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CHRISTIAN FICTION SCAVENGER HUNT STOP #26
Jill here! Welcome to the 2013 Summer Scavenger Hunt!
This hunt has 32 stops and runs 5/17 to 5/19/13. If you make the loop, reading unique content from 31 different authors, and fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #32, you’ll be in the running for an iPad Mini (loaded with all our books), or one of two runner-up prizes—all 31 of our new releases in paperback.
Some authors are offering additional prizes, so be sure to read each post thoroughly to be in the running for everything that’s available. The contest is open internationally too!
If you’ve JUST discovered the hunt, I recommend you start at Stop #1, found at LisaBergren.com. But you can also begin here, and keep rolling. Just be aware that if you win, you need to email Lisa Bergren (within 24 hours) the COMPLETED phrase in the correct order (which you construct by gathering clues at each stop). If Lisa doesn’t hear back from you with the correct phrase within the time limit, she will move on to the next winner that Rafflecopter draws.
Ready? Here we go…
Meet Patricia Hickman
I’m excited to host Patricia Hickman today. I’ve not read her books, so I’m discovering her along with many of you. I’ve got to say, I’m intrigued. Her books sound powerful and gripping. I’ve heard that she writes “beautiful” and “captivating” stories and that she has a “lyrical voice.” Doesn’t that make you want to get a hold on one of her books right now? She’s also a pastor’s wife, so that tells me that she understands a lot of things about life.
Here is her official bio:
Patricia Hickman is the best-selling author of The Pirate Queen and 17 other books. Her works receive consistently good reviews from national reviewers like Publishers’ Weekly. If upmarket fiction can be branded, her stories attempt to possess the dreams of southern culture—”our village secrets, our passion for idioms, our spiritual passages, and our companionable pilgrimages.”
Today, Patricia is sharing about her new book Tiny Dancer, and what she shares gave me chills. I so want to read this book now and see how she put her visit to the Outer Banks to the page. Learn more at http://patriciahickman.com. Or you can find her on Facebook or Twitter @patriciahickman.
A Scavenger Hunt Exclusive: TINY DANCER, by Patricia Hickman
What would you do if you knew that crossing through a forbidden backyard garden might open the door to a mysterious but exciting new world? However, once you cross over, you risk alienating your family from you. Fifteen-year-old Flannery Curry is an Irish step dancer coming of age in the highly charged 60s in Bitterwood Park, North Carolina. One pivotal summer brings her to such a crossroads.
Flannery’s story, while fraught with survivor’s guilt and forbidden friendships with a family her stepmother hates, is also interwoven with her romantic crush on the boy who taught her all of her dance moves, Billy Thornton. Billy is Flannery’s forever crush. However, she is fifteen and Billy is eighteen and an upperclassman graduating high school. He’s never seemed to notice Flannery’s infatuation with him, although her nosy best friend Claudia figures it out. No spoilers, but when Flannery and Claudia catch up with Billy and his older friends at an Outer Banks clam bake, Flannery takes her infatuation a step too far.
My husband and I traveled to the Outer Banks for my research. But since Tiny Dancer is set in the 60s, I had to find out about the history of Outer Banks’ life during that decade. It was all I hoped it would be. Along the strand, a famed bandstand and dance hall that was highly popular and drew in many famous headliners, created a backdrop for music, clambakes, and a place where Flannery and her friends might gather.
Before writing Tiny Dancer, I had been kicking around a coming-of-age story with a theme of survivor’s guilt. One afternoon, my husband and I were attending an Irish festival. We had taken our children every year to expose them to clans and my family’s colorful ancestry. (We’re from the Clan of Muir) While a team of Irish step dancers performed, a young girl poised front and center did a turn that was perfect, except when she came around she was sobbing. All eyes fastened on the tiny dancer who obviously did not want to be there. There, in that emotional and rather painful moment, rose the missing piece of my story. I grabbed my writing journal and outlined my next novel, Tiny Dancer. (Note to emerging writers: Never leave home without a compact writing journal! You never know when your next story will tell you what it’s about.)
I hope you are encouraged by Flannery Curry’s journey toward a mysterious yearning to belong and also entertained by what has been a labor of love written just for you, my reader.
Tiny Dancer releases mid-June and is my 18th book and 17th novel.
Jill here again. Thanks for visiting my blog, Patricia! I can’t wait to read your book. Just looking at the cover reminds me of the dancer you saw, who was crying. I’m totally hooked.
Patricia Hickman’s new release, Tiny Dancer, is a powerful coming-of-age story about a forbidden friendship and an impossible romance. It will be available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble on June 25th. Learn more on Patricia’s website by clicking here. Or check out the book on Goodreads by clicking here. Also, since you can’t pre-order this wonderful book yet, please follow Patricia’s Facebook page to get an update of when the book will be available. Click on the image below to “like” her page.
And now, your next steps:
Write down this clue: potential
Have it written down? Great! Now head on over to Patricia Hickman’s blog, Stop 27 for the next clue!
BONUS PRIZES!
If you know teenagers who love to read, or if you like reading books like The Hunger Games or Divergent, here’s a contest for you! I’m giving away ten copies of my book Captives (To learn more about Captives, click here). Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. International entries are welcome!
Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest! And as always, look under Contests and Freebies to see what other giveaways you might be able to enter on my website.
Bertie’s War by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Review by Jill Williamson
It’s 1962. Bertie lives with her family, and she’s afraid. Of rats, woodsheds, missiles, and even her own father. Bertie tries to make a place to hide, but each time she gets settled, her sanctuary is destroyed until there is nothing left for Bertie to do but confront her fears.
This story took a bit to get going. I liked Bertie’s brother most of all and would have like to have gotten into his head a bit. Bertie is a girl who is afraid of everything and needs to learn to trust God with her life. This book encourages readers to communicate their fears to their parents rather than keeping everything inside, which is a good message.
Age Range: 8 and up
Genre: historical fiction (1962)
Part of a Series: no
Pages: 194
Publisher: Kregel
Released: 2009
TNT Blog Tour: The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill + Giveaway!
Today is another Team Novel Teen blog tour and a giveaway!
First, a little bit about this marvelous author:
Stephanie Morrill lives in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband and two kids. Her only talents are reading, writing, and drinking coffee, so career options were somewhat limited. Fortunately she discovered a passion for young adult novels and has been writing them ever since. Stephanie is the author of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series and The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet. She enjoys encouraging and teaching teen writers on her blog, www.GoTeenWriters.com.
Check out this amazing YouTube video one of Stephanie’s readers created for her! Isn’t that amazing?
And now for my review:
Ellie is minding her own business in math class when Chase announces to everyone that Ellie has a crush on Parker! How does he even know that when Ellie has told no one? And why would he tell everyone like that? What is the matter with him? Ellie doesn’t know, but to help her cope with the drama in her life, Chase gets put into Ellie’s novel, along with all her other friends and Parker. Because writing is how Ellie copes with life.
Wonderfully entertaining! I inhaled it. Ellie is an endearing heroine. I loved how she was confused about everything going on around her yet did her best to be herself. I adored Chase’s character. In fact, all the characters in this book were living, breathing, true-to-life, so much that I’m pretty sure I’ve met several of them before. The writing aspect of this book was super fun. I loved that Ellie was seeking traditional publishing for her historical novel. This was such a fun book, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
Age Range: 12 and up
Genre: contemporary
Part of a Series: Book one in the Ellie Sweet series
Pages:
Publisher: Playlist Fiction
Released: 2013
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrioll by clicking on the links below, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.
Blooming with Books • Gillian Adams • Jill Williamson • The Life of a Teenage Writer • Once Upon an Inkling • Pages from My Journal • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Shadow Writer World • Who YA Reading? • The Writings of Rosie • Worthy2Read
To support Stephanie, I’m going to purchase a paperback copy of The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet, (which is coming soon) and give it to one lucky commenter. USA only on this one, guys, sorry. I don’t think The Book Depository will have the book in time. Giveaway ends May 24th, 2013. To enter to win, tell me if you’ve ever considered writing a story about some people in your life.
Team Novel Teen Blog Tour: Storm by Evan Angler
Welcome to another Team Novel Teen blog tour. Today we’re talking about Storm, the third book in the Swipe series by Evan Angler. This is a really popular series, so if you haven’t discovered it yet, you ought to check it out. It’s middle grade dystopian, and it’s fun.
Click here to read my review of book one, Swipe.
Click here to read my review of book two, Sneak.
And check out this book trailer for book three, Storm:
Here is the blurb:
In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it’s difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren’t sure if Logan’s sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis’ army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.
And here is my review:
I very much enjoyed this book. The story flowed well, though this still wasn’t a book I read all in one sitting. The multiple points of view didn’t bother me this time around. The characters were well done—they’ve grown, I guess. I never found myself disappointed to be back to a different character’s point of view. I especially liked the mystery of Connor’s family and the mystery of Lily and trying to figure out what that girl is all about. Act three and the ending were great. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
One thing that bothered me was all the backstory stuff included throughout to get the reader up to date. The note from the author that was included in the beginning of the book was a perfect review. I didn’t need any more. But there was quite a bit more, and I admit to skimming those parts in search of getting back to the story.
Oh, and one other little thing. I read an ARC of this book and the font was very light, almost illegible on some pages. I hope this will be fixed in the final book as it was very distracting.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Age Range: 8 and up
Genre: dystopian/mystery/suspense
Part of a Series: book three in the Swipe series
Pages: 288
Publisher: Zondervan
Released: 2013
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Storm by Evan Angler by clicking on the links below, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.
ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • The Book Fae • Bookworm Reading • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer • Jill Williamson • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Oh, Restless Bird • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read
Have you read any of these books? If so, what do you think of them? If not, what are you waiting for?
Merlin’s Blade by Robert Treskillard—and a Giveaway!
Review by Jill Williamson
Merlin is the blind son of a blacksmith. When his friends and family become interested in the miracle stone that the druids are using to draw people away from King Uthur and his infant son Arthur, Merlin tries to stop them. He can sense that there is something evil about the stone. But can he destroy it before it’s too late?
I’m a big fan of epic fantasy, and there’s a lot in this book that’s praiseworthy. The setting and characters offer a vivid picture of the past. And Merlin is a tremendous protagonist—a half-blind young man whose belief in honor and family make him a figure to cheer for. He will sacrifice his life rather than compromise his word. Treskillard takes the skeletal bones of the Arthurian legend and builds a real person in Merlin. This was an engaging story that I didn’t want to put down. Treskillard can be proud of Merlin’s Blade. It’s a most absorbing and epic adventure. I can’t wait for the next volume in this new series.
Age Range: 12-16
Genre: fantasy
Part of a Series: Book one in the Merlin’s Blade series
Pages: 432
Publisher: Zondervan
Released: 2013
To support Robert, I’m going to purchase a B&N paperback copy of Merlin’s Blade and give it to one lucky commenter. International entries are welcome. Giveaway ends May 10th, 2013. To enter to win, tell me what is your favorite re-telling of the Arthur or Merlin story. I must confess, I love the Disney version.
Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker—and a Giveaway!
Click to view on Amazon.com
Review by Jill Williamson
Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro ride their bikes through the park one day and see a van with a backpack on the roof. Gordy gives chase to try and warn the driver and is abducted by a man with a taser. Cooper calls 911 right away, but he’s not positive he remembered the right license plate number. The hours and days tick by without word from the kidnapper. The police are doing everything they can. But so are Cooper, Hiro, and their friend Lunk. Hiro worries that Cooper and Lunk are taking things too far. But is there a “too far” where the life of a friend is concerned?
Tim Shoemaker has created a great group of characters. I loved them in his first book, Code of Silence, and I loved them even more in Back Before Dark. I felt the horror and fear through Cooper and Hiro at the loss of their best friend. And I cringed as Cooper tried to take matters into his own hands so many times. But I couldn’t stop reading. The story was a little long, but it held my interest until the end. And the author even included a special note in the back about how to keep yourself from being abducted and what to do if you are abducted. Some tips that every kid could benefit from hearing. A great book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Age Range: 12-16
Genre: mystery/suspense
Part of a Series: Code of Silence, book two
Pages: 376
Publisher: Zondervan
Released: 2013
To support Tim, I’m giving away my ARC copy of this book to one lucky commenter. To enter to win, tell me your favorite TV/movie detective. The winner will be chosen on May 1st, 2013. USA only, please! 
Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer
Click to view on Amazon.com
Review by Jill Williamson
Thomas of Magnus, the Orphan King, currently holds the fortress of Magnus. But there are many who would try and take it from him. And when the Earl of York comes to demand that Thomas and Magnus support England’s stand against the invaders from the north who are led by Robert the Bruce, Thomas has no choice but to obey and try and prove his loyalty to the crown. But who is truly loyal to Thomas? What are druids? Who is trying to kill him? And what ever became of Isabelle and Katherine, two mysterious women whose absence is yet another mystery in his life.
Medieval fantasy is my favorite genre, which I think is why I like these books so much. But they don’t read like fantasy as much as they read like a subgenre of Arthurian historical fiction. Since they take place in England in the past and bring in historical elements, perhaps historical fiction is the genre in which they belong. Regardless, I enjoy them a great deal. Thomas is a fun hero to follow. He’s young, cautious, and brave, though he makes his share of mistakes. And these books have an intriguing mystery and time travel element that have me totally hooked. They’re short, though, and I sometimes feel that each story could hold more than it does. Still, I look forward to the next one.
Age Range: 12 and up
Genre: historical, fantasy
Part of a Series: book two in the Merlin’s Immortals series
Pages: 224
Publisher: Waterbrook
Released: 2013
Team Novel Teen Blog Tour: Rock Harbor Search & Rescue by Colleen Coble and Robin Caroll
Today, Team Novel Teen is doing a blog tour for the first book in a new middle grade mystery series for girls: Rock Harbor Search & Rescue. This series is based on Colleen Coble’s bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults and is cowritten by Colleen Coble and Robin Caroll. Young readers will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and mystery in each story.
First, check out this fab book trailer for book one, Rock Harbor Search & Rescue. This is wonderful! Please share it on your Facebook page.
Book review by Jill Williamson
Emily O’Reilly has a chance to get her own puppy and train it to be a Search & Rescue dog. It’s going to cost her, though. She’s confident she can make the money quickly by selling the jewelry she makes at craft bazaars. But when another vendor accuses Emily of stealing an expensive necklace, Emily sets out to prove her innocence, which is hard when her own father doesn’t even believe her. Will Emily be able to catch the real thief in time to get her puppy and have a chance at her dream of joining the Rock Harbor Search & Rescue team?
I’m so excited about this new series. I grew up on Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys—read every book in both series—so I’m thrilled to find something new and equally as fun. I had no idea people surfed on the Great Lakes and found that fascinating. I liked Emily’s character immediately. She’s smart and confident. I liked that she had a unique interest and was determined to put in hard work to see her dreams happen. Emily also wasn’t shy about telling a cute boy what she believed. I loved that, seeing a girl with enough conviction to stand up for her beliefs, even to a cute upperclassman. Peer pressure does not sway this young sleuth!
I had two little pet peeves in the story. One, Emily’s dad was really mean at times. It killed me that he didn’t even listen to his daughter, let alone believe her when she said she didn’t steal the necklace. I felt so bad for her. Two, Emily copied Mrs. Dancers jewelry designs, sat in a booth beside her, and sold hers at a much lower cost. It’s really inconsiderate to copy someone else’s work and charge less right beside them, where you can steal all their customers. It seemed a bit unethical for Emily’s character. But perhaps I’ve just worked too many years in the fashion industry and seen too many people put out of business this way.
The plot of this book was great with enough suspects and twists and turns that I didn’t have a clue who’d done it. The other characters were excellent. I loved how different everyone was, and I look forward to seeing some of the side characters again in future books. There were also lots of fun seeds plants for further books in the series which will make girls excited to keep reading. Loved this book. Highly recommended for young readers.
Age Range: 8-12
Genre: mystery
Part of a Series: Rock Harbor Search & Rescue, book 1
Pages: 256
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: 2013
*I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Rock Harbor Search & Rescue by Coble & Caroll by clicking on the links below, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.
Book Nook 4 You • Blooming with Books • Christian Bookshelf Reviews •
CTF Devourer • Jill Williamson • The Ramblings of a Young Author •
Realm of Hearts • Terri Harr • Worthy2Read
Also, I found this cover online for book two, Lost & Found (Rock Harbor Search & Rescue #2). Isn’t it gorgeous? My daughter is in love with that dog on the cover. We can’t wait!
I’m giving away a copy of Rock Harbor Search & Rescue. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. I already mentioned loving Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys as a kid. Recently, though, I read The Silence of Murder by Dani Daley MacKall and LOVED IT! What about you? To enter, tell me what’s your favorite mystery series.
Captives Facebook Launch Party- Prize List! (Some International prizes too!)
Here are the three winners of last weeks final Countdown to Captives ARC giveaway. Thanks to all who entered!
Maddie
Emily R.
Mark A.
Tomorrow I’m having two parties for the release of Captives. The first is a Twitter Q&A at 11:00 a.m. Pacific at @JillWilliamson on Twitter. Ask any question you like. Later on that evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., I’m having a launch party on Facebook. It’s going to be fun, fun, fun. And I am going to give away lots of books! 50 physical books total, and if there’s still people who want to win ebooks, I’ll give those away too!
Click here to follow me on Twitter.
And click here to join in the Facebook fun.
And check out this list of prizes. Which do you want to win? Comment below.
CAPTIVES FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY–Chance to win one of 50 books! Click to Tweet this!
Captives by Jill Williamson [all gone]
When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem—taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.
Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.
Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?
Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Published Book by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson [O paperback copies left, 1 ebook copies-international okay]
The question we hear most from new writers is, “How do I get published?”
And the answer is: Respect your dream.
Every writer’s journey is different, yet as we’ve reflected on our experiences and those of the writers around us, we’ve seen time and time again that those who are successful are the ones who had the patience and endurance to stick with this writing thing. They didn’t look for shortcuts (at least, not for long), nor did they quit after five, ten, or a hundred rejections.
We can’t make the process easy for you, but it’s our hope that Go Teen Writers: How to turn your first draft into a published novel will be a tool you can turn to time and time again when you’re thinking, “Okay … what’s next?”
We cover topics like: Organizing your edit, polishing your book so it sparkles, finding the right agent, dealing with people who don’t “get” your writing, overcoming self-doubt and procrastination, what publishers are looking for in authors, and many more!
The New Recruit by Jill Williamson [all gone]
Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.
These guys mean business.
Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.
Chokepoint by Jill Williamson [all gone]
Ever since I returned from Moscow, life is a full court press. Mission League field agents are everywhere. All the time. Watching. Waiting for me to fulfill a sixty-year-old prophecy. When some baddies try to guy-nap me, the field agents threaten to move me and Grandma Alice to some random hick town, to give us new fake identities until the prophecy is fulfilled.
Not going to happen.
I’ve got one chance to stay in Pilot Point. I have to prove to the agents that I can stay safe. Have to make this work. For basketball. For Kip. For Beth.
So, bring it, baddies. It’s game on.
100% OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS ENOVELLA GO TOWARD THE ADOPTION OF LITTLE SYNDEY FROM EASTERN EUROPE. PLEASE, HELP BRING SYDNEY HOME.
Replication: The Jason Experiment (paperback) by Jill Williamson [1 paperback copies-international okay]
MARTYR—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of fifty-five of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to “expire” in less than a month. To see the sky.
Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.
As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures—the one for which he was produced, and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he’s ever known.
By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson [all gone]
Achan has been a slave all his life. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.
Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.
While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell’s true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.
Blood of Kings Trilogy (all three books!) [all gone paperbacks, unlimited ebook sets, international okay]
Darkness is spreading: a curse upon the land of Er’Rets that began sixteen years ago with the murder of it’s beloved king. Follow Achan and Vrell on a journey through Er’Rets in By Darkness Hid (book 1), To Darkness Fled (book 2), and From Darkness Won (book 3).
“I love this series so much. I wish there was a whole movie series on it. It has so much life lessons in it your mind will be blown away. Best ever!!!” -JJJJJacob, an Amazon.com review.
“I read all three of these books in one week. I was a captivated audience. The romance, adventure, plot twists, battles, creatures, and lessons taught, held me in their grip until the end. It was wonderful! This is my favorite series this year! I will DEFINITELY read more by this author and sing her praises to all those around me. Book Three was even better than the other two. I will read and reread this series and give it 5 stars because it is worth adding to my library.” -The Book Runner, an Amazon.com review.
Spirited anthology [2 paperback copies, US only]
Haunted houses. Haunted hearts. And a past that refuses to die.
Leap Books summoned best-selling paranormal and dreadfully talented debut authors to conjure up Spirited, a haunting collection of 13 tales guaranteed to keep you up all night.
Get entombed in stories of Egyptian treasures, shudder at tales of malevolent spirits, and become enthralled with the adventures of witch-hunters, ghost seekers, and lost souls. From steampunk to cyberpunk, our collection spans past, present, and future hauntings. One story actually leaps off the page with 3-D augmented reality.
With this celebration of things that go bump in the night, Spirited authors hope to slay the specter of illiteracy that plague our youth. All proceeds from Spirited will be donated to 826 National, a non-profit organization that offers free after-school tutoring, workshops, and in-school programs because “strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.”
Go ahead. Turn the page if you dare. We won’t tell if you sleep with the light on. Because after all, there’s no rest for the wicked.
The Action Bible [gone]
Driven by Shellie Neumier [gone]
Robyn can’t help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…
Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school’s prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal’s request.
Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there’s a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.
The Skin Map by Stephen Lawhead [1 paperback copy, US only]
Kit Livingstone’s great-grandfather appears to him in a deserted alley during a tumultuous storm. He reveals an unbelievable story: that the ley lines throughout Britain are not merely the stuff of legend or the weekend hobby of deluded cranks, but pathways to other worlds. To those who know how to use them, they grant the ability to travel the multi-layered universe of which we ordinarily inhabit only a tiny part.
One explorer knew more than most. Braving every danger, he toured both time and space on voyages of heroic discovery. Ever on his guard and fearful of becoming lost in the cosmos, he developed an intricate code—a roadmap of symbols—that he tattooed onto his own body. This Skin Map has since been lost in time. Now the race is on to recover all the pieces and discover its secrets.
But the Skin Map itself is not the ultimate goal. It is merely the beginning of a vast and marvelous quest for a prize beyond imagining.
Me, Just Different by Stephanie Morrill [all gone]
Welcome to the world of Skylar Hoyt, a high school senior whose exotic Hawaiian looks have propelled her to the height of the “in” crowd, but who’s no longer sure that’s where she really fits. New friends, old friends, a reluctant romance, and a family crisis swirl around Skylar as she tries to keep it together and figure out who she really wants to be.
Debut novelist Stephanie Morrill opens her first young adult series with a compelling story about characters every teen will recognize and relate to. Morrill addresses real teen issues, like popularity, friendship, sexuality, and more, with grace and style.
Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore [all gone]
Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . . Angel Eyes.
The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson [0 left]
Two Hearts. One Hope. Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill. When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
Failstate by John W. Otte [all gone]
Why did Robin Laughlin (aka. Failstate) think being a superhero on a reality show would be a good idea again? Things seemed so simple: win the show, become an official, licensed hero. But with his brother, Ben (aka. Gauntlet) stealing America’s heart and his own powers proving too unwieldy even for the monitored studio challenges, Robin begins to wonder if his calling isn’t to save the world after all.
Until one of his competitors is murdered.
Vowing to find the killer, Robin sets out on a very real quest to unmask the hidden villain. Can Robin find justice? Or will his lunk of a big brother ruin everything?
The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O’Dell [gone]
Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield can’t wait to escape the confines of her home, which promises nothing but perpetual torment and abuse from her stepfather. When poor choices lead her to the brink of a complete breakdown, Olivia comes to a crossroads. Will she find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for? Join conflicted sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield on her journey to hope and healing as she leaves her messed-up life behind and moves into Diamond Estates, a home for troubled teens. This brand-new novel for teen girls will not only entertain, but also promises to capture your heart and challenge your faith.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson [all gone]
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.
The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson [all gone]
An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.
Runt the Brave (The Legends of Tira Nor, Book 1) by Daniel Schwabauer [all gone]
Halflings by Heather Burch [all gone]
After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with. A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.
The Sword of Six Worlds by Matt Mikalatos [gone]
Validus Smith has three goals. Stay alive. Save the world. Finish her homework. For centuries the paladins protected the Earth from a creeping darkness known as the Blight. That all changed when a new enemy destroyed the paladins, plunging the free worlds into danger. Validus Smith an ordinary girl in an ordinary town is next in line to become the paladin. Untrained, unsure of her destiny, and hunted by monstrous forces, she must recover the fabled Sword of Six Worlds, the only weapon capable of defeating the Blight. But in an unfamiliar world of monsters, talking animals and living rocks, can an ordinary girl like Validus survive?
My Life Unscripted by Tricia Goyer [1 paperback copy, US only]
Using the metaphor of screenwriting, My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl’s life-with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God.
Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships. They’ll also learn the importance of “scripting” their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise so they are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don’t have to get caught up in the drama.
The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie [gone]
Most people think The Zone is an amusement park, but Candy Thompson knows it’s really a slave labor camp. What else would you call a summer job that requires a sixteen-year-old girl to set aside her whole social life for the privilege of standing out in the hot sun selling cotton candy? Still, there are perks—particularly the mysterious hunk in the Lone Ranger costume. Behind that mask are the most amazing eyes Candy has ever seen. Who is that masked man? But someone else is just as interested. And romantic competition isn’t the only problem. Besides being hard work, The Zone is eating up major time. How is Candy supposed to stay involved in church? Worse yet, will she lose her best friend, Tamara, who resents how Candy’s job limits their time together? This is NOT the summer Candy hoped for! But as she is about to discover, the summer of cotton candy will be the greatest summer of her life.
Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson [all gone]
All Elise wants is to have her first kiss before she turns sixteen. Is that so bad? But when a friend’s poor advice and the powers of electronic technology combine, Elise heads down a dangerous road. She is accused of “sexting” and gets kicked out of school. But is she really the one to blame?
This powerful and realistic story from beloved author Melody Carlson shows teen girls the impact of their choices when it comes to respecting themselves and their integrity. Honest and relevant, Never Been Kissed will make girls laugh, cry . . . and think.
Desired: The Untold Story of Samson & Delilah (Audio Book CD) by Ginger Garrett [1 copy, US only]
Three women loved him. Two betrayed him. One fulfilled his destiny. Desired tells the story of the legendary strongman through the eyes of the three most important women in his life. The fiercely loving Jewish mother who nags him toward greatness … and rebellion. The impoverished Philistine girl, Amara, who becomes Samson’s bride. And the emotionally damaged seductress—the legendary Delilah—who becomes the instrument of his destruction and the key to his tragic triumph. Poetic, meticulously researched, and jaw-droppingly honest, Desired ultimately celebrates the God of Israel’s ability to work mightily despite our human weakness.
The Hidden Deep by Christa Kinde [all gone]
Homework, football, apple pies, and … angels?
Harvest time is in full swing when Prissie Pomeroy learns that something terrible happened in her family’s orchard—making it hard to focus on school, especially when her best friends are distant and Ransom won’t leave her alone. As she meets other angels. Prissie is drawn increasingly deeper into their world and closer to its dangers. A kidnapped apprentice suffers. A chained door bodes ill. A tiny angel makes a big difference. A battle line is drawn. Everything Prissie thought she knew is about to change … again!
The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson [gone]
When Chelsea Martin’s future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it’s the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She’s attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they’re jerks. And stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn’t endear her to the girls either.
Chelsea finally finds a true friend in Janelle Parker, and a non-jerk, Nicholas, catches her eye. Janelle keeps telling her to be herself, but Nicholas is the only guy around who doesn’t give her a second look. Can Chelsea and Janelle come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will Chelsea’s new image ruin everything?
Teen favorite and bestselling author Melody Carlson helps girls uncover the real source of beauty in this true-to-life story of young love, friendship, and being yourself.
Winter’s Tide by Lisa Williams Kline [all gone]
The coldest season. Building a family is hard, especially with stepsisters who are complete opposites. During the bleak and dreary days of winter, Diana continues to be bullied at school, Stephanie continues hiding a painful secret, and both their lives are shaken by two tragic accidents. They discover a beached whale on the North Carolina shoreline, then Stephanie’s brother is in a near-fatal car crash. The girls try pushing through the rockiness in their relationship and facing their challenges, until Stephanie’s lie is finally revealed. Can Diana find forgiveness and faith in her darkest hours?
The Enchanted Attic: Dueling with the Three Musketeers by L.L. Samson [1 paperback copy, US only]
It all started with her Uncle’s upcoming Chivalry and Romance and Loads of Frippery and Finery party… Madrigal Pierce’s greedy brother Johann has returned to The Pierce School For Young People. He owns half the mansion and plans to sell it. Fortunately, Ophelia has been reading The Three Musketeers, and Linus, Ophelia, and Walter decide D’Artagnan could rescue the school from his wily ways and keep their best friend Walter from going back to England. Their plan goes horribly awry—again—when the evil Lady DeWinter appears instead. Can D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers save the day? Or is the school and the trio’s friendship doomed!
Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker [1 paperback ARC copy, US only]
Praise for Code of Silence: ‘Deliberate, plausible, and gritty whodunit.’ –Booklist Starred Review Taken! A detour through the park leads Cooper, Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk straight into a trap, and Gordy is abducted! For the kidnapper, it’s all a game, a way to settle an old score, with no one getting hurt. But evil has a way of escalating, and once his identity is discovered, the rules change. Despite the best of police efforts, the hours tick by without a clue or a ransom call, leaving everyone to their own fears. Gordy is gone. Cooper descends deeper into a living nightmare, imagining the worst for his best friend and cousin. Hours stretch into days, and talks of a memorial service begin to surface. But Cooper still feels his cousin is alive and develops a reckless plan, changing all the rules. Now the one who set out to rescue his friend needs to be rescued himself. Sometimes rescuing a friend from darkness means going in after them.
Premiere by Melody Carlson [1 paperback copy, US only]
A recipe for success or a design for disaster? Although they’re sisters, Paige and Erin Forrester are like oil and water, night and day, denim and silk. Paige is an outgoing fashionista who loves to be the center of attention, while Erin is more comfortable sporting vintage garb and recording the action around her. When a near disaster turns into the opportunity of a lifetime, these two very-different sisters are given the chance to star in their own fashion-TV show. A guest spot on a hot teen-reality series and their first big red-carpet assignment give this unlikely partnership plenty of room for success—and even more for failure.
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Failstate: Legends by John W. Otte—and a Giveaway!
Click to view on Amazon.com.
Review by Jill Williamson
Teen superhero Failstate thought life would get easier now that he’d earned his superhero license. But when a legendary superhero returns from the dead and brings with him a horde of zombies, Failstate is a bit flustered. Dozens of professional superheroes come in from all over the world to help, and most of them are treating Failstate like a kid when New Chayton is HIS town to protect!
Nobody thinks he can get the job done. Plus his older brother, Gauntlet, and his best friend, Veritas, aren’t helping like they could; two beautiful girls are vying for Failstate’s affections; and his own powers are going wacko. What’s a superhero to do?
The Failstate series might look like books for kids, but like so many other young adult titles out there, these are fun for grownups too. The humor, rousing action, and mystery is totally addicting! John Otte is going to be a major figure in science fiction and fantasy. Do yourself a favor and read these books. You won’t be disappointed.
Age Range: 12-16
Genre: fantasy
Part of a Series: Book two in the Failstate series
Pages: 400
Publisher: Marcher Lord Press
Released: 2013
To support John and his awesome books, I’m going to purchase and give away a two-pack! Both Failstate and Failstate Legends, in paperback from, go to one lucky commenter. To enter to win, tell me who is your favorite superhero and why.
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