Happy Book Birthday Midnight Hour by C.C. Hunter

After captivating millions across the globe, the Shadow Falls saga reaches its final—and most unforgettable—chapter yet! Prepare to fall in love all over again...

Being a dyslexic witch is a curse in itself, but Miranda Kane’s time at Shadow Falls has helped her harness her magical powers. Now, just as she’s finally mastered them and is preparing to graduate with her friends, a near-death experience threatens to ruin it all.

Miranda awakens in the hospital with a mysterious tattoo that no one can explain. As she struggles to make sense of it – and questions her feelings for a certain irresistible shape-shifter and a hot new guy – the strange markings begin to spread all over her body, leaving her desperate to find answers. But before she can solve that problem, a new one arises: her sister is missing.

Has her sister been kidnapped? Miranda will risk her life to find out. Will she live to share the day she’s worked so hard for with her friends? When the clock strikes midnight, will Miranda make it to her graduation at Shadow Falls?

C.C. Hunter brings The Shadow Falls saga to a spectacular conclusion in this thrilling finale: Midnight Hour!

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The History of Shadow Falls

     

          

Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn

Book Title: Remember Yesterday (Forget Tomorrow, #2)
Author: Pintip Dunn
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: YA Sci Fi
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Sixteen-year-old Jessa Stone is the most valuable citizen in Eden City. Her psychic abilities could lead to significant scientific discoveries, if only she’d let TechRA study her. But ten years ago, the scientists kidnapped and experimented on her, leading to severe ramifications for her sister, Callie. She’d much rather break into their labs and sabotage their research—starting with Tanner Callahan, budding scientist and the boy she loathes most at school.

The past isn’t what she assumed, though—and neither is Tanner. He’s not the arrogant jerk she thought he was. And his research opens the door to the possibility that Jessa can rectify a fatal mistake made ten years earlier. She’ll do anything to change the past and save her sister—even if it means teaming up with the enemy she swore to defeat.

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Check out the first book in the series

If you are interested in started this amazing series, here is the trailer to check out. I also was fortunate to do a Guest Post with Pintip when the first book came out. You can also check out it. 10 Things you didn't know about Forget Tomorrow

Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of YA fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B. in English Literature and Language. She received her J.D. at Yale Law School, where she was an editor of the Yale Law Journel.

Pintip is represented by literary agent Beth Miller of Writers House. Her debut novel, Forget Tomorrow, won the RWA RITA® for Best First Book. Her other novels include The Darkest Lie and the forthcoming Remember Yesterday.

She lives with her husband and children in Maryland.

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Red Winter by Annette Marie #BookReview #Giveaway @AnnetteMMarie @Barclay_PR

Title: Red Winter
(Red Winter Trilogy Book 1)
Author: Annette Marie
Published: October 21, 2016

Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess—and not once has she doubted her chosen fate.
Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can’t match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command—whether she wants him or not.
On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate—but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope … and hope is all she has left.

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I was really excited to read Read Winter because I’ve been curious about Japanese mythology since I was a kid. I didn’t know anything the kamigakari, however, until I saw an anime that involved it. So when I saw the synopsis for this story I knew I wanted to snatch it up. Of course when a Kitsune and Tengu get involved I couldn’t help but love it more. I have a fascination with those particular yokai since they are often featured in manga and anime as well.

I was so absorbed into this word. I felt like I was watching a show and the illustrations are not only amazing but completely add to the experience. I wish this was something I saw in more books, especially fantasy. There are not many but I felt they were perfectly placed. Well there is one scene that would have been nice to see a illustration for. Not only do the illustrations help but there is also a pronunciation guide and a glossary in the back of the book. So if you find yourself confused with anything you can look it up. I felt that everything was very well explained and did not need to use it. I did enjoying reading it at the end.

I loved everything about the plot. Emi is a dedicated miko following her path until the winter solstice when she will become possessed by Amaterasu, something every Miko dreams of. As that time approaches, Emi starts questioning everything she knows when she finds out she has been lied to. She goes off on her own for her own answers, which leads her in the path of yokai. I loved Emi’s determination despite often seeming weak. I also love her dedication to Amaterasu even when she doubts her purpose.

How can you not love Shiro! He’s a Kitsune and who doesn’t love a fox yokai. Plus he has that personality that you can’t help adore.

I just really loved this story. Now I have to go watch Kamisama Kiss, Red Data Girl and Hiiro no Kakera to tide me over until Dark Tempest. I really can’t wait.

Annette Marie is the author of the Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, which includes the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award nominee Yield the Night. Her first love is fantasy, a limitless realm of creativity where she can break all the boring rules of real life, but fast-paced urban fantasy, bold heroines, and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has politely inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of northern Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her remarkably patient, comparatively sensible husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit her website at www.authorannettemarie.com

Find Annette Marie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

Celebrate the Release of RED WINTER with a Giveaway!

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Unblemished by Sara Ella #Interview #BookReview #Playlist #Giveaway @The_FFBC

Unblemished
by Sara Ella
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins
Release Date: October 11th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Eliyana has always recoiled from her own reflection in the mirror. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world existed where her blemish could become her strength?

Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a hideous birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her as normal. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.

But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird.

Now Joshua is her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.

Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself?

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Unblemished is one of those books that I found the synopsis interesting so I was like okay, I’ll pick it up. Then was blown away by how completely it entranced me. I really loved the story and the characters. One of my favorite things about it was the love triangle, which sounds insane but it’s true!

I actually really adored the love triangle in Unblemished. That sounds crazy but it was so perfectly executed I’m not sure how to even explain it. The whole thing felt very natural and surprising at times. It had this very organic progression to it. Very much like being a teenager sometimes you fall out of love an into love with someone else and even sometimes back again. It never felt like El was leading anyone on or using either guy. Which I feel happens to often in other books.

The story is so fast paced. I was absorbed and even though I had a long work week. I was stealing moments and reading on my phone when I could. The action was non-stop, it felt like El could not get a break but it also kept it interesting. There were things I suspected but then things that I had no clue.

I also liked the world building. It takes New York and creates an alternate reflection. Which are called reflections. It was easy to picture where they were in my mind. I also felt like the callings were very interesting and well explained without going overboard. We get bits and pieces as we go so it’s not all info dumped at once.

I liked Eliyana. Sometimes I got annoyed with her, I’m like why can’t she stop be obsessed with saving her mom. Then I’m like wait I would totally be obsessed with that too. I wouldn't care what people are saying to me either. Especially because nobody was really filling her on information. Except for the person that she is supposed to not trust.

It was a great ending but also one that I’m like ohhh I want a short story or something. It’s perfect the way it is but still.

This is a definite recommended read.

Once upon a time, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.

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Iron Cast by Destiny Soria #BookReview #Playlist @The_FFBC

Iron Cast
by Destiny Soria
Publisher: Amulet Books
Release Date: October 11th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

It’s Boston, 1919, and the Cast Iron club is packed. On stage, hemopaths—whose "afflicted" blood gives them the ability to create illusions through art—captivate their audience. Corinne and Ada have been best friends ever since infamous gangster Johnny Dervish recruited them into his circle. By night they perform for Johnny’s crowds, and by day they con Boston’s elite. When a job goes wrong and Ada is imprisoned, they realize how precarious their position is. After she escapes, two of the Cast Iron’s hires are shot, and Johnny disappears. With the law closing in, Corinne and Ada are forced to hunt for answers, even as betrayal faces them at every turn.

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Iron Cast was an amazing tale with twist and turns, I think Destiny Soria is a wordsmith herself. I couldn't put the book down, there was always something happening. I also loved that the book focused on two main characters, Ada and Corinne, who have an amazing friendship. Plus add the hemopath blood, the era, prejudices and gun fights it’s quite a tale.

What I loved the most about this book was Ada and Corrine. They are like Thelma and Louise, thick as thieves. Nothing can come between them and they would never leave the other behind. It’s amazing how they look out for each other and even though they are part of the Iron Cast family the two of them are true family. They don’t need to share blood to be sisters. I also like when Ada tells the story of why she decided to become friends with Corrine. I think it gives a little insight to Corrine.

There is a splash of romance but it is not a main part of the story and I wouldn’t have disappointed if it was gone. I love romance don’t get me wrong, I just felt the story of Corinne in Ada is just so strong in that respect. Ada has someone from the beginning of the book and Corrine meets someone along the way. It was a nice balance.

There are so many great side characters. Saint, Gabriel, Maddy and James make up the core group. Where you also have Johnny, Jackson, Eva, Carson, Silas and many more. I loved all of these characters because you know a lot about them without it getting to out of hand where you get confused.

I can’t say much about the plot without it being spoilery and a lot happens. There is mystery, backwards and forwards betrayal and some scary Asylum stuff. I love the historical aspect that is mixed in. The prejudices against hemopaths is twisted in with prohibition and race. Even though we don’t go many places, the descriptions for the clubs/asylum is amazing.

Such a great story, I would highly recommend reading it. Everything felt so well planned out and fit together. I didn’t always guess what was happening next, I don’t think I even tried because I was just so absorbed. Definitely one of my favorites this year. I do wish that Corrine was also on the cover because I feel like their friendship is such an important part but that’s okay.

Destiny Soria writes Young Adult fiction. Her debut novel, IRON CAST, will be published by Abrams/Amulet in Fall 2016.

Destiny lives in Birmingham, AL, where she spends her time trying to come up with bios that make her sound kind of cool. She has yet to succeed.

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Spindle by Shonna Slayton #BookReview #Giveaway @chapterxchapter, @ShonnaSlayton @EntangledTeen

Spindle by Shonna Slayton
Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Teen

In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger…
Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?
When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness…and Briar’s not immune.
If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.

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I love a good Sleeping Beauty retelling, especially since the original fairytale is very interesting to say the least. Spindle takes the fairy tale and gives it a historical setting while still keeping the magic intact.

As far as the pacing of the book is concerned, I struggled with the beginning. I actually think it has to do more with the synopsis then the actual story telling. Since I had read the synopsis before diving in, I expected things to happen more quickly. I think that if I had started the story without reading it, I would have been more comfortable with the pacing. Once Briar gets the spindle, things start flying.

I love that there is the historical element along with the magical. Briar loses her parents and is forced to work in a mill. Like the era truly was, the conditions are poor and the pay even worse for these young girls. The girls are usually working there due to their family situations or lack of. I also like the addition of suffrage. Ethel, one of Briar’s roommates and friend, is very into women rights and getting the vote. I thought it was an interesting touch, especially for a story where a sleeping princess is saved by a prince. This princess works at saving herself. Not to mention the Irish Need Not Apply is also touched on.

We don’t get the actual history of the town until later in the book and it’s nothing I wish to spoil. I liked the love triangle in this story. Which is not something I say very often. Briar has just been jilted by the guy she thinks she is going to marry but does not see the guy who is right in front of her face. I liked that the romance was slow and it was more of Briar having to realize what things are actually important to her.

Briar is a sweet girl, who is very compassionate. She is friendly to everyone and is mostly concerned about her family. She’s lured by the spindle not because she is selfish, but because she is afraid she will lose her brothers and sister. It made her very likable.

Spindle is an enjoyable Sleeping Beauty retelling, that can give you both your historical fiction fix as well as fairytale.

SHONNA SLAYTON writes historical fairy tales for Entangled TEEN. Cinderella's Dress and Cinderella's Shoes, set in the 1940s are out now. Spindle, a Sleeping Beauty inspired tale set in the late 1800s, will be out October 2016.

She finds inspiration in reading vintage diaries written by teens, who despite using different slang, sound a lot like teenagers today. When not writing, Shonna enjoys amaretto lattes and spending time with her husband and children in Arizona.

The best way to keep in touch is by signing up for her monthly newsletter. She sends out behind-the-scenes info you can't read anywhere else. Sign up is on the sidebar of her website Shonna Slayton.

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