You know that moment when summer officially hits and you go to the beach and you get a tear in your eye sand in your eye when you try to crack open your favorite beach read? Yeah. All you can do is blinkblinkblink and try to convince everyone you weren't crying overwhelmed by allergies.
When was the last time you've found and read a book you truly wanted to marry could not put down?
Since today is my birthday, I'd like to give a gift to all of you. Below, you'll find the rafflecopter entry form for a hardcover copy of SHATTER ME. This is the original cover. This is not the paperback of the new style/covers that were revealed recently on MTV's Hollywood Crush.
Speaking of the new lovelies, here are all three new covers:
This is the new cover for the paperback. I've got it featured on the sidebar, so blink twice (if you're seeing double) and click the link to preorder. It reminded me of the special eyelashes Effie Trinket wore in THE HUNGER GAMES movie. I love all the details, including the one hidden in the iris of the eye.
I also like how they link to the DESTROY ME cover which is like SHATTER ME 1.5, from Warner's perspective!! I cannot wait to read this. Seriously. Cannot. Wait.
And then there's the cherry on top jewel in the crown of these covers (so far)--UNRAVEL ME. I say that because I'm counting on Tahereh to write another "inbetween" story that lands somewhere between UNRAVEL ME and the final NAME ME book of the trilogy. I also say that, because I really love the first two covers as well. There's too much shiny all the things to stare at.
If you guessed correctly that this was the book giveaway I hinted at in my UNDER THE NEVER SKY giveaway, you were right pat yourself on the back, you smartypants! And, if you missed my review of SHATTER ME at the beginning of 2012, click the link for my gasquillion starred review (I wish I could give it that many stars! 5 stars just aren't enough.)
I did ask Tahereh to answer a few interview questions, but unfortunately, she's been on tour a TON recently, and just got back from South America. If she's able to answer my questions, I'll definitely post them here for you to see.
If you haven't seen the book trailer for SHATTER ME, click here now check it out here:
Also, Tahereh is a HOOT to follow, so be sure to follow her everywhere she lurks! She has a great blog called, GRAB A PEN, and can usually be found lurking on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. You should totally stalk her like a creeper engage in an ontological dialogue about Team Warner or Team Adam. Or cake.
If you didn't win a hardcover of UNDER THE NEVER SKY, you should totally enter to win a copy of SHATTER ME. I'll finish out the summer with another great giveaway in August, so please keep checking back for new and great book reviews, writerly blog posts, and giveaways. Let's celebrate!!
The contest runs for two weeks to give everyone a chance to enter, and
once the winners confirm their addresses, the winners names will be posted right
here, so keep checking back. I wish you all a great summer with
great vacation getaways, and good books to enjoy while you're
there!
This giveaway is for US residents only. There will be
International giveaways again soon.
Entries into the Giveaway will be checked for validity.
Entries that have not completed requirements will be voided. To put it simply:
please be honest.
I am giving away a hardcover copy of STORMDANCER over on my Facebook Author Page. By clicking the following link and posting a comment on that thread before October 20th, you will be entered to win. You may also choose to like my author page while you're there. Just sayin'.
I hope you are ready for the awesome and the epic. I hope, when you glanced at the title and the cover to your immediate right, you gasped and hurried over to GoodReads to add this to your TBR pile as the not-so-subliminal messaging suggests. DO EET!!
Okay, I see you need a little nudge, a bit more convincing. Well, I've got all the convincing you'll need. Let's start with the first 3 chapters preview posted on TOR. Go ahead and read it and tell me you're not salivating to read more, and why can't it be September already, and damnit, why'd you have to show me that and make me WANTS THE PRECIOUSSSSS?
I tried to warn you. I did. Never doubt me again.
You want more? I've got more. Go back to TOR and see the related article that shows how the artist and author and publisher dialogued back and forth to come up with the cover art. Warning: it's a bit *ahem* graphic in the "yep, he went there" kinda way. Just sayin'. Still, it's worth the read and you get to see all the gorgeous artwork of Jason Chan.
One of the things I loved about this article is how each element was carefully weighed and featured on the cover. For example, the title, STORMDANCER is given a "steampunk" feeling. Having lived in central China for a year teaching English after college (yes, I lived in Zhengzhou City, the capital of Henan Province, and I speak basic Mandarin), I'm down with all things Asian, and I noticed right away that the "M" in the title looks like the character, "Tian" (As in, Tian An Men, literally "sky safety gate", the famous square in the capital of Beijing.) I thought this was a cool easter egg to find, since the griffin is from the sky and the title is heavily related. Well done, Jason Chan!
So, now that I've whet your whistle, here's a peek at the full cover artwork, courtesy of Jay Kristoff and Jason Chan for your viewing pleasure. If you click on it, the link goes to all the other versions and sizes of this coverart. It's truly breathtaking. Seriously. I get way too fanboyish about this cover. Thankfully, it's the first of a SERIES, so we'll have more cover art to love and fan art, and other lovelies, which brings me to the reason for my post.
This post is my official submission to WIN the VERY LAST ARC of STORMDANCER by Jay Kristoff, Mr. Badass himself. The BAWWSSMAN threw down and said if we make something awesome for him, he might Quid Pro Quo and swap out the annotated, autographed and possibly doodled copy of STORMDANCER for our troubles.
And, since the contest runs until the end of July, 2012, I guess you'd better get yourself a beret and a set of paints or some hotness to knock my entry off its shiny pedestal. Just kidding. Don't you dare, or I'll have to kill you. Sadly, I'm not kidding. Nor am I above bloodshed when it comes to a book, and Mr. Kristoff's is one that only comes around once in a very long time, and I am not going down without a fight. I will get out my Tanto if I need to. You've been warned.
Okay, so here's the deal: It's a YA Japanese style Steampunk blah blah blah blah blah blah blah....
What's that, you say? You stopped listening after you heard "Japanese" and "Steampunk" used together in the same sentence? Your jaw literally dropped to the floor, and you may have whacked your head on the underside of your desk/table/whathaveyou on the way back up, and you thought for a moment, why didn't I think of that???
Well. I've read the first three chapters repeatedly, and it got me all pumped up and stoked and I was all: I could do a picture of the moment when the griffin (Baruu) and Yukiko (the MC) first meet. Too bad there's two oni (Japanese blue skinned demon) lurking and one just threw Yukiko into a...go read it for yourself! Then come back here and finish reading.
Okay, so I did draw a sketch of this scene and it turned out okay. I know it's totally amateurish and there are problems with the sketch, but I spent a long time on it, and I knew I could clean it up more once it was in full color, too. But, without further ado, here's the first sketch:
Now, if you want to see that in different sizes, click on the "My Flickr Account" tab at the top of this page and you can click through all the sizes and see all the details. Enjoy! While you're there, you might have noticed the full color version, my final draft using colored pencils as my medium of choice. (read: because I totally suck at photoshop) You can see the color version here:
What motivated me to draw this was when I read the three chapter excerpt posted online and while I was reading, I visualized the moment Yukiko and Baruu first meet and their eyes catch one another. It's easier to see in the full sized version. What was powerful to me was the way that Yukiko had just been thrown against a tree trunk and had cracked her skull and was ragdoll tossed on the ground beneath the oni demon. Baruu swoops in and is all, "oh, no you dih-ent!" and attacks the oni. I had to draw this moment. I hope you like it.
I was especially pleased with the oni's loincloth being a tiger hide, which adds tension in the scene and motivates Baruu to more fiercely avenge Yakiko's injury. Read the first three chapters to see how he kicks oni demon ass. Here's a hint: his eagle beak and claws come in handy, coupled with his tiger fierceness...well, you should read it and see for yourself.
But, wait, there's more! I knew I'd have to do more than toss a friggin' bag of sand on the pedestal and snatch the ARC and beat a path out of the temple before the walls come crashing down all around me. I've got more STUFF to share with you. More things that might get you to thinking you might just be able to best me with a Tanto, given I'm only a white belt in karate, or you can totally rock photoshop, or you write poems and songs like a BAWWSS, or you can promote STORMDANCER like nobody's business, etc. etc. You get the idea. Right? Well, peruse the rest of this post and see if it doesn't inspire you to crack out a set of charcoal sticks and your favorite artpad or some such nonsense. After all, it's the LAST ARC and it's all MINE!!
At least, I sure hope it is. Please, please, Mr. Kristoff! I'm not beneath begging. Plus I'll totally review it and post reviews all around the internet and blogosphere and tell all my followers to do the same and click the like button on your Amazon preorder page right here, like I already did on both versions, too.
I thought a recipe would get us all in the mood to read a few poems of mine with strong connections to STORMDANCER, and traditional music for your listening pleasure. By the way, if you listen to the music while reading the first three chapters, it's like, BOOM! There it is. The music is the famous "Butterfly Lovers," A tragic story of ill-fated lovers. Check it out:
As for the recipe, I've scrounged jasmine tea and jasmine shortbread cookies to fill you while you read. And, afterward, let's discuss ideas for awesome Steampunk themed weaponry, shall we? Yes, we shall!
So, one of the great aspects of this novel has had my mind whirring with anticipation over the idea of weapons in feudal Japan (how I picture the setting of STORMDANCER) and the descriptions I found in the first three chapters. The one that springs to mind:
I practically ran to the store to buy out their entire supply of Depends Undergarments. So, it got me thinking. Perhaps Mr. Kristoff wants to use this for an upcoming giveaway. Design your own ideas for steampunk meets Japanese weaponry. And, GO!
I had a few ideas of my own. My top favorite is like a portable, hand held helicopter blade that looks vaguely similar to this, only motorized, of course:
Also, the handle would be at a 90 degree angle to the blades to make the motorized part functional. What, you're still here? You want to read my poems? Seriously? Wow. I'm flattered. Okay, so here they are:
Phaedrus
Throws Stones
“For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror.”—Rainer Maria Rilke
In China, I busied
myself with Tang Dynasty poems
writing
no words to you in English for six months.
Now
leaves in their death-brilliance blow cold against the door.
I
hear you calling from the sky—the face of God—you with your clouds
carved
in granite, volcano bursts in suspension over Praetorian eyes.
I
am digging my toes in the last green grass before spring, thankful
for
another chance to try and find what Phaedrus searched for in all
his
travels—something about pleasure in the journey, not the destination.
You
take steps which seek the dust shaken from the sandals of the apostles
while
I read about the drunken state Li Bai sought before writing
his
elegant bambooed verse. I can see him in his boat cursing at the moon
whose
cycle refuses to turn the tide or fit itself neatly into dynastic poetry.
Of
course you know how fickle a woman the moon is, her orb a granite breast
reclined
across the sky. If you would listen to Phaedrus, you would hear
the
word of his testimony bleeding like stones draped in moonlight.
I
think of Stephen, the first martyr, who cried out crimson as stones
laid
down prostrate before the sky, whose gentle kiss raised him to paradise.
The
Root of Supplication
I
wake with the taste of jade
in
my mouth. The monk has returned
to
his mountain, fingertips stained with questions.
In
the countryside the lotus root grows,
rows
of graves alongside vast fields of rice.
Echoes
rise, prayers the root has spoken for centuries.
What
is your reason for existing here and now?
I
try to teach myself to speak
another
tongue, drunkenly stumbling from
the
mouth of this towering pagoda. When will you listen
for
the wind passing through this shadowed
valley,
bending each grain prostrate in the thickening mud?
I
cannot find another sky or peak from which I may shout questions to God.
Perhaps
you know His answer already.
And, for those of you who stuck with me to the end of my very long (read: desperate for this ARC) blog post, I think you deserve something truly mindblowingly awesome, and there's already been a lot of that, so I've got to really BRING IT here at the end:
Here's artwork done by the amazingly talented GENZOMAN. You can see more here.
Okay, so what did you think of the first three chapters? Are you hooked? Did you think "meh" and ran for the hills before I take you down? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Also, if you've got an entry, or an idea or inspiration, share it in the comments as well. I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll all be just as blown away as I was by this amazingly fresh read I can't wait to get my hands on.
If you'd like to enter a challenge, click the link here and do so by the end of July. Good Luck!
It's summertime! The perfect time to get away, take a quick vacation to your favorite beach, with a few good books to read UNDERTHENEVERending summer SKY. See what I did there? Well, I just recently finished reading this gorgeous love story of how opposites might repel at first, but if you flip them over, sometimes they attract in a way that cannot be separated. I think you'll find that with Veronica Rossi's debut, Under the Never Sky, and I'm so convinced, I thought I'd offer you a chance to have this book for your very own, just in time for a summer getaway!
For those who are just here for the contest, scroll on down to the rafflecopter entry form below. Skip right on past the exclusive new interview Mrs. Rossi was so kind to do for this giveaway. Pay no attention to the gorgeous video clips, book trailer, or concept art on your way down the page. Just get to the good stuff and ignore all the amazing details Veronica Rossi and I cooked up for you.
For those who want more, or don't know much about Under the Never Sky, please sit back and enjoy the content I've gathered for you and be sure to take advantage of all the Under the Never Sky goodies that are here. Believe me, after you read this, you'll be salivating for Through the Ever Night, Book 2 in the series, and Into the Still Blue, Book 3 of the trilogy.
To begin, take a look at this video interview that explains where she got the concept for Under the Never Sky. It's a pretty neat story, and her inspiration is definitely near and dear to her heart:
Veronica Rossi graduated from UCLA and studied Fine Art at California College of the Arts in San Fransisco. When she began researching for Under the Never Sky, she gathered pictures, images, music, and other elements to experience the world she created in a very hands-on, kinesthetic approach. She commissioned artwork for her world from Richard Dumont, the most riveting of these being the Aether Sky and Perry image below:
When I came up with the idea of hosting a giveaway at the beginning of summer, I wanted to make sure it was a good one. In fact, I've got another one planned shortly after this one is over, and it's an equally gorgeous book from an equally gorgeous writer, one who's close friends with Veronica Rossi. Oh, am I not giving you enough hints? Well, if you follow them on Twitter, you'll see them gushing over each other and the next giveaway is also the first book in a trilogy. Still can't guess? Well, I guess you'll have to come back and find out for yourself.
If you haven't had a chance to read my review of Under the Never Sky, check it out HERE.
I contacted Mrs. Rossi and asked her if she'd be willing to answer a few questions with me, and I could include a new interview along with the giveaway. Since Mrs. Rossi was gracious enough to respond to my inquiry, here is the interview we had about her writing and thoughts on Under the Never Sky. Of course, for the most up-to-date information, you should visit her website: http://www.veronicarossi.com/
INTERVIEW WITH VERONICA ROSSI
Under the Never Sky almost immediately reminded me of Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. It has the same gritty, harsh quality as the outer wasteland coupled with the aloof boredom of Reverie. Would you agree with this allusion? What other connections to classic literature might readers make, especially pertaining to Aria and Perry?
Thank you, Donald. I read Lord of the Flies many years ago but it left an unforgettable impression on me. I’m so flattered that UTNS reminded you, in some way, of this timeless classic. There’s a lawlessness and just-beneath-the-surface aggressiveness to the Outsiders that might bear some similiarity to that great classic (I feel utterly presumptuous saying that, I have to let you know.) I do think there are themes in UNDER THE NEVER SKY--star-crossed lovers, societies at war, sibling rivals—that can be found in stories through time.
Having thought on this point a bit more, I would also add that Under The Never Sky is a futuristic dystopian cocktail of Beauty and the Beast (minus the fairytale) meets Taming of the Shrew. Regardless, it's an amazing book, and an amazing read!
What first drew you to the story of UtNS and in particular, to your characters?
I knew I wanted to tell a story about contrasts … about opposites. Boy/Girl. Advanced/Primitive. Authentic and sensory/Synthetic and simulated. I think that was the initial interest for me: putting these opposing forces right next to each other, and seeing what would happen.
Will there be more to the story in another book or two? And, if you could write from a perspective other than Aria or Perry (as you did in the book), which character would you want to explore more? Why?
There will be two more books. Book Two, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT, will be released in January 2013. Book Three, INTO THE STILL BLUE, does not yet have a release date, but is expected to be published some time in 2014.
I have written extensively from Cinder’s POV, and Roar’s. I like to know what it feels like to be inside the heads of my secondary characters. If I had the time, I’d write from all of them. It’s terribly fun, and very useful.
What are your typical writing habits when coming up with new ideas for stories? Do you research? Write a few rough scenes? Play with dialogue or voice? Outline character traits and backstory? Please share a typical writing day.
I’m actually developing a new series right now. The development stage is one of the most frustrating and exhilarating parts of the writing process for me. I spent weeks just reading, taking walks, brainstorming, free-writing, and generally alternating between feeling like, Ah ha! I’ve got it! to What the heck is this story about?
The genesis of every story, for me, has been different. With NEVER SKY, the characters and world evolved simultaneously. With this new project, I’ve got a great handle on the characters, but the story is still murky. I wish it were a similar process every time, but I suppose that’s part of the fun—not knowing exactly how things will unfold.
A typical writing day involves procrastination. That’s just about the only constant for me. I’ve found that if I can write first thing in the morning, I’m happiest. Middle of the day is the worst for me. I’m at my most productive early and late. And, yes, I do all of what you’ve listed above!
Where do you see yourself and your writing in 5 years from now? In 10 years? Will your books be movies by then? What else might we get to see from you? Would you switch genres?
In five—and ten—years, I’d like to still be challenging myself. I’ve always needed to feel like I’m changing, learning, stretching as a person, writer, artist, so I’m reasonably sure that will still be true then. And I absolutely could see myself switching genres. Anything is possible ☺
It would be wonderful if my books were movies, but that’s not up to me. The folks over at Warner Bros. are in charge of making that happen.
Bonus Question: would you like to share any ideas for a dreamcast? What about an app or an interactive website/game, etc. could you envision for your stories?
I’ve been asked about dream-casting UTNS a few times before and I always struggle with this question. For me, the characters are VERY clear in my mind. Because of that, it’s really difficult for me to think of actors who I think “fit” Aria and Perry. The one thing I WOULD like to see, if the film was made, is the roles be given to serious actors—to artists with strong vision. I’d love to see Aria and Perry played by actors who took risks, and really made the characters their own.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions. I'm honored to share this giveaway with your fans and readers.
Thanks so much for having me! This was fun!
For those who have not seen the book trailer for Under the Never Sky, check this out. You won't be sorry you did! It's amazing, and I can already start fantasizing about who might be in a movie version, which is, as you know from the interview above, optioned for film by Warner Bros. I sure hope they bring Veronica Rossi along to assist with the creation of the movie version in the same way Suzanne Collins was involved with Hunger Games. Here's the book trailer:
To catch Veronica Rossi on her book signing tour, she'll be signing books at San Diego Comic Con on July 15th.
Giveaway: 2 Hardcover Copies of Under the Never Sky to 2 Lucky Winners!
The 2 Hot 2 Read 2012 Summer Reads Giveaway is for 2 Winners, who will each receive a Hardcover copy of Under The Never Sky. If Veronica's swag shipment arrives in time, she'll throw in a surprise swag gift as well. She might even sign it if you ask her nicely!
Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below, and good luck!
The contest runs for two weeks to give everyone a chance to enter, and once the winners confirm their addresses, the winners names will be posted right here, so keep checking back.
I wish you all a great summer with great vacation getaways, and good books to enjoy while you're there!
Thanks to Veronica Rossi and HarperCollins for the great giveaway!
This giveaway is for US residents only. There will be International giveaways again soon.
Entries into the Giveaway will be checked for validity. Entries that have not completed requirements will be voided. To put it simply: please be honest.
Winners have been notified and confirmed via email. I'll be sending out their books asap. Thank you to everyone for reading the blog and entering. I appreciate those who tweeted and came back often to spread the word. I appreciate each of you for following me and I hope you enjoy this blog.
As I hinted above, a new giveaway starts before the end of July, and it's for one of my TOP READS OF 2012. Plus, I'll be featuring a post all about STORMDANCER, including my entry for an autographed copy of THE VERY LAST ARC directly from Jay Kristoff, the author himself. Oh, and I drew a sketch as part of the entry...will you throwdown and enter for your chance to win? I warn you, I'll fight hard for this one!
This was truly a delight to read. I enjoyed it on many levels. It's such a thoroughly realized world, coupled with a well-developed story. I can't wait for the next installment. I find myself thinking about these characters, even when I'm reading other books. That's a sign of a good book, and this is a stellar debut.
The hook really draws you in. At first I found it jarring, a group of bored teens traipsing around in a futuristic dystopian world that reminded me of LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding. The earth has become dangerous to live outside under a sky that fires down funnel clouds like a cross between a tornado and lightning, with a mixture of nuclear fallout. The Aether can kill you a million different ways.
The Dwellers (Moles) live in pods, which are sterile and cramped, and those who live there spend most of their time in Virtual Reality alternate locations so they "feel" like they've got more space to move around in. If you can imagine it, you can go there, although the term is "fraction."
When a band of miscreants break into a closed area with trees and rotting food, they're just trying to have "real" fun. They start a fire and it gets crazy. Without going into details, an Outsider (Savage)witnesses a killing and protects Aria, the MC. Their paths are destined to cross, and they will meet again.
However, when Aria is punished for being part of the juvenile delinquents, she doesn't think exile is what she'll receive in punishment, although that is exactly what happens. Facing this turning point drives the story forward, and shows how deftly Rossi weaves two disparate stories together into a breakneck convergence that will keep you turning pages.
Forced out to survive on her own in the wild, Aria is convinced she'll die. A chance encounter with Perry (the savage who helped her earlier) changes everything. She has something he needs (unknown to her) and he has something she needs (although she doesn't know it yet).
As the story progressed, I loved the contrast between the two worlds juxtaposed against each other, and it reminded me of a mash up of Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew. It was captivating and drew me right into their love/hate relationship.
As the onion layers are peeled back, the Outsiders have heightened senses among some of them. These people are called Marked. They have heightened vision or hearing, or sometimes other things. You never know what the Aether can do to you, especially with prolonged exposure!
And, there are others as well.
The story moves along well, with great twists, turns and surprises. I loved it, and I am thrilled it's just the first book in a planned trilogy. If you haven't read this one, it's a WORTHY read. So powerfully written!
UPDATE: Having started book 2, I've realized just how much I missed these characters from the first book. That tells me something: Rossi has brought to life fully realized characters who are so real to me, I miss them like a friend in real life. This is a rare feat for a debut writer to pull off.
In addition, her themes of the modern world (technology driven, distant from one another, surface looks over inner beauty/qualities) vs. the savages in the wild (who we were before the internet and the great technology surge of the modern world, survivors, adapting to our environment, able to hunt and gather food, wrinkles, personality, inner beauty, reality more real than what the pods and the SmartEyes have to offer).
Rossi's depth as a writer increases exponentially as you continue to read this series. You'll want to go back and reread UTNS and the interstory, Roar and Liv once you've started THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT. I hope there's another installment between book 2 and INTO THE STILL BLUE (book 3). I'm head over heels in love with this series, and I'm not ashamed to say so. Thank you, Veronica Rossi, for such an amazing debut!
I can't believe I've never posted my review of SCARS. This is one of my all time favorite books, and it introduced me to the amazing talent of Cheryl Rainfield. The main character, Kendra, is surrounded by a mysterious stalker and chilling messages only she seems to pick up on. She is an abuse survivor, and must live in constant fear that someone is going to get her again. What's most frighting and sadly true (especially for most abuse survivors) is that the person is someone she knows. And yet, she doesn't realize this. As the story unravels, Kendra relieves her stress through her artwork and with cutting.
Fortunately, she finds a friend and support through Sandy, a friend of the family. Her therapist. Her art teacher. And, in Meghan, a girl who seems to understand Kendra in a way others do not. With a viable support network growing around her, Kendra is finally able to face and track down who is her abuser before it's too late. Likewise, she's finally able to stop cutting.
I couldn't stop reading this fast paced book once I began. It draws you in so completely and powerfully, you'll find yourself racing to the end to find out, along with Kendra, who's at the center of all the lies and carefully crafted secrets that allowed her abuser into a power position over her in the first place.
Currently, there are 40 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the USA alone. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys. You are more likely to be a survivor of childhood sexual abuse before you turn 18 than being diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes. This hugely secret and shameful practice has been swept under the cultural carpet for far too long.
Survivors, their friends, and family should read this book to more fully understand how CSA affects the abused. They should also be inspired by the triumph Cheryl Rainfield's character, Kendra, discovers in herself as she faces her abuser and overcomes her abuse.
A powerful and gripping story. A Must Read. You'll never be the same after reading this novel. This deserves way more than 5/5 stars. It's so much more than that. Wow.
I was completely pulled in by this one, I read it in 2 days flat (very fast for me). I'm still processing all the awesome, but I will say that this is one for the books. Ha! Jaime Reed takes the genre of paranormal and turns it on its ear in a refreshing and unapologetically sharp take on everything that makes up paranormal. Dabbling in urban fantasy, bookstore co-workers Samara Marshall and mysterious bad-boy Caleb Baker cook up one hot forbidden romance that draws out the paranormal aspect between the couple. At first, Samara makes it clear she is thoroughly disgusted by the perverse way Caleb interacts with girls. What she doesn't realize is that all other girls are unable to stop themselves with gross public displays of affection followed by ambulance visits and trips to the ER, or worse.
It's enough to raise a few eyebrows, for sure.
But, Samara is not one to shy away from fire. And, she's certainly one who gets singed as she draws closer to the mystery behind Caleb. Against her better judgment, Samara agrees to go out on a date with Caleb to an amusement park where the strange occurrences follow Caleb like a dark cloud with a looming bad omen. Will it turn out to be true? If you start reading this book, you'll definitely find yourself pulled in and gasping for breath.
I love Samara's friends and their similarly tragic on again off again love/hate couples just begging a reality show to be named after them. this was a great, quick read. I loved Samara's snarky yet likeable character. She's got a great voice that works well with this book. I think Jaime Reed did an amazing job of balancing the elements of the smoldering romance between these two, and upping the stakes at every turn. There were numerous twists and turns that left me going WTF? and quickly turning the page to find out what the heck happens next.
Samara's conflict of not trusting the bad boys, and for good reason, is a great examination of what makes love so tempting, but in a funny, quirky, and modern take on the paranormal. You. Will. Love. It.
If you haven't read this one, it's a MUST READ! I'm going to go make sure I have all the other books in this series in my TBR pile, too. So, so good!!
Find out if Samara gets burned, singed, or thoroughly consumed by the love she's tempted to flirt with, fight for, and find the unexpected that is so perfectly what she needs, wants and hungers for in a relationship. You'll be captivated, too!
This book will shudder through you like the slow way cold creeps up your sleeves and under clothes to chill you to the core, where bone is. And blood. It comes full circle in a way that holds you until the very last possible moment, then leaves you feeling whole and empty at the same time. A beautiful paradox. I found the message and the meaning quite profound and worthy of rereading. Not many books are that good, but Drowning Instinct, sure as hell is that kind of book.
It's a book that doesn't point fingers. It takes an alarmingly honest look at all the people involved in a story so complex, it's like a watch that has to slowly tick away the pages until it's unwound enough to fall apart in front of you so you can see everything and understand and know what the writer was trying to say. It's a beautiful journey, full of fully realized characters that draw you in the way a blade hovers over skin, waiting to cut deep and draw out the blood.
I was mesmerized by this story, and not just because Ilsa takes the time to choose each and every word carefully, or that I've added at least 25 new words to my vocabulary, although, I love that part, too. I loved the premise, the way the story was structured, the way Jessa tells the entire truth to the detective and where it ends, finally. I'm even okay that it wasn't all wrapped up neatly with a bow at the end. It was real, the way life is, and left several things unknown and exposed like a raw nerve. I like that Ilsa trusts the reader to fill in the gaps, to ultimately decide how these characters, and their stories resolve. I think she did her job and presented the stories as honestly and truthfully as she could, and I love the part I played as the reader in joining in the story, too.
By the end, I was pulled under the surface. And, I'm not sure if I struggled against it, or if I looked calm, the way a person does when they're drowning. It is instinctual, after all.
I want to read this book again, to peel back even more layers. It was so wonderful and delicious and powerful. Full. Of. Life.
