Primordial Dust Book Nerd Blast and GIveaway

A princess, trained to behave. An assassin, betrothed to her. A thief, whose eyes she dreams of at night. A kingdom at war, torn apart by the suppression of magic and truth, as well as family secrets that threaten to destroy decades of peace.
Questions of loyalty, of morality, and of free will culminate in a fantasy novel about forging one’s own path and choosing one’s own destiny.

You can purchase Primordial Dust at the following Retailers:

AMAZON: 

B&N: 

Smashwords: 

iTunes: 

KOBO: 

All Romance: 

About Sarah Daltry
Website
  

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She’s written works in various genres – romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn’t as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she’s been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships – romantic, familial, friendly – because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn’t matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future – human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah’s stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

GIVEAWAY
3 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Primordial Dust by Sarah Daltry.
1 Winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and Swag pack by Sarah Daltry.
1 Winner will receive a Swag Pack by Sarah Daltry.
Must be 13+ to Enter
International Giveaway

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Killers Instinct Book Blast

Welcome to the Official Blast for KILLER’S INSTINCT by Dawn Dalton & Judith Graves

KILLER’S INSTINCT Author: Dawn Dalton & Judith Graves Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Publisher: Leap Books

Where there is NO life – there’s HOPE.

Hope sees beyond the veil to where the dead walk among the living — creepy flashes from a never-ending macabre dream. But when her mother crawls from the grave and her zombified corpse goes MIA, Hope’s last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster hunters seems her best bet for tracking down Mommy-dearest and putting what’s left of her mom to rest. But does Hope have a true killer’s instinct? The stakes are raised when she’s partnered with three unique male recruits, each with their own personal demons to slay if they want to survive basic training. In a place like Le Manoir, all bets are off.

Pick up a print or eBook version right now!

AMAZON

Praise for KILLER’S INSTINCT

“What could be creepier than hunting down your own zombie mommy? And what could be more psychologically satisfying to a teen because…it’s just pretend. Isn’t it? I wanted to squeeze my eyes shut tight and turn away from the sublimely dark and smart Killer’s Instinct. But how could I? A single page in, I was hooked.” — Jacqueline Mitchard, author of What We Lost in the Dark and The Deep End of the Ocean

“Killer’s Instinct by Dawn Dalton and Judith Graces is a clever and fast-paced thriller that raises the bar for monster-hunting tales. Nuanced and well-crafted, this novel is told from the points of view of four distinctly defined young characters—Hyde, the hulk in sheep’s clothing; Kain, the wild card; Caddoc, the unit jock; and Hope, both gifted and cursed with a sixth sense. Hope’s inner strengths and compassion make her a fitting role model for teenage readers, yet her vulnerability renders her a satisfyingly sympathetic heroine. Killer’s Instinct is going to knock other YA monster-battling books off the shelves.” —    Gary Braver, bestselling and award-winning author of Tunnel Vision

“Hope sees dead people. It’s her greatest weapon and her ultimate curse. After the death of her father and her mother rising from the grave as a mindless corpse, Hope joins an elite fighting team at Le Manoir, a group of teens trained to deal with all manner of paranormal spooks and baddies. She wants to find what’s left of her mother and put her to rest, but first, she needs to learn how — and she might need some help along the way. Hope is a wonderful heroine, smart savvy, and good with a gun: my favorite kind of kick-asser! The other members of the team kept me on my toes, never quite sure who I could trust and what their true motivations were.” — Sherry Ficklin, author of the Gods of Fate series

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dawn Dalton is the author of creepy young adult fiction. When she isn’t dodging monsters, you can find her at creepy crossroads with her husband and two hounds — you know, just skulking around. Dawn also writes adult thriller, romantic suspense ad contemporary young adult under the last name Ius. She is represented by Mandy Hubbard at D4EO Literary Agency.

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM: DawnDalton

Judith Graves has multiple young adult novels and short stories published with Leap Books,  Orca Book Publishers, Compass Press, and, under the pen name, Judith Tewes, is also published with Bloomsbury Spark. In addition, Judith is abscreenwriter and playwright, writes freelance articles for literary magazines, and facilitates writing workshops for both adults and young adults.

 WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will get $20.00 Pay Pal Cash and an eBook copy of KILLER’S INSTINCT

Open Internationally | Must be 13 + To Enter

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Pulse by Patrick Carman Mini Review

Title: Pulse

Author: Patrick Carman
Publish Date: Published February 26th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

Synopsis:

With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too. 

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters who are so powerful they can flatten their enemies by uprooting streetlights, throwing boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with her unusual talent, the mind--and the heart--can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both. 

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning and epic triumph about the power of the mind--and of love.

This story ROCKED!

With everyone moving into the big cities designed to hold millions of people and have more control, few are left on the outside. Those left, find it harder to stay true to themselves , with the temptation to move to the city and the treasures it holds to overwhelming.

This story held so many surprises, I was completely happy and can’t wait to read the next installment. It has action, surprises, love, and heartache. With a dystopia feel, and the twist of paranormal powers, this story will grab your attention quickly .
 This is just a quick review because I have so many to do….Trying to play catch up!

However, this is an amazing story and it’s plot is planted deeply in my mind. I am off to order Book 2, Tremor, so I can get my read on for a story that I have fallen for!!

My Over All Rating: 

June Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.



 

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

  Sponsors I Am A Reader Feed Your Reader Author Rachael Anderson Author Karey White Chelsea Author Promotions Illusio & Baqer BookReviewsAndGiveaways Author Alecia Stone Lori's Reading Corner Author Inger Iversen Shelf of Imagination Candace's Book Blog Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer Helen Smith (author) Christine's Blog Reviews from a Bookworm More Than a Review Tressa's Wishful Endings Pieces of Whimsy Laurie Treacy, Author The Loopy Librarian Author Dorothy Dreyer Author Deanna Lynn Sletten Author Steven Brown Claudia Burgoa Launching Sisters to WitchCamp Rhiannon Paille Author Amanda Tru Melissa McClone, Author Author Michelle Merrill Author M. Kircher Author A&E Kirk Author Melissa Lemon My Story That I Like Best Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf J.L. Weil Maia Sepp Luthando Coeur Making it Happen Jennifer Laurens Author Extraordinary Reads Grimmtastic Girls series: Snow White Lucks Out (tween)   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

  Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash. Ends 7/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Fallen Prey Blog Tour: Review, Favorite Books and Giveaway

June 16^th Monday: A Dream Within a Dream MUSIC PLAYLIST 
June 17^th Tuesday: Deal Sharing Aunt REVIEW & TENS LIST
June 18^th Wednesday: Insane About Books REVIEW & FAVORITE BOOKS
June 19^th Thursday: Pieces of Whimsy DREAM CAST
June 20^th Friday:Mom with a Kindle GUEST POST
June 21^st Saturday: Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW & RANDOM THINGS Cabin Goddess REVIEW & TENS 
June 22^nd Sunday: Chelsea’s Reading Adventures REVIEW
June 23^rd Monday: A Leisure Moment PODCAST INTERVIEW
June 24^th Tuesday: Once Upon a Twilight EXCERPT
June 25^th Wednesday: Fiction Zeal REVIEW & GUEST POST

 Go to Book Nerd Tours for more information

Book 2 in the Sean Gray Junior Special Agent Mystery Series Twelve-year-old Junior Special Agent Sean Gray is in a race against time. Could there be a connection between his testimony in the trial of an international child kidnapping ring and his mysterious accident? While the sheriff’s department and the FBI are investigating, his new friend, Gabby, gets caught in the web of an online predator and disappears. She’s been missing for more than 48 hours, and the authorities have not been able to find her. Sean goes undercover to bait the mysterious hunter. But when he becomes the prey, how will he rescue her?

You can purchase Fallen Prey at the following Retailers:
    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Eisenstein is an author, educator and psychologist. A graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, her work with the agency helped bring her first middle grade mystery, Hiding Carly, (Peak City Publishing, 2013) to life. Ann created a story where the main character, Sean Gray, is a believable eleven-year-old with strong character traits that belie his physical stature. She continued the series with the release of “Fallen Prey” in 2013. Ann currently lives in Columbia, SC where she enjoys writing, drawing, mixed martial arts and fitness classes, gardening, and her friends.  She continues to mentor and guide children and volunteer to work with schools and other groups.

Website

  

My favorite books I read over the past year are:

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
2. Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
3. Fracture by Megan Miranda
4. The Future of Us by Jay Asher
5. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
6. How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
7. Winger by Andrew Smith

My Review

Fallen Prey is the second installment to this series.  

Sean and his friend are in a horrible accident.  Sean has hardly no memory of the accident, as investigators are trying to figure out what has happened.  With his best friend in coma, he has to deal with the trial too.  Can things get worse? Oh yes it can, when his friend Gabby disappears after setting up a meet with someone online. Sean being the Junior Special agent that he is, goes undercover with his investigating skills to try and find Gabby.  He finds more than he expected, and puts himself in danger.

So much is going on in this young man's life.  It reminds me of The Hardy Boys and their mysteries, except in the 21st century dealing with social issues of today.

Kids seem to grow up faster today than years past, and this quick read story proves that.  There has action and mystery, and fascination as this story ties itself together.

I feel with the real life situations, this story is a great read for middle aged children to learn a lot from. Fallen Prey is a fast page turner that will definitely grab the attention of young and older readers.

GIVEAWAY
Winner will receive a Print copy of both Hiding Carly and Fallen Prey+$10.00 Amazon Gift Card.
Must be 13+ to Enter
International Giveaway

*Book Nerd Tours is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Mail Box*

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Shrouded in Blackness Blog Tour, Random Things, Review, and Giveway

June 17^th Tuesday: Insane About Books REVIEW & RANDOM THINGS
June 18^th Wednesday: Racing to Read REVIEW
June 19^th Thursday: Iequals Alissa DREAM CAST
June 20^th Friday: Movies, Shows & Books INTERVIEW & EXCERPT
June 21^st Saturday: Curling Up with a Good Book TENS LIST
June 22^nd Sunday: Nocturnal Predators Reviews MUSIC PLAYLIST
June 23^rd Monday: Wholly Books THIS OR THAT 
June 24^th Tuesday: Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW
June 25^th Wednesday: Mythical Books GUEST POST 
June 26^th Thursday: Addicted Readers TENS LIST 
June 27^th Friday: Fiction Dreams INTERVIEW
June 28^th Saturday: StarAngels’ Reviews REVIEW
June 29^th Sunday: Rose’s Book Corner REVIEW
June 30^th Monday: Sassy Book Lovers REVIEW 

Only loyalty can truly win his heart…

Gangs, organized crime and underground bare-knuckle fighting make up the world that Kieran Delaney thrives within. His reputation is built on the talent of his fists, as much as his ability to get information about any and everything. Never one to be caught by surprise or bested, Kieran knows what you’re going to do before you do it…until Darcy Quinlan enters his life. She introduces herself with a knife to his throat and a promise of unbridled pain. Darcy’s life has been destroyed by betrayal and false promises of safety. Living on the streets for the last eight years, she’s has been a ghost. Never in one place long enough to be seen because you can’t catch what isn’t there. Now Kieran sees her and can’t erase her image from his mind.

Kieran and Darcy must now battle to keep her alive and by his side. As her past enters her life from every angle, Kieran makes certain her safety is no longer a concern, annihilating her demons at every corner. He’ll fight, he’ll maim, he’ll torture and he’ll murder to keep Darcy protected. If Kieran can win, her life will no longer be shrouded in blackness…loyalty will lift the veil.

You can purchase Shrouded in Blackness at the following Retailers:
  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blackness Takes Over was Norma Jeanne's debut novel. What began as an homage to the home town of a homesick Midwestern girl, unfolded a story of love, danger, humor, and trust. Blackness Awaits was the highly anticipated continuation of Blackness Takes Over, leading readers through the twists and turns of the unconventional world in The Blackness Series. Her third novel, Shrouded in Blackness, ventures into a criminal world where violence and vengeance reign supreme. She's currently working on her untitled fourth novel.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).

In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas

Website

  

5 Random Things About Me:

1.  I used to eat whole sticks of butter when I was a child.

2.  I wear size 12 shoes.

3.  I love college basketball.

4.  I’m obsessed with clocks.

5.  Laughing so hard I cry is my favorite pastime. 

My Review

Shrouded in Blackness takes the Blackness series to a whole new level of Magnetism with brutal force and total devotion.

AGAIN I get to start off this tour for an amazing series. My favorite so far this year, the Blackness series is my drug and I'm TOTALLY addicted.

Even though Kieran has a dark side, he is loyal to his extended family with Shannon included, His reputation precedes him, with loyal contacts and fear on the streets, he can over come anything.  However, that will change when he meets street rat Quinn, a young girl with her own disturbed past.  Quinn has a spunky personality of her own with living on the streets for eight years.  Until the day she meets Kieran, and another unexpected event, her life will change forever.

Kieran falls hard and fast for Quinn.  From the beginning, he has this caveman desire to protect her.  He didn't expect this, plan for it, but there is no going back.  Of course with his past, he sometimes finds it difficult to keep that out of his personal life.  However, when he messes up several times, he learns where that line must be drawn. Kieran has lots of work to do, with two different obstacles in Quinn's life threatening her. One from her past and one at the present.

I was so excited to start this book and discover that it was focused on Kieran.  He is the one character that we know little about. He is always there for his family when needed, and graciously slips out of the lime light.  I was always intrigued by his character, and was thrilled that we would learn more about him in this story. But don't you fret, the extended family, Shannon and the guys that we have fallen head over heels for make their presence know throughout the story. Come on, how could they not with the incredible family unity that they possess.

The timeline of Shrouded in Blackness is completely brilliant.  I won't say anymore than that, because for me that would be a complete spoiler.

We meet so many new characters in this series.  I just adore them, especially the brute fighters who melt for Quinn, and Kieran's parents.  They are just so cute!

Shrouded in Blackness sure increases in momentum with the brutal encounters and cover ups.  It has action GALORE and HAWTNESS that will make you experience those butterflies.  There is just so much more I want to babble non stop about, so much more to this story that needs to be told...however, as a reader, blogger and book lover, I realize this story needs to be read. And when you read it, you WILL understand my excitement for this series.

To Norma, thank you for this amazing series, for giving me that escape from real life, and for acknowledging me in this book.  You have NO idea how much that means to me, to know that my words are appreciated.

GIVEAWAY

1 Winner will receive a Swag Pack (Postcards, 4GB Flash Drives, Sticky Notes and Pens,
Tote Bags, Signed Copy of Shrouded in Blackness) by Norma Jeanne Karlsson
6 Winners will receive a Postcard by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
2 Winners will receive a 4GB Flash Drive by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
3 Winners will receive Sticky Notes and Pens by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
1 Winner will receive a Tote Bag by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of Shrouded in Blackness by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
5 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Shrouded in Blackness by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.Must be 13+ to EnterInternational Giveaway

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Shrouded in Blackness Book Nerd Blast and Giveaway

Only loyalty can truly win his heart…

Gangs, organized crime and underground bare-knuckle fighting make up the world that Kieran Delaney thrives within. His reputation is built on the talent of his fists, as much as his ability to get information about any and everything. Never one to be caught by surprise or bested, Kieran knows what you’re going to do before you do it…until Darcy Quinlan enters his life. She introduces herself with a knife to his throat and a promise of unbridled pain. Darcy’s life has been destroyed by betrayal and false promises of safety. Living on the streets for the last eight years, she’s has been a ghost. Never in one place long enough to be seen because you can’t catch what isn’t there. Now Kieran sees her and can’t erase her image from his mind.

Kieran and Darcy must now battle to keep her alive and by his side. As her past enters her life from every angle, Kieran makes certain her safety is no longer a concern, annihilating her demons at every corner. He’ll fight, he’ll maim, he’ll torture and he’ll murder to keep Darcy protected. If Kieran can win, her life will no longer be shrouded in blackness…loyalty will lift the veil.

You can purchase Shrouded in Blackness at the following Retailers:
  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blackness Takes Over was Norma Jeanne's debut novel. What began as an homage to the home town of a homesick Midwestern girl, unfolded a story of love, danger, humor, and trust. Blackness Awaits was the highly anticipated continuation of Blackness Takes Over, leading readers through the twists and turns of the unconventional world in The Blackness Series. Her third novel, Shrouded in Blackness, ventures into a criminal world where violence and vengeance reign supreme. She's currently working on her untitled fourth novel.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).

In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas

Website
  

GIVEAWAY
1 Winner will receive a Swag Pack (Bookmark, Postcard, Sticky Notes, Pen and a Tote Bag,
Plus E-Book ARC) by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
Must be 13+ to EnterInternational Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mistress of Lies Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Welcome to the cover reveal for MISTRESS OF LIES by Holly West!

Mistress of Lies

Mistress of Fortune #2

London, 1679

Isabel, Lady Wilde, mistress of King Charles II, has made a good living disguised as fortune teller Mistress Ruby, counseling London’s elite. But after the murder of one of her customers, business has taken a downturn, and Isabel is on the verge of accepting the king’s offer to move into the palace.

Isabel’s plans are interrupted when a beggar girl named Susanna shows up at her home, claiming to be her niece. Isabel always believed that her older brother, Adam, died alone during the plague. When Susanna reveals that Adam was actually murdered, Isabel is compelled to take up an impossible task: discover the truth about her brother’s death, twelve years after it happened.

Isabel’s investigation leads her through the gamut of London society, from bear-baiting matches and brothels to the realm of wealthy bankers. But as she uncovers her brother’s dark secrets, Isabel begins to wonder whether the past is better left buried—especially when uncovering the truth could lead to her own funeral.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly West is a crime fiction author based in Los Angeles. She’s the author of the

Mistress of Fortune series, set in late 17th London and featuring amateur sleuth Isabel

Wilde, a mistress to King Charles II who secretly makes her living as a fortuneteller. The

first in the series, Mistress of Fortune, was published by Harlequin’s Carina Press in

February 2014 and its sequel, Mistress of Lies, is forthcoming in Fall 2014.

WEBSITE | TWITTER 

Giveaway open Internationally | Must be 13+ to enter

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Pandemic Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review and Giveaway

June 3^rd Tuesday: My Book Addiction REVIEW & 5 RANDOM THINGS
June 4^th Wednesday: Iequals Alissa MUSIC PLAYLIST
June 5^th Thursday: It’s a Book Thing REVIEW & INTERVIEW
June 6^th Friday: YA Review REVIEW
June 7^th Saturday: The Storybook Kingdom REVIEW & 7 FAVORITE BOOKS
June 8^th Sunday: A Dream Within a Dream REVIEW & GUEST POST
June 9^th Monday: Spiced Latte Reads REVIEW & DREAM CAST
June 10^th Tuesday: Once Upon a Twilight REVIEW & INTERVIEW
June 11^th Wednesday: Pieces of Whimsy TENS LIST
June 12^th Thursday: Insane About Books REVIEW & GUEST POST

Pandemic is a contemporary, realistic young adult novel about an emotionally traumatized teenager struggling to survive a bird flu pandemic.

In Pandemic, only a few people know what caused Lilianna Snyder’s sudden change from a model student to a withdrawn pessimist who worries about all kinds of disasters. When people begin coming down with a quick-spreading illness that doctors are unable to treat, Lil’s worst fears are realized. With her parents called away on business before the contagious outbreak–her journalist father in Delaware covering the early stages of the disease and her mother in Hong Kong and unable to get a flight back to New Jersey–Lil’s town is hit by what soon becomes a widespread fatal illness.

With friends and neighbors dying around her, Lil does everything she can to survive.  Just when it all seems too much, the cause of her original trauma shows up at her door. Lil must find a way to survive not only the outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.

You can purchase Pandemic at the following Retailers:

INDIEBOUND

    

In the Mind of Yvonne: What makes me "Tick"

I’m not sure there is a “typical” creative person, but if you imagine one, I probably don’t fit the mold. I double majored in computer science and English, and I survived college by alternating between classes like Compiler Construction and James Joyce. It was an odd combination, but it worked for me. I took a corporate job for several years before focusing on my writing, and one project manager had us monitor our time so we’d know (for our own use) where the hours went each week. It’s a habit that stuck with me and I still try to track my hours on a regular basis today, although the time spent on social media tends to blur!

I’ve always loved animals and for a brief time I considered being a veterinarian. But I’m horrible with blood, stitches, and most medical things, so that wasn’t really a viable option. In Pandemic, I enjoyed creating Elsa, a minor character who is very concerned with saving the local pets when their owners become ill.

As a kid, I always enjoyed reading and the love of story has stayed with me. I’m also drawn to writing about dark situations. One trait I share with many writers is the fascination with the question, “what if?” What if a deadly flu strikes a small NJ town (much like my own) tomorrow? And what if a teenage girl, who was recovering from a disturbing trauma, became separated from the only people she could trust? How would she survive in the midst of death and disaster? Those are the types of questions that led to Pandemic.

My current work-in-progress is a young adult psychological thriller about a teen who fears she is either being haunted or going insane. It’s a complete revamping of an earlier novel I had written. The story is set in Hoboken, NJ during an otherwise typical summer. I tried to analyze how this novel might be similar to Pandemic -- I think the common thread is that I like the idea of creating scary situations in our ordinary world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before becoming a children’s writer, Yvonne Ventresca wrote computer programs and taught others how to use technology. Now she happily spends her days writing stories instead of code and sharing tips with other writers. Yvonne is the author of the young adult novel Pandemic, available in May 2014 from Sky Pony Press.

Yvonne grew up in Levittown, New York, where the suburban homes were famously identical in design and the streets were named in sections (birds, astronomy-related, random occupations). Her quest for publication began in middle school (sort of) when she asked the librarian for information on how to physically create a book. Writing was fun, but how do you actually get those words into bound pages? The small library didn’t have any materials about that, and it would be many years before Yvonne achieved the goal of writing a published book.

Yvonne majored in English and Computer Science – an unusual combination, but when she was stuck on a literature assignment she could debug her programs, and when that got boring she could write an essay. That strategy worked well and she graduated with honors from Hofstra University, followed by her MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Her post-college life was divided into two phases: life in the corporate world (where she worked as a computer programmer, technology trainer, recruiter, and compensation analyst) and later, life as a writer.

She definitely prefers phase two. During her writing career, Yvonne has written instructional video scripts about technology, numerous articles for children and adults, a nonfiction book for teens about careers in publishing, and a biography for teens about the singer Avril Lavigne. But her real love is fiction, and after several attempts at writing a novel, she created a story about a contemporary bird flu pandemic.

Yvonne Ventresca currently resides with her husband and two teenage children in New Jersey.

Website

  

My Review

Pandemic is a deep story about personal survival emotionally and physically.

Lil has experienced a personal tragedy that hardly anyone knows about.  She only has one best friend, and has closed herself off from everyone else.  However, she is a survivor.  Having an issue with control, she begins stock piling food, which will later comes in handy when the flu epidemic that starts spreading like wild fire, causes society to do unimaginable things to survive.

She begins this journey alone, however soon discovers friendships closer than she anticipated.  The will to survive is strong and so is new love.

For me, this story was an extremely fast read. I read it one day. When I started, I just couldn't stop, anxious to see who would survive, and who would not.  

It was beautifully written.  The plot was carefully planned out, starting slow like the disease, then gains momentum like a freight train.  All the characters are easy to connect to and have great personalities.  I loved how there were actually two stories in one, with Lil battling her personal tragedy along side with the pandemic that is changing the world.  It's a great story of survival on so many levels.  Although I hope to never experience this in real life, I can easily see how this story could actually happen.  The world isn't as small as it used to be.

Pandemic doesn't sugarcoat what could happen if a flu epidemic got out of control.  There's death, looting, vandalism and hardships.  Lil's parents might have thought her to be a little eccentric with the stock piling of food and supplies, her way of keeping control, however after reading this story, I thought it was brilliant of the author how it was tied into the story.

This was an amazing read, and I highly recommend it to all!

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