Asylum Blog Tour: Guest Post Featuring Author KA Tucker

Welcome to today’s stop on the Asylum blog tour! Author KA Tucker has written a lovely guest post delving deeper into the magic system used in her intriguing, heart-pounding paranormal series. I’m also happy to announce the winner of the print copy of Asylum! Read on to find out more, and be sure to enter to win an e-book copy of Asylum too!

My question for the guest post:
How did you invent a whole original world with unique magic rules and formats, as opposed to earth and wicca-based magics like many authors use?

Well, as with everything else in this series, I like to take basic concepts and twist them into something that I can stamp my own fingerprint on. In this series, the common concept of spells and gifted individuals holds true, as well as the idea that it’s a skill one must learn vs. just ‘knowing how’.

I began with these basic concepts in my own magical world and then I took it further, adding twists and turns. For one, my own vision of magic is that there are ‘small spells and big spells” requiring different level of skill and power. Just as humans have different skills and strength, so should sorceresses and sorcerers.

It wouldn’t be fun if all witches were created equally. Most sorceresses can learn the ‘small spells’ -starting fires and disguising themselves – without too much trouble. But a whole different level of skill and strength is required for the big spells – the ones that change the course of fate .

These are the Causal Enchantments – the spells that are driven by a deep-seeded need or desire. Enter the Fates – the God-like beings with power to alter the future. The Fates have no limitations and no boundaries. They truly are God-like. Wait, actually, that’s not true. They do have one boundary. But I’m not telling you what it is… yet.

When I was developing this part of the plot – the idea of the Fates – it made sense to me that Causal Enchantments couldn’t be granted without some sort of drawback, a negative to gaining whatever ‘wish’ the sorceress or sorcerer has asked of them. It also made sense to me that the Fates weren’t your typical fairy godmothers, happily waving their magic wands.

They needed to be a bit vindictive, a tad… evil. I’ve provided only small hints about the Fates in the first two books and I don’t want to say too much more other than to say that in the third book, you will learn A LOT about them.

The other major unique piece to Causal Enchantment’s magic system is the idea that magic has some sort of formation. To me, there needed to be something beyond just a bunch of words – a chant – to spark a spell.

If the sorceress held the magic within them, it only made sense that they needed to call on it somehow. When I imagined what magic would look like in its physical form, glowing pinkish purple DNA-like helixes was the first thing I pictured. Hence this is what Sofie plucks from within her body.

There are many other elements to this magic – how Causal Enchantments are delivered to the caster, how new types of magic can materialize (like ‘the Tribe’), and how a highly-skilled sorceress like Sofie can experiment to create her own spells – that make this magical world its own. All of these elements came about as the plot was developed, as ideas were formed, and solutions to problems brainstormed.

I wanted to ‘think outside the box’ but more importantly, I wanted to have fun with it. I definitely succeeded with that!

I’m not sure if the above explains anything or made it more complicated … LOL… it’s tough to explain the ‘why’ and ‘how’, other than to say that I knew what I wanted to begin with and I let the story take the magic where it needed to go. A unique world came out of that.

Thanks, Rachel, for having me here today!

Thanks to all who have already picked up a copy of Anathema and Asylum! For those who haven’t yet,
Anathema is currently free on Kindle, Nook, Sony, Apple, and Smashwords so grab your copy today! If
you enjoy it, Asylum is only $2.99

As for the print copy: the winner is…. JONELLE DYER!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Don’t forget to enter the Asylum giveaway here.

See the other blogs on the tour here.
And stop by again tomorrow for my review of Asylum!

Tags: Anathema, Asylum, ebook, Giveaway, KA Tucker

Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas tree.

Hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas!

<3
Bookshelf Lust

®2011 Rachel Scroggins

Tags: Christmas Lights, Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas

Updated NYC-Area Author Signings and Events Listing

I’ve been MIA for most of the summer/early fall do to an increase in work responsibilities (Fashion Week, and all the pre-planning involved in attending and photographing over 40 shows pretty much kicked my ass), and some family stuff I had going on. I’m happy to say I’ll be back to posting regular reviews soon. But first, one of my favorite things: I’ve updated my NYC area author event listings!

There are dozens of AMAZING events and signings coming up in the next two months. Be sure to check back regularly, as I update the listing frequently, whenever I come across new information.

You can see my book signings page here.

Maureen Johnson’s Name of the Star Publication Party

Last week, Books of Wonder in NYC hosted what has to be one of the most interesting and entertaining book signings I’ve been to yet for Maureen Johnson’s new YA novel “The Name of the Star”.

A huge crowd of fans waited for Maureen’s arrival, while two “Jack the Ripper” impersonators roamed around and scared audience members.

There were plenty of awesome buttons for “survivors” of the event to wear.

After a short wait, Maureen finally emerged to a cheering crowd, and entertained us with tales of Ripper research in London, her writing process, and how she’s always shocked when people actually READ the stories that come out of her head. Like magic!

After the somewhat crazy and incredibly lively Q&A, Maureen began to sign. The line was quite long, so fellow book blogger Bethany and I decided to indulge in some cupcakes and wine (which, at least for me, was a Books of Wonder first). There is just something *naughty* about drinking wine in a children’s book store.

We all know what wine looks like. These cupcakes were much prettier.

Not pretty: the table “decorations”.

More pretty.

Maureen signing.

By the time it was my turn to meet Maureen, I was slightly tipsy, and remembered why I don’t usually have wine (and sugar!) before dinner. Or at public events. Pretty sure I mumbled something about how her “rambling, Mean Girls word vomit style stream of consciousness speeches make me feel better about my own propensity to talk too much made me feel as if I’d met a kindred spirit” scared her.

And then someone took a very blurry photo of us together.

Luckily, I learned a long time ago, there is always someone weirder or more intense than you in the audience. Case in point: this dude, who had Maureen sign his forehead.

Awesome. But weird.

After much more book talk, and a very in depth discussion about Game of Thrones with some new bookish friends, Bethany and I realized the store was about to close, so it was time to go home. We took the conversation outside, and ended up looking like creepy stalkers who were waiting for Maureen, probably scaring her once again. But I feel like if any author would understand this, it would be her.

The Name of the Star is out now, in bookstores everywhere.

®2011 Bookshelf Lust

Tags: 2011 Releases, Author Events, Books of Wonder, Fall 2011, Jack the Ripper, Maureen Johnson, Name of the Star, Nerdfighters, New York City, NYC, Publication Party, YA Lit, YA SAVES, Young Adult

Review: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly, Departedwill forever be remembered as the novel that made me fall in love with zombies. I’m actually not a very big fan of zombies. At all. Much like my fear of heights, which unexpectedly showed up one day the first time I attempted rock climbing, I’m not sure where my zombie fear came from. One night I was re-watching 28 Days Later, and then next thing I knew, I was terrified, and having re-occurring zombie nightmares on a regular basis.

Dearly, Departed definitely has it’s freakier moments–and quite a few straight up nasty scenes–but the love story surrounding it all is so cute and refreshing, it’s easy for a zombie-phobic girl like me to overlook.

The story starts out a bit slow. Lots of background info is given about the protagonist Nora, her recently deceased father, and their futuristic world. But Habel doesn’t fall into the usual debut author traps, so it never feels info-dumpy. Thankfully after Nora’s world is introduced, the action really picks up around chapter 4, and even more so once Nora first encounters zombies.

The action does irregularly jump around from multiple points of view, which can be jarring and get confusing at first. But I also managed to get used to that aspect after a few chapters, after I “got to know” who each of the characters were.

Once Nora is abducted, and begins to interact with the ragtag band of zombie army men and women, the story really hits its stride. The secondary characters have amazing, hilarious personalities, and the camaraderie between them is endearing. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.

And the boys? When discussing this book with a fellow blogger friend via twitter, I, much to the amusement of Lia Habel herself, described the male characters of Dearly, Departed as boys “so hot, you’ll forget they are rotting!”.

Obviously, it helps to have a story full of plenty of hotties. Yet it’s the interaction between Nora and Bram, the love interest that really won me over. Their slowly developing (and strangely realistic considering one of them IS DEAD!) love is adorable. Nora is a strong, kick ass protagonist, and independent woman. But with Bram, she really begins to come into her own, and discover who she really is, and what she truly believes in.

I can’t remember the last book that had me giggling, and squeeing like a 12-year-old schoolgirl this much. (Actually, there was one book that similarly affected me, last year—Anna and the French kiss.) Everything from brushes of arms, to sniffing the shirt of the boy you like, to the eventual first kiss was both realistic, and adorable. Seriously, this story can only be described as epicly cute.

In the beginning, Nora thinks Bram is downright disgusting and terrifying. Lia Habel is such an amazing writer, who understands the psychology and motivations behind her characters, that you get exactly why Nora would become attracted to Bram, and find yourself falling in love with him much in the same way. There are dozens of books where teenage girls fall in love with the undead, weirdos, and just plain freaky men that just leave you shaking your head and asking “WHAT?!”. Never have I seen fear and disgust lead so naturally to true love.

Other things I liked: this book had some of the best and most original world building of anything I’ve ever read. It’s steam-punky, but without alienating people who might not be into the Victorian era and clockworks. (I admit I’ve only read a few steam punk short stories, but found my limited exposure to the genre to be weirdly repetitive.) The Neo-Victorian futuristic world Nora lives in is fully developed, and seems 100% logical considering the back-story that led to its creation.

Overall Dearly, Departed was an adorable, unique love story and survival tale that captivated me from page one. Lia Habel, a first time author (who FYI is just as adorable as this book!), has earned a place on my “auto buy” list. I wanted to re-read Dearly, Departed as soon as I finished. And of course, it’s safe to say I am now “dying” for the sequel.

5/5 Stars!

Dearly, Departed will be released on October 18, 2011.
Thanks to Del Rey for providing me with an ARC for review.

10 Days of Anathema Blog Tour Stop #10

Evangeline has spent her teenage years in obscurity. Her foster parents have the emotional aptitude of robots and her classmates barely acknowledge her existence. About to turn eighteen and feeling like a social pariah, she is desperate to connect with someone. Anyone.

When Evangeline meets Sofie after literally stumbling upon her café, she believes she’s found that connection. Willing to do anything to keep it, she accepts a job as Sofie’s assistant and drops everything to fly to Manhattan, where she is thrust into a luxurious world of Prada, diamonds, and limitless cash.

With such generosity and kindness, it’s easy for Evangeline to dismiss certain oddities . . . like Sofie’s erratic and sometimes violent behavior, and the monstrous guard dogs. She’s even willing to dismiss her vivid dreams of mob-style murders, beautiful homeless people living in caves, and white-eyed demons that haunt her each night as figments of her imagination—especially when one of those figments is the gorgeous Caden. When she wakes up with bite marks on her neck, the fairy tale quickly turns into a nightmare. She slowly unravels the mystery surrounding Sofie and friends, and the reality of the bites and the “dreams.” What she discovers is far more mysterious and terrible than anything she could have imagined.

In a world where everyone has motive to lie for personal gain, Evangeline must decide which deception is least likely to get her killed.

For the very last stop of the Anathema blog tour, I’m sharing my review of this unique and compelling story. Along with an opportunity to win your very own copy! See after the review, for more details.

Anathema is one of those amazing stories that you want to run out and tell everyone you know to read—but not tell them anything about the plot. Just reading the book description was enough to make me shake my head and wonder what exactly will happen in this story. Like a movie with a twist ending, I was glad I went in only knowing that this novel came highly recommended from some fellow book blogger friends.

The action in Anathema starts right up within the first few pages. As soon as Evangeline agrees to accompany Sofie to NYC, things get weird. I’ll admit, it took me a bit of time to suspend my disbelief and understand exactly why Evangeline would pick up and move to NYC with someone she just met, but once you understand more about her background, and everything lacking in her life, it makes perfect sense!

I found the story to be a perfect mix of old-time fairy tales (a “princess”, locked in a castle!), mystery (what is happening to Evangeline at night?), and creepy old gothic novels (mysterious voices, deception, possible insanity). In short, many of my favorite genres, blended together!

Mixing “our world” and a parallel world isn’t a new concept. At times, the story actually reminded me of the later seasons of LOST, but spookier. But in Anathema, the two worlds blend together flawlessly, making the concept of “alternate realities”, along with some old familiar paranormal aspects (which I won’t mention, in fear of spoiling you) fresh and new. I really felt as if I’d gone back in time, to my younger days in the 1990’s, when not every book I read seemed suspiciously redundant.

Anathema is also on my short list of “realistic romances in YA”. Yes, there are paranormal elements, but the interaction between the characters, their problems, and how their relationship develops in the first place was refreshingly realistic. Also, it helps that Caden is really hot.

So much happens in this story that in the beginning, you can’t help but wonder “where is this going?”. What is real, and what’s in Evangeline’s head? Who can she trust, if anyone? How much of her life was chance, and how much was straight up manipulation? As soon as I finished, I wanted to go back and re-read it to catch all of the things I may have missed my first time around. The last book that left me feeling this way was CHIME, one of my favorite reads of this year so far.

Overall, I am very glad I went in to the story not knowing exactly what to expect. Anathema is an intriguing tale of lies, destiny, and romance. Plots are tied up (unlike in LOST!), but you’re left with a killer cliffhanger that will have you begging for book two.

4/5 STARS
Thanks to Kathleen Tucker for my review copy!

Kathleen is giving away a signed, print copy of Anathema to one lucky winner at the end of the blog tour. Anyone can enter by visiting her site at www.katuckerbooks.com (read giveaway rules posted). Do you want up to 10 extra chances to win? Visit each blog stop for an Anathema Quiz question. Answer it correctly and your name is entered! Simple!
Here’s your quiz question for today, Blog Stop #10: “What does Evangeline need to do to be free of the curse?”
To submit your answer, click here http://www.katuckerbooks.com/10-days-of-anathema-grand-prize-entry-form.html
And if you haven’t read Anathema yet… what are you waiting for?!

Kathleen has also been generous enough to provide an e-copy for a giveaway! All you have to do is comment here to enter. The contest open until 11:59pm on Sunday July 17. PLEASE Leave your email in your comment to enter! No email, no win!

Tags: Anathema, book review, Kathleen Tucker, teen reads, YA Lit

Kimberly Derting, Lisa Schroeder, Adele Griffin, and Laurie Faria Stolarz at Books of Wonder

At Books of Wonder, 6/30/11.

Last week, before the holiday madness began, I was able to stop by Books of Wonder to meet a quartet of amazing teen authors.

I had a photo shoot beforehand, which ended up running over time wise making me quite late. And left me without anything to get signed! Sadly, my books were left at home. But I did get some amazing photos, and had a chance to chat with each author about their books, and visit with some fellow blogger friends!

I told Laurie her “Nightmares” series was one of the very first books/series I bought with my employee discount when I first moved to NYC and worked at Barnes and Noble! She gave me some signed book-plates to put into my forgotten books.

Laurie chatting with a fan.

Laurie and Frankie

Lisa

I was very upset that my copy of Tighter (which I loved!) was sitting on my bed at home, and not in my hands to be signed by Adele.

Adele

Kimberly. We had an awesome conversation about The Pledge, and how much we both love Target!

The Body Finder goodies.

Some of the prettiest bookmarks I’ve ever seen!

Me, Rachael, and Frankie. (Photo via Frankie’s Facebook)

Even though I missed 3/4 of the event, I still had a blast! All of the authors were amazing, as usual. And it was great catching up with some bloggers I hadn’t seen since BEA. It’s pretty awesome how many great authors have made it to Books of Wonder this summer. Hoping there are still many more to come!

All Photos and Content ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/Bookshelf Lust.

Tags: Adele Griffin, Author Events, BOOK SIGNINGS, Books of Wonder, Kimberly Derting, Lisa Schroeder, NYC, YA Lit

Jazz Age Lawn Party

I’ve been out of NYC more than in so far this summer. Luckily this weekend, I was able to attend one of my favorite summer city events, the Jazz Age Lawn Party. Called a “Great Gatsby party” by some, it definitely managed to capture the feel of the classic Fitzgerald novel. It is hands down my #1 pick for amazing street style in New York. It happens again in August–if you’re in town, it’s a must go!

Here are a few sneak peeks of the party:

See more photos & the event recap on my photography blog.

Photos ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/Bookshelf Lust.

Tags: 1920's Vintage, Governor's Island, Great Gatsby, Jazz Age Lawn Party, New York, NYC, Photography, Retro

Sexy Scenes in YA—What Are Your Favorites?

HOT!

A handful of book blogger friends and I just had an epic conversation on twitter about “sexy scenes” in YA. It started after someone mentioned the upcoming release Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen– a book that’s become slightly notorious for being toned down from its original pre-edit incarnation.

Most of us said we actually appreciate “sexier” scenes in YA, and wish there were more! To clarify “sexy” scenes don’t have to mean sex. While I personally feel there are many books where that seems to be the natural next step, but the author shies away from it, it’s by no means a requirement for me to read a book. However, if there is romance in a book, I do expect at least a certain amount of tension.

There are dozens of great books where the sexual tension is so intense, it nearly lights up the pages. Sometimes little gestures like accidental touches, or covert looks at the love interest say more than taking things further could. I’ve even read books where– because the author knows what they are doing– simple hand holding is sexy! As a natural part of life, sex and sexual tension are of course quite common subjets in books, especially books about teens (whether parents like it or not).

On that note: what are your favorite “sexy” YA books?

Here are a few of mine:

* The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
* The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
* Firelight by Sophie Jordan
* Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
* Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
* Nightshade and Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
* Shade and Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
* The Duff by Kody Keplinger
* The Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz
* The Diary of a Crush series by Sarra Manning
* Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
* Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Note: With the exception of The Duff, most of the above books do not rank high on the actual sex scale. If you aren’t sure about what you’re about to read, or want to know more before your teenager reads one of the above books, I suggest paying a visit to Reading Teen, for their very detailed parental book reviews and ratings.

Tags: Mephisto Covenant, Sex in YA, Teens, Trinity Faegen, Young Adult

Stephanie Perkins NYC Meet & Greet

Saturday, on what would have been just a boring and disgusting rainy day in NYC, I went to one of the best author/blogger events I have ever been to!

I started my weekend pretty bummed out about missing one of my other favorite author’s only nearby US appearance, due to transportation issues. It’s not always easy to get outside of the city when you’re car-less, and trains can get costly and complicated. Thankfully, there was still some hope left for my Saturday!

I’d read on twitter the day before that “Anna and the French Kiss” author Stephanie Perkins was coming to NYC, and would be having a meet and greet with fans uptown. So roomie Jenn and I made the rainy trek up to Bryant Park to meet up with Stephanie, and some fellow blogger friends of mine.

The park was out, so after wandering around a bit, we found a local Cafe with a large basement seating area to hang out in. A few fans drifted in and out, but total there were around 15 of us. It made for quite an intimate gathering, and we were able to ask Steph about her books, characters, future projects, and her writing process.

3/4 of our group.

Stephanie is absolutely adorable in person. If you like her quirky, fun characters, after meeting her in real life, you will fall in love with her even more. She’s very big on hugs, and has a contagious, goofy laugh. Chatting with her feels like catching up with an old friend.

We learned that she is in NYC doing research for “Isla and the Happily Ever After”, her 2012 release. Nothing has been officially announced about her next project after Isla, but she did say that she has an idea already planned, and whatever she writes will most likely be a stand alone novel.

That revelation earned quite a few satisfied comments from those of us in attendance. EVERYONE agreed that sometimes, there are just too many series in the YA world, and that stand alone novels are highly missed.

We also got to hear about how meticulously researched the world-building in her books are. She was still working as a librarian while writing “Anna”. So Stephanie said she checked out every single fiction, non-fiction, comic, and children’s book she could find about France. She also watched every French film she could get her hands on, and analyzed things as detailed as what went on in the background scenes behind the actors to find out how the French lived their lives.

Rachael’s coveted copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door. We all wanted to steal it from her! (Lola takes place in San Francisco, where Stephanie went to college.)

One of my favorite moments of the day: a fellow attendee compared Steph’s work to Jane Austen. You should have seen her face! She was shocked, but I have to say that I think the comparison is spot on. I can’t think of any other contemporary YA writers who capture the same feel of Jane’s work, yet also modernize a story in their own way. One of the reasons I love Stephanie’s writing so much is because it feels so REAL. I can imagine saying and doing the same exact things her characters do were I in their situations.

Me clutching one of my most anticipated 2011 reads! It was really hard not to pet this book.

After our big group discussion, Stephanie took time to sign our books, and chat with everyone individually. A few of us posed for photos with her as well.

Steph and some new friends!

Signing books.

Talking with roomie Jenn. They have a TON of mutual friends, from the Harry Potter fandom and Wizard Wrock worlds.

Steph and Damaris.

With Mitali.

Steph & Jenn again.

Me and Steph. She’s so cute! And I look like a total nutter here. Thanks,rainy weather!

We had a brief chat about her bff Kiersten White’s “Supernaturally“, (which I’m reading now) and whispered about how awesome her favorite character in that book is.

Soon, it was time for Steph to go meet up with a friend. So we all said our goodbyes, and thanked her for an awesome time! Seriously, I don’t know many authors who would set up a spontaneous meet and greet with their fans during a whirlwind, last-minute book research trip.

Before she left, I photographed Steph’s crazy cool outfit for one of the fashion websites I shoot for. I’ll definitely be posting a link/photos once this week’s street style goes live on their site.

Thanks again to Stephanie for totally making my weekend, and making time for all of your fans. You were beyond awesome, and I hope some day soon you can make it up to NYC again! I had so much fun meeting you, and making some new blogger and publishing friends. <3

And to everyone else: If Stephanie comes to your town this year, GO!

All Photos ®2011 Rachel Scroggins/Bookshelf Lust.
See the full album here.

Tags: Anna and the French Kiss, authors, Bloggers, BOOK SIGNINGS, Cricket, Etienne St. Clair, Lola and the Boy Next Door, NYC, Stephanie Perkins