Blog Tour- The Secret Side of Empty by Marie S. Andreu

The Secret Side of Empty by Marie S. Andreu
"What's it like to be undocumented? High school senior M.T. knows all too well. With graduation and an uncertain future looming, she must figure out how to grow up in the only country she's ever called home... a country in which she's "illegal."

M.T. was born in Argentina and brought to America as a baby without any official papers. And as questions of college, work, and the future arise, M.T. will have to decide what exactly she wants for herself, knowing someone she loves will unavoidably pay the price for it. On the way, M.T. must navigate first love, letting go of her childhood friends as they begin a life she can't share, a difficult relationship with a father who grew up a world away and a mother struggling to find her way in America. What is it like when the only country you've ever known says you don't belong?"- summary from Amazon

Andreu's debut is simply amazing and the topic is so original and compelling. I was completely immersed in the story and even told several people about it. M.T.'s voice is fascinating and it's seeing an aspect of an issue that we don't normally see. Andreu, using her own personal experience, is able to write a lot of emotion, truth and even some humor into this story. There's a lot of ground to cover here too; not only does Andreu cover illegal immigration, there's also physical and emotional abuse as well as suicide discussed. It's a lot to put in one book, but she does a fantastic job juggling all of these and giving them room to develop.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. It's a strong debut and I'm so eager to read more from Andreu!

FTC: Received hardcover from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Roomies by Tara Altebrando and Sara Zarr

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando
"The countdown to college has begun.

When Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment at the beginning of summer, she shoots off an email to coordinate the basics: TV, microwave, mini-fridge. She can't wait to escape her New Jersey beach town, and her mom, and start life over in California.

The first note to Lauren in San Francisco comes as a surprise; she had requested a single. But if Lauren's learned anything from being the oldest of six, it's that you can't always get what you want, especially when what you want is privacy.

Soon the girls are emailing back and forth, sharing secrets even though they've never met. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives...and each other."- summary from Amazon

Gah, I love books about people entering, or in, college so this was right up my alley and I wish there were more of them!! Zarr and Altebrando are two of my favorite authors, and it was so great to read a book co-written by the two of them. I love the back and forth of the novel, as well as reading the emails Elizabeth and Lauren send to each other. It's an interesting dichotomy, seeing how we are in real life and how we present ourselves online (as well as perceive others online), and both authors really get that for both characters.

I really enjoyed reading about both girls' lives, and flew through the book pretty quickly. There's a lot of friendship drama and romance going on, but what I really liked was the emphasis on family too. Going away to college, whether it's an hour away or all the way across the US, is a big change for families and it was great to see that spotlighted here, in a variety of different ways. Plus, it's always nice to see families shown in YA novels; too often, they are shoved to the side in favor of other characters and plot points. This made the book very realistic.

Overall, seriously a fantastic book and I highly recommend it. I kind of hope Zarr and Altebrando team up again for a sequel, though I know that's probably unlikely.

FTC: Received e-galley from Netgalley. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas
"Heart LaCoeur has zero interest in a messy high-school romance, no matter what her name suggests. That's why she's decided to avoid prom angst by going with a group of single friends. And that's why, when two surprise prom invites derail her brilliant plan, Heart takes the only foolproof, drama-free solution: a coin flip—that somehow gives her the chance to live out both prom nights. Heads or tails, where they both end up might be the most surprising thing of all. . . . "- summary from Amazon

This was a really interesting book. I thought the coin flip would be handled differently, but I think Czukas did a good job of moving back and forth between the two timelines. Heart is a great main character and I loved her sarcastic voice, and I think a lot of readers will identify with her. I also really enjoyed the character of Ryan (who is gay) and the friendship and banter between him and Heart throughout the book; it's very similar to how I am with my friends (except the part where he's scared of people finding out; that's not me anymore, lol). There's also Heart's various other friends too, known as the No Drama Prom-a Crew, and I loved how strong their friendship is, and it's so great to see that front and center in a YA novel.

And then there's Schroeder, who I'm still on the fence about. It is very obvious that he's into Heart from the beginning, so it's not like he's actively trying to hurt her but he really does act like a jerk throughout the book and despite how things end up, I'm still a little bit dubious about it. It's just one of those things where it's like I'm screaming at the book "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER, YOU DIMWITS!". Which I know is easier said than done, but still, it would be so much better if that happened at least once or twice instead of just doing something jerky and then walking away. I understand the need for some conflict, but this aspect got to be a little too much at times.

Overall though, this was a cute, funny read and I'm eager to see what Czukas comes up with next!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender
"Heads will roll!

Paris, France: a city of fashion, chocolate croissants, and cute boys. Colette Iselin is thrilled be there for the first time, on her spring break class trip.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place around the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours the sights, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her status-obsessed friends won't believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they discover that the murder victims are all descendants of people who ultimately brought about Marie Antoinette's beheading. The queen's ghost has been awakened, and now she's wreaking her bloodthirsty revenge.

And Colette may just be one of those descendants . . . which means she might not make it out of this trip alive."- summary from Amazon

I really enjoyed Alender's first two books (and presumably third, whenever I get around to reading it) and was excited to finally have this new book out from her, especially with an awesome title like this one. I really adored this book- it's got such an intriguing mystery to it and Colette is a great main character that I enjoyed spending time with. I believe readers will definitely identify with Colette and some of the issues she's going through in the book with her life and friendships.

The prose was fresh, fun and compelling, and I loved following along on Colette's journey in Paris, which I think Alender captured the essence of very well. The romance throughout the book was enjoyable, and I particularly enjoyed the scene where Jules takes her back to his family's place for dinner- such a wonderful scene. I also think Alender handled it really well too, letting it build throughout the book slowly and realistically.

Overall, a great stand-alone title from Alender and I cannot wait to read more from her. She writes such fantastic ghost stories!

FTC: Received e-galley from Netgalley. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Cover Reveal- Martyr by A.R. Kahler

I'm so excited to share with you the cover for Martyr by A.R. Kahler, coming out Oct 14, 2014 from Spencer Hill Press! Keep reading for the cover and to learn more about the book!

Three years have passed since magic destroyed the world.

Those who remain struggle to survive the monsters roaming the streets, fighting back with steel and magic—the very weapons that birthed the Howls in the first place.

Tenn is one such Hunter, a boy with the ability to harness the elements through ancient runes. For years, the Hunters have used this magic to keep the monsters at bay, but it's never been enough to truly win the war. Humans are losing.

When Tenn falls prey to an incubus named Tomás and his terrifying Kin, Tenn learns there's more to this than a fight for survival. He's a pawn in a bigger game, one with devastating consequences. If he doesn't play his part, it could cost him his life, his lover and his world.

Add the book to Goodreads!

To which charity should A.R. Kahler donate a portion of his proceeds from MARTYR?

UNICEF

The Trevor Project

Water.org

To Write Love on Her Arms

Poll Maker

Alex is many things, but first and foremost, he's a Sagittarius.

In the past few years he's taught circus in Amsterdam and Madrid, gotten madly lost in the Scottish wilderness, drummed with Norse shamans, and received his Masters in creative writing from Glasgow University. And that's the abbreviated list.

He is the author of the tantalizing CIRQUE DES IMMORTELS trilogy, which debuted in 12/12 from 47North. MARTYR, the first book in his post-apocalyptic YA fantasy series, THE HUNTED, will be published 10/14 by Spencer Hill Press.

When he's not writing or climbing in the rafters, he's probably outside, staring at the clouds. And seeing as he now resides in Seattle, there are clouds aplenty.

He can be followed on Twitter @ARKahler or at www.arkahler.com