unique and original from what I'm been reading lately, that I'm eager to find out more.  I haven't read anything by Cameron in the past, but I think this will be a great first experience with her writing and hopefully only the beginning of a very exciting and interesting series.

 

Countdown Pick #2:  The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski (03/04/2014)

 

In the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare comes this brilliant, unputdownable, star-crossed romance about the curse of winning.

Seventeen-year-old Kestrel is an aristocratic citizen of Valoria, a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers. Here, a girl like Kestrel has two choices: join the military or get married. Despite her skills in military strategy, Kestrel’s real passion is music.Which is why she feels compelled to buy Arin, a slave with a talent for singing, at auction. It’s not long before she finds herself falling in love with Arin, and he seems to feel the same for her. But Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for Arin is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

 

Based on the synopsis, as a fan of both Cashore's writing and Clare's previous works, if Rutkoski brings anything close to what those two have produced I will be one happy reader for sure.  I'm still waiting to see what the cover image will look like, but when I find out, I'll be sure to share.

 

Countdown Pick #3:  Promise of Shadows by Justina Ireland (03/11/2014)

 

Zephyr Mourning has never been very good at being a Harpy. She'd rather watch reality TV than learn forty-seven ways to kill a man, and she pretty much sucks at wielding magic. Zephyr was ready for a future pretending to be a normal human instead of a half-god assassin. But all that changes when her sister is murdered--and she uses a forbidden dark power to save herself from the same fate.

Zephyr is on the run from a punishment worse than death when an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend (a surprisingly HOT friend) changes everything. Because it seems like Zephyr might just be the Nyx, a dark goddess made flesh that is prophesied to change the power balance. For hundreds of years the half-gods have lived in fear, and Zephyr is supposed to change that.

But how is she supposed to save everyone when she can’t even save herself?

Put a mythological spin on a story and I'm pretty much guaranteed to want to read it eventually.  Ireland's previous work, Vengeance Bound, is also on my list to read, so I'm hoping that once I get one under my belt, I'll be able to dive right into the next.  I'm looking forward to watching Zephyr on the run and seeing what types of adventures she'll encounter along the way.

 

Countdown Pick #4:  Resistance (Replica Trilogy, #2) by Jenna Black (03/11/2014)

 

Nate Hayes is a Replica.

The real Nate was viciously murdered, but thanks to Paxco's groundbreaking human replication technology, a duplicate was created that holds all of the personality and the memories of the original. Or ...almost all. Nate's backup didn't extend to the days preceding his murder, leaving him searching for answers about who would kill him, and why. Now, after weeks spent attempting to solve his own murder with the help of his best friend and betrothed, Nadia Lake, Nate has found the answers he was seeking... and he doesn't like what he's discovered.

The original Nate was killed because he knew a secret that could change everything. Thanks to Nadia's quick thinking, the two of them hold the cards now — or think they do.

Unfortunately, neither of them fully understands just how deep the conspiracy runs.

I love Black's writing and her Faeriewalker series was one of my favorites and I was incredibly sad to see it come to an end.  Somehow I missed out on the series opener, but I plan to rectify that before this sequel hits the shelves.  I'm not a huge fan of this cover, especially compared to the beautiful images I came to expect from her Faeriewalker series, but I'll forget all about that if Black's writing pulls me in like before.

In My Mailbox (124)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

 

Scan (Scan, #1) by Sarah Fine & Walter Jury (Thanks to Putnam Childrens)

 

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

All Tate knows--like how to make weapons out of oranges and lighter fluid--may not be enough to save him as he’s plunged into a secret inter-species conflict that’s been going on for centuries. Aided only by his girlfriend and his estranged mother, with powerful enemies closing in on all sides, Tate races to puzzle out the secret behind his father’s invention and why so many are willing to kill for it. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

 

 

Resistance (Replica Trilogy, #2) by Jenna Black (Thanks to Tor Teen)

 

Resistance is the second installment in acclaimed author Jenna Black’s YA SF romance series.

Nate Hayes is a Replica.

The real Nate was viciously murdered, but thanks to Paxco’s groundbreaking human replication technology, a duplicate was created that holds all of the personality and the memories of the original. Or...almost all. Nate’s backup didn't extend to the days preceding his murder, leaving him searching for answers about who would kill him, and why. Now, after weeks spent attempting to solve his own murder with the help of his best friend and betrothed, Nadia Lake, Nate has found the answers he was seeking...and he doesn’t like what he’s discovered.

The original Nate was killed because he knew a secret that could change everything. Thanks to Nadia’s quick thinking, the two of them hold the cards now—or think they do.

Unfortunately, neither of them fully understands just how deep the conspiracy runs.

 

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord (Thanks to Walker)

 

After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

Three (Article 5, #3) by Kristen Simmons (Thanks to Tor Teen)

 

Kristen Simmons' fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series continues in Three.

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet existence.

And all that’s left is smoking ruins.

Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.

With their high profile, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never thought he’d see again.

Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.

Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling the world her story.

At fighting back.

 

The Rosie Project by Graem Simison

 

An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Marie Semple

 

Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she's a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she's a disgrace; to design mavens, she's a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom.

Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic.

To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence—creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's role in an absurd world.

In My Mailbox (123)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

 

For Review:

 

Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood, #1) by Victoria Scott (Thanks to Scholastic Press)

 

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?

 

 

The Edge of Falling by Rebecca Serle (Thanks to Simon Pulse)

 

Growing up in privileged, Manhattan social circles, Caggie’s life should be perfect, and it almost was until the day that her younger sister drowned when Caggie was supposed to be watching her. Stricken by grief, Caggie pulls away from her friends and family, only to have everyone misinterpret a crucial moment when she supposedly saves a fellow classmate from suicide. Now she’s famous for something she didn’t do and everyone lauds her as a hero. But inside she still blames herself for the death of her sister and continues to pull away from everything in her life, best friend and perfect boyfriend included. Then Caggie meets Astor, the new boy at school, about whom rumours are swirling and known facts are few. In Astor she finds someone who just might understand her pain, because he has an inner pain of his own. But the more Caggie pulls away from her former life to be with Astor, the more she realises that his pain might be darker, and deeper, than anything she’s ever felt. His pain might be enough to end his life…and Caggie’s as well.

 

 

Burn Out (Untitled, #1) by Kristi Helvig (Thanks to Egmont USA)

 

A futuristic blend of Beth Revis's Across the Universe and Lenore Appelhans's Level 2, Burn Out will satisfy the growing desire for science fiction with a thrilling story of survival, intrigue, and adventure.

Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get the hell off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.

Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone--her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun--one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.

When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora's fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father's request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.

 

Resistance (Replica Trilogy, #2) by Jenna Black (Thanks to Tor Teen)

 

Resistance is the second installment in acclaimed author Jenna Black’s YA SF romance series.

Nate Hayes is a Replica.

The real Nate was viciously murdered, but thanks to Paxco’s groundbreaking human replication technology, a duplicate was created that holds all of the personality and the memories of the original. Or...almost all. Nate’s backup didn't extend to the days preceding his murder, leaving him searching for answers about who would kill him, and why. Now, after weeks spent attempting to solve his own murder with the help of his best friend and betrothed, Nadia Lake, Nate has found the answers he was seeking...and he doesn’t like what he’s discovered.

The original Nate was killed because he knew a secret that could change everything. Thanks to Nadia’s quick thinking, the two of them hold the cards now—or think they do.

Unfortunately, neither of them fully understands just how deep the conspiracy runs.

 

A Beautiful Wedding (Beautiful, #2.5) by Jamie McGuire

 

You know that Abby Abernathy unexpectedly became Mrs. Maddox. But what do you really know?

Why did Abby pop the question?
What secrets were shared before the ceremony?
Where did they spend their wedding night?
Who else knew about it . . . and didn’t tell?

Everything about Abby and Travis’s elopement was top-secret . . . until now. Fans of Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster will get all of their questions answered in this whirlwind tale of the wedding day (and night!)—and as with all good stories, this one will definitely have been worth the wait.

I'd Like A Movie Version Please (2)

Day two of I'd like A Movie Version Please is here. It really has been fun scouring my bookshelves and Goodreads list of all the books I've read and loved so much that they've become favorites for good. And sorting through all of those titles for which I'd really like to see be made into movies has just been a blast, without a doubt! Today, in addition to picking another five YA titles that I'd like to see adapted into film, I'm also including an actor/actress that I'd like to see play in that movie. They might not be exactly who I originally pictured in my head while reading these titles for the roles, but after looking around, I really think these actors/actresses could hit these characters out of the park with their skills and talent.

Which titles are you shelves would you like to see hit the big screen? Any actors or actresses in mind that you could see featured in those films? Shoot me an email or leave me a comment and let me know what you've got up your sleeve. It's always fun to speculate and cross your fingers that one day maybe these favorites of ours will be premiering at the movies just like we'd always wanted!

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #1: Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker, #1) by Jenna Black

It's all she's ever wanted to be, but it couldn't be further from her grasp...

Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but shes in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides shes had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl, she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her new found friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she'll never have a chance with...until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn't sure where she'll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again.

How much did you guys just love Black's Faeriewalker series? I can't even honestly choose which of the three titles in the series was my favorite, they were just all so good, it's too close of a race. Each of the characters were chalk full of heavy backgrounds and lots of personality. After reading this series opener, readers really got the feeling that they knew a good bit about each of the characters. And what Black left out of one novel, she made sure to circle back around and fill in later on down the road. The world she created in modern day times was fantastical and so much fun to picture in my own head that I can only imagine what film makers could do with it if they transformed it onto the big screen. And honestly, Black's main character Dana was just wonderful. A heroine that you couldn't help but get behind and root for from the beginning to end. Being pulled in a million different directions by so many different people and with the stakes so high for each decision and move she made, she handled everything a lot better than I think most would have. So when I think about an actress to take on her roll, while I'm sure a good number of individuals would do an amazing job, I can picture...Alexis Bledel, best known for her long stint in Gilmore Girls. She played such extremes on that show and in later movies, that we've gotten to see her as the poised, and beautiful older actress, as well as the somewhat awkward and unsure of herself teenager. A perfect combination for a character like Dana.

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #2: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Why can't you choose what you forget . . . and what you remember?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them?

Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her.

Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

This was the first book of Echols' that I had the opportunity to read and right then and there I became an instant fan of her work. Her writing brought out all kinds of emotions and after reading other blogger and reader reviews, I know that I was not alone. Her characters are so easy to connect with on so many levels that I'm not sure it's even possible to come away without being invested in her books. And this was not a one time deal either. I've read other titles by Echols since and each and every one of them has me running through the gauntlet of emotions, no matter what I do. I love it! So while both main characters in this book would be fun to cast, this time around I decided to focus in on Doug. He's so tough to figure out through this novel, mainly because Echols wants it to be that way, that it's not until the very end that readers get to see what he's really all about. But throughout the novel, it's still easy to see that Doug would be a guy that any girl would have a hard time not falling in love with him. So for that reason I had to find an actor that was able to be attractive while maintaining that brooding quality along with keeping a quiet disposition at the same time, so for those reasons I thought...Matt Lanter might be just right. He's been in a few different things here or there, but most recently I think 90210 was his most popular. What do you think? Do you think he could pull off the roll?

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #3: Oh.My.Gods (Oh.My.Gods, #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

A modern girl's comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.

When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: ubersupersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

Childs' series is just plain old fashioned fun, no other way to put it. Little kids could get hooked on this, as well as the older crowd too. No matter what age, or gender, it seems like even if you're not a history buff or bibliophile, there's just something about Greek and Roman mythology that interests just about everybody in one way or another. Now Childs' books are obviously not going to fall in the non-fiction end of things, but she sticks close to the root of things when it comes to the gods and goddesses, as well as their reputations and abilities. So while you're not going to read or go see this in the theater for brush up on your history lessons and knowledge, it would still be a nice and fun family movie for all to enjoy. And when you look closely at this series, there are just so many characters to choose from when I was thinking of who I would want to cast in this film version. I ended up deciding that Griffin Blake would be a hard character to pass up on. So if I had my way, his character would be portrayed by Robert Hoffman. Who didn't love him in Step Up 2 the streets? I mean come on!

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #4: Song of the Moon (Artemis Lupine, #1) by Catherine Banks

What if you found out that there was another world inside your own? What if all of the things you thought made you weird, actually made you powerful?

Artemis's life is changed forever when the mysterious man from her dreams, Ares, comes to claim her as his mate. The seventeen year old girl must find a way to adapt to her true life and accept her fate or run from it. She must overcome her fears and human ideals to give her self to the dangerous world, and man, that is her destiny.

Everyone knows by now how much I love love love this series, and that's not going to change any time soon if ever! Banks hooked me on this one despite this somewhat shaky cover art...nothing wrong with it per se but it's not the best I've seen either. But despite that critique, this book and series made me an instant fan from page one. I'm counting down the days until Banks releases her fourth installment in the series, and it's can't get here soon enough in my opinion. But while there are some aspects of this book, namely the paranormal creatures and how they could make all this magic happen on the big screen possible, but honestly....if they can find a way to work out the wolves in the Twilight movies, there won't be a problem here either. And while they all deal with some of the same creatures, that's where the similarities end. As far as casting the characters in this one...I can't help but it but I'm not sure who to pick. So I decided to go with the main character, Artemis. The male leads are simply to hard to choose between. So for Artemis, I think I'd have to go with someone like Camilla Belle. She hasn't been in anything recently, seems to stick more towards the fashion circuit nowadays, but I think she could handle the job. She always looks terrific but she seems like one of those girls who no matter if you dress her up or down, she's comfortable in the way she looks and it shows!
I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #5: The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Love is all you need... or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her non dating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . .

No words can describe how much I adored this book. I will admit to being slightly biased after meeting Eulberg at a book festival and signing. After hearing her speak and chatting with her while she signed my book, there's just something about her personality that has you feeling like you've been friends with her for forever. So it's hard not to root for her. But despite her stellar personality and public speaking skills, her work speaks for itself. Not to mention that I'm a huge Beatles fan, so seeing her cover just about won me over before I'd even cracked open the actual book. But the cute way that she's integrated their music into her plot and character's personalities is just so endearing and adorable. I'm thinking the potential this movie would have would be off the charts, not to mention how great the soundtrack to accompany it could be right? So of course I had to pick Penny Lane as the character I wanted to cast, and I thought Ella Fanning would be a fun choice. She's never seen with over the top makeup and I think she could totally pull off the low key Juno like style and wardrobe...not to mention lead a revolution against boys and dating, don't you agree?

Stay tuned tomorrow for part three of I'd Like A Movie Version Please! Happy Reading!

New Finds (5)

Rather than a countdown post today I decided to go with another addition of new finds. There are always going to be fabulous books that are slated to come out in the future, but as I'm sure I'm not alone, readers are also always going to miss books as they come out because they're either too overloaded with other books on their TBR lists, or just overloaded with life in general.

So regardless of the reason, you're not alone and I'm going ot do my part to make sure these great reads aren't missed just because life keeps readers too busy to catch every detail. So whenever I come across titles that I've somehow missed the release date of, I make a note and get excited about them all over again. Sometimes it's even better than counting down to a title that will be released in the next year or so because when I get worked up over these titles I can go right to the store to pick up my own copy or download one to my kindle. No waiting or pining for the book to hit the shelves.

New Find #1: Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire, #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton (1/31/2012)

Life as the Preliateor is harder than Ellie ever imagined. Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven's warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And no that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell's strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She's been warned. Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian's new plan to destroy Ellie's soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian's schemes, the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything - including herself.

She'll be betrayed. Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.

Oh lord. I am not liking the sound of this synopsis. After the ending and cliffhanger that Moulton left her readers with in her series opener, Angelfire I was hoping that Ellie and Will would at least get a little reprieve in the beginning of book two. But to be honest, that sounds like there's no way that scenario is going to work out. Ellie's obstacles sound like they've doubled if not more, and with her and Will pining for each other and struggle to stay professional, I'm thinking she doesn't need any added stress....like say a possible apocalypse right? If this sequel caught your interest, don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway hosted by Harper Teen that ends February 7th.

New Find #2: The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LeZebnik (09/10/2008)

When Ava Nickerson was a child, her mother jokingly betrothed her to a friend's son, and the contract the parents made has stayed safely buried for years. Now that still-single Ava is closing in on thirty, no one even remembers she was once "engaged" to the Markowitz boy. But when their mother is diagnosed with cancer, Ava's prodigal little sister Lauren comes home to Los Angeles where she stumbles across the decades-old document.

Frustrated and embarrassed by Ava's constant lectures about financial responsibility (all because she's in a little debt. Okay, a lot of debt), Lauren decides to do some sisterly interfering of her own and tracks down her sister's childhood fiance. When she finds him, the highly inappropriate, twice-divorced, but incredibly charming Russell Markowitz is all too happy to re-enter the Nickerson sisters' lives, and always-accountable Ava is forced to consider just how binding a contract really is...

While this might not be considered a young adult novel, I couldn't resist adding it to my new finds list. LaZebnik caught my attention and won my heart with her retelling of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Epic Fail, and ever since I've been anxious for her to release a new young adult novel. Since that hasn't happened yet, I thought I would check out her previous works and see what I'd find. Well, this one might be a little off the YA mark, but it sure sounds like a winner to me. So I've marked this one on my list and I plan on hitting the store with this title in mind as soon as possible.

New Find #3: The Shattering by Karen Healey (09/05/2011)

Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers. As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all spent New Year's Even in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most. As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?

After reading Healey's debut YA novel, Guardian of the Dead, I was looking forward to future works from her and somehow seems to miss this one when it came out a few months back. While this title doesn't seem to have much in common with her debut title, there's still that element of a mystery and the suspense that inevitably follows close behind. Healey managed to spin her folklore in a way no history teacher ever did for me in college, she had me excited, anxious to learn more, and crossing my fingers that I'd be able to solve the mystery before it was actually revealed to readers. So if her style stays on the same path, I'm thinking this mystery could be one I'd enjoy.

New Find #4: Supernaturally (Paranormalcy, #2) by Kiersten White (07/26/2011)

Evie finally has the normal life she's always longed for. But she's shocked to discover that being ordinary can be...kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she's given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie's faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there's a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

I really enjoyed all the fun adventures White had offered up in her first Paranormalcy series installment, and I've been looking forward to seeing what else this series has to offer. Once again I'm not sure who I missed out on this summer release date but either way I plan to make up for that by getting my hands on this sequel very quickly. Evie was a fun character to follow and all the different creatures and obstacles White threw her way made for an interesting and addicting read. Hopefully this installment turns out to be no different.

New Find #5: Dark Descendant (Nikki Glass, #1) by Jenna Black (04/26/2011)

From the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kinglsey, Exorcist books comes the gripping first novel in a new series about a private eye who discovers, to her surprise, that she's an immortal huntress.

Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can't die...

Crazy as it sounds, Nikki's manhunting skills are literally god-given. She's a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki's new "friends" include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she's a spy.

But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal batter of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she'll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy...

Yet another author that I can't get enough of. Jenna Black made me a fan with her Faeriewalker series and I was very sad to see it end. Don't get me wrong, her series ending was fantastic but I just wasn't quite ready to say goodbye for good to all those characters she had created and I had come to love. But while I still miss that series, I'm shocked that I hadn't heard about this one until after it's release date. I'm very far behind on keeping track with some of my favorite authors, but now that I'm trying to correct my errors, I've marked this one down and definitely don't want to miss out. While her world of fae was wonderful, I'm sure her world containing Olympians and their descendants will be just as good, if not better.

Review: Sirensong (Faeriewalker, #3) by Jenna Black

When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it’s no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead. But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told…

The journey through Faerie is long – and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard’s son, Keane, just can’t seem to get along, and Kimber’s crush on Keane isn’t making things any easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time… and makes it clear that he hasn’t given up on making her his own.

Arriving at Titania’s beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania’s granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives. Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court – or, worse, the Erlking – catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?

Finally Black takes us into Faerie! I've been waiting for this moment since the beginning of the series and couldn't have been more excited to finally see her vision play out. While I was hoping for a little more time spent at court, the overall journey was well worth the wait.

After the way things were left at the end of Shadowspell, I was on the edge of my seat even at page one to see where everything would go. With a zillion different ways Black could have rounded out this series, I think she did Dana and the rest of the gang justice.

Interesting twists and turns were laid out for Dana and Ethan, Keane and Kimber, the Erl King, and just about everyone else. While I enjoyed how Black pieced everything together, I'll admit to being a little sad throughout the majority of this edition. I knew in the back of my head that it was all coming to an end. Goodbyes would be said to these unique characters, wonderful settings and dynamic situations. It may have affected me more than I anticipated while reading this time.

Glimmerglass still stands out for me as the "best" of this series, but Sirensong was a fast and entertaining end to a fun series. And hey, the infamous hot posset made a final appearance, and I admit I was half tempted to whip myself one up to enjoy right along with Dana and Kimber. If you're a fan of this series, you'll no doubt be picking up a copy of Sirensong for yourself, regardless of this review, but I do think you'll enjoy it.

I gave Sirensong (Faeriewalker, #3) 4 shamrocks!!!! (I only wish there was a fourth book in the series to look forward to next)

Review: Shadowspell (Faeriewalker, #2) by Jenna Black

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead.

The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Only a fellow reading fanatic would understand how excited I was when I got an advanced copy of Shadowspell in the mail for review the other night. It was like Christmas had come early, I was beyond elated. I immediately put aside the other book I was reading and dove right in! Jenna's writing was just as perfect and addicting as it was the first go around in Glimmerglass, but it felt more mature this time around. She was in the zone from beginning to end and I was hooked from page one.

Dana's problems in Glimmerglass pale in comparison to what she's faced with in this installment and I was rooting for her even more. Her drama with Ethan rears it's ugly head but things really get dramatic when the Erlking comes to Avalon with his huntsman following close behind. I finished the book unsure of my feelings for the Erlking. I think I actually like him, but I know I shouldn't? I guess I'm still kind of undecided on the subject. But Black did an amazing job of mounting the intensity and suspense of the story thanks to his entrance in the storyline.

Keane and Finn, Dana's mom and dad, and Kimber were all back and involved (even at times when they probably shouldn't have been) and were all awesome as was to be expected. And another great comeback...the hot posset! I was happy to see Kimber bring the cure all back into action, but felt bad that the girls were in need of the stress reliever. I think I'm going to whip one up myself when I got back to re-read the story, yum!

While the second installment was packed with action, anxiety, stress and yes romance, the ending left me at a crossroads. I'm sad, happy, curious and a little worried about Dana and her friends, but I'm hoping they can pull things together in the next and third installment in the Faeriewalker series, Sirensong, which comes out July 2011.

I gave Shadowspell (Faeriewalker, #2) 5 shamrocks!!!!!