Thursday, September 29, 2011

After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steve Wedel: Review

After Obsession
By Carrie Jones & Steve Wedel
Published Sept 13th by Bloomsbury USA
Pick up your copy today at Amazon, B&N, or your local indie!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

Carrie Jones has partnered up with author Steve Wedel, and what did they come up with? A eerily genius tail that will leave you scared to turn off the lights, and chills running up your spine long after you close the book.

Alan is up-rooted from football star at his high school in Oklahoma City to a small town in Maine that doesn't even have a football team when his cousin Courtney loses her dad. A life without football? For Alan it doesn't get much worse than that. That's until he starts to notice Courtney's weird behavior. After meeting Courtney's friend, Aimee, he begins to realize two things...

1.) Maybe not everything about Maine is going to be bad.
2.) His cousin Courtney, along with most of the towns people, are not acting right. Something is up. People here are acting violent and this small river town has lost more than it's fair share of people to the river.

The journey that Alan & Aimee have to take to save the town from an evil that is trying to possess it will scare you in the best ways. At one point I felt like a complete child sleeping with the night light and jumping at every little noise. It's like reading The Exorcist, there is just simply no way to read this without getting the chills. But beyond that is the building relationship with Alan & Aimee. They are both a little different in ways that would label them as freaks to most people. I loved watching them grow closer. How they were able to open up and be themselves around each other when they never could around other people. It made everything all that much more sweet. When there wasn't spiders running up and down my spine in terror, there was butterflies in my stomach. Fluttering around every time Alan & Aimee were together.

Overall this book was fantastically spooky with just the right amount of swoon-worthiness. I have been dying to get my hands on another Carrie Jones novel and this one does not disappoint!!


Until next time...


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday




Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.

Title: Silence (Hush, Hush #3)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 4th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever




Darkfallen: You didn't dig Crescendo, did you?
Greta: Hell noes! I thought it was crap!!
Darkfallen: ZOMG! Are you serious?
Greta: Yeah man! It was New Moon in reverse.
Darkfallen: So does that mean you aren't excited about Silence?
Greta: Not at all... I mean PATCH will be in this book... HE BETTER BE!
Darkfallen: Well, he's on the cover so that's a good sign
Greta: Maybe he's gonna dump Nora into the ocean and come visit us
Darkfallen: Owww! That would be fantastic
Greta: Do it Patch!! and we'll be over here cheering



Must have NOWS!
We needs it!!
We wants it!!
We can't lives without it!!
Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Burned

Title: Burned
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: 2006
Synopsis from Goodreads

Raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, Pattyn Von Stratten starts asking questions -- about God, a woman's role, sex, love. She experiences the first stirrings of passion, but when her father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control. Pattyn is sent to live with an aunt in the wilds of Nevada to find salvation and redemption. What she finds instead is love and acceptance -- until she realizes that her old demons will not let her go.






~*~
I like 'em big!
I like 'em chunky!
I like 'em big!
I like 'em plumpy!



What?!! Are you kidding me? I hate big, huge, coke can size books! They're intimidating!!



--- but not this one.



Have you seen the size of it?!!! It's bigger than my hometown's phone book!!!



-- but it only took me a day to read



OMG! I must have been bit by a super radioactive spider!!



-- spider?



Yeah, spider! Wouldn't that be the smartest in the insect world?



-- not sure. You're the one here having a conversation with yourself.



WOW! Don't let this chunky chunk book make you go "too thick!" It sure does look it but once you zip through a page in nothing flat you'll be happily surprised that they all go that way. That is the beauty of verse and the beauty of Ellen Hopkins. LOVES IT!



"Burned" is about a girl named Pattyn raised in an abusive LDS household.



--LDS?



Church of Latter-day Saints.



--Sister Wives?



Yeah, not really. I thought it was going to be like that but they only talked about one wife (the Mom) and a woman her Dad used to be married to (at least that's the way I took it)



Pattyn is a 16 year old good Mormon girl who all of the sudden notices boys and starts to question her faith. She also sees the abusive ways her father treats her mother and starts to ask questions that are only bound to get her in trouble if she keeps digging.



-- Daddy's not going to like that!



Soon, Pattyn fears that all hope is lost because Dad is sending her away to live with his sister she starts to wonder if there is any way to get home as fast is she can. That is until she sees a glimpse of a boy who smiles at her. A boy she wants to meet. A boy who will make her want to stay.



This book is freaking amazing!! Emotional at times that it will make you cringe and the tender in spots that you'll decide you want to run off to Nevada to find you a cowboy while pretending to be a bad girl Mormon.



I'm not sure if the religious aspect of the story is true (because I wouldn't know) but you seem to not mind because the story is soo entertaining. I found myself opening the book and what seemed like five minutes later wound up being a whole hour passed.



I recommend this to all fans of Ellen Hopkins, anyone interested in a verse book, and a good real-life story. While this story isn't true its written in such a way that would definately be believable.



Loved it and can't wait to read more from this author!



Saturday, September 24, 2011

Banned Books Giveaway Hop!!


Welcome to the Banned Books Giveaway hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & I Read Banned Books!

Here in Paranormal Wastelands we are giving away a eBook copy of...

This book tore my heart out and had me questioning everything I thought I knew. It deals with what happens when a brother and sister fall in love.
I KNOW!! It sounds gross. But assure you that you will see where the line blurred, and before you realise what you are thinking you are saying things like "Come on just kiss her already!!"
Quickly followed by "OMG did I just say that?!?!"

This contest is open internationally. All you have to do if be a follower of this blog and fill out the Rafflecopter below. And please remember to include your email address in the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win!
Also we currently have TWO other giveaways going on right now!! Just click the book title below to enter those:)
Vampire Wake Prize Pack (open internationally)
After Obsession (open to US, Canada, & Europe)

And don't miss out on the upcoming Trick-or-Treat!






Now check out the rest of the stops on the hop!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Entice (Need #3) by Carrie Jones: Review

Entice (Need #3)
By Carrie Jones
Published January 3rd by Bloomsbury
Pick up your copy at B&N, Amazon, or your local indie today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever.
But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead.
Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

Darkfallen' thoughts:
okay more like a rant so hang onto your life vest...

I want to start by saying that I know that there is A LOT of bad reviews out there for this series. Most of those reviews complain about the same few things.

The use of immature dialogue.
The similarities to Twilight.
The descriptive writing is lacking.

This is where I tell you that I am NOT one of those such people.

First of all the language: While others found it annoying, I found it cute, sweet, funny, and at times heartbreaking. May I remind you all, that while most of us who read these books are older, this is still a YA series and thus the characters are young, immature, teenagers. I sometimes think we forget that. Thusly Zara's rambling and choice of phases reminds us of her age and I heart her for that.

Secondly the how Twilight debacle: Can I just say that it is time that we move on? I will always LOVE Twilight on an almost obsessive level, but we simply can't compare every YA novel to Twilight, and every author to Stephanie Meyer. If you want every character you read to be Bella or Edward well then of course your going to be disappointed. Take these characters for who they are and let down the barrier and I promise you will enjoy the ride. Who knows maybe you'll come to love another. (I know this sounds like a recovery for a break-up but Twilight pretty much "broke-up" with all of us when it ended)

Thirdly the descriptive writing:  It could have been a bit better in the first 2 books but Carrie Jones has made up for it in Entice.

Ok enough of the soapbox. Lets get on with it!
****WARNING!! If you haven't read the first two books DON'T read this review, it contains spoilers.****


Poor Zara can't seem to catch a break. She loses her father in Need, loses Nick in Captivate, and broken is a word that barely comes to describe her in Entice. After turning into a pixie she is left questioning herself. Also worried that she is going to become the evil monsters that she fears. Her biggest fear has now become of herself. Her love for Nick pushes Zara to her limits. She is willing to try anything to get him back, including trusting Astley, the pixie King. We learn so much more about Astley and you will find yourself hearting him by the end of the book. Despite the fact that he is completely in love with Zara, he too risks everything to help her get back her true love Nick. If that's not love than I don't know what is. Every step of the way they find themselves up against another deadly road block. Even the pixie counsel has been compromised. When you have tried everything, and your back is against the wall, you begin to wonder is it even possible. Will Zara and the gang be able to get Nick back, or lose him forever?
 Will Astley become more than just the pixie King to Zara?
 Will the town of Bedford make it out alive?

While Captivate is by far my most favorite in this series, Zara has grown so much in Enitce. Lets just say that Zara will find out that being a pacifist is overrated when it comes to getting Nick back from Vahalla. Somewhere along the way I found myself wanting to hug Astley. I was almost mad at myself for this. I felt like I was betraying Nick somehow, but what can I say the guy is all hot and dark side emo. Whats a girl to do;) For risk of spoilers that is all your getting from me.

I leave you with the right questions to ask. Now go, run along now, pick up the book, and find the answers!!

Lymi...

While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday



Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.



Title: What We Deserve
Author: Kerry Freeman
Release Date: October 25, 2011


Synopsis:
Years after Sean’s heart was broken by his first love Jamie, he is ready to try his hand at love again with Tyler, his handsome, perfect-geek-for-him boyfriend. But when Jamie returns home after twelve years in the army, Sean finds himself unable to choose between his passion for Tyler and his still smoldering desire for Jamie.

Maybe he doesn’t have to choose after all.










This book has us on all sorts of WOWWY ZOWWY PIN CUSHIONY types of sharp things, belt buckles, and gulpy nom noms!! I mean AHHHH!!! Look at that belt!! DO you see the belt!! Look at the belt!!

Darkfallen: DUDE!! Calm down!
Greta: No way!! Seriously... Cover hawtness!!!

And what do we say when we find a book that makes Greta go Bananas?





Must have NOWS!
We needs it!!
We wants it!!
We can't lives without it!!









Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.









While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!

Interview with Carrie Jones & Steve Wedel/After Obsession ARC GIVEAWAY!!!

Alright everyone hold on to your seats because do I have a SUPRISE for you!
Today I have this girl here that really like fudge pops...
Yep that's right the New York Times best selling author of the Need series...
Carrie Jones!!
And, with a little magic...and some rope, she brought co-author of their new book After Obsession...
Steve Wedel!!

Now before Carrie & Steve sit down with us to answer some questions I want to take a few minutes to tell you about the book!
Oh yea and you are even going to get a chance to win a copy;)

Published Sept. 13th by Bloomsbury
Pick up your copy today at Amazon, B&N, or your local indie!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.


That sounds awesome right!!
Well ladies and gentlewastelanders please give a warm welcome to...

Carrie Jones & Steve Wedel!!

*the crowd goes wild*
*Jaspie , the were-lizard, licks Carrie*

Hey, hey, HEY!! Jaspie cut it out.
Sorry Carrie he gets excited sometimes.
*winks*




Darkfallen: How did you two meet, anyway? Is it true this Wedel guy used black magic to lure Carrie to Oklahoma
in 2008?


CARRIE: Actually author Melissa Marr set us up on a speed date at a conference in Oklahoma where we had to go around to tables talking to people for five minutes. Melissa said she put us together because we were both mellow and nice. Ha! We had her fooled. Oh! Wait, maybe that was part of the Wedelian black magic. Geesh! How did I not know?


STEVE: hehehe I love it when a plan comes together! Seriously, until I saw the schedule Melissa had put together, I didn’t have a clue who Carrie Jones was. But the chemistry was instantaneous. We developed a little introduction as we went table to table and just had a great time. Later, Carrie stole the fruit out of my beverage, though. I’m not sure I’m over that yet.


Darkfallen: Carrie, you are a respected New York Times bestselling author. It probably came as no surprise to you to learn that Wedel had created some fantasy in which you would write a book with him. Why didn’t you simply report him to the police immediately when he continued to harass you? Do you feel you encouraged his demented obsession through your innocent e-mails?


CARRIE: Since I work as a part-time police dispatcher, I knew that the complaint about Wedel would not really be taken seriously. There were no explicit death threats involved. Since I was on my own without law enforcement back-up, I figured that I might as well just do it.

No, actually I was super excited to try to write a book with Steve. It seemed like a cool experiment. And if I failed, I got to fail WITH someone. That’s never happened before. I’m used to failing alone. How about you, Steve? Was it freaky writing YA instead of Adult?


STEVE: Oh, I’m used to failing alone. But then, I am older than you, Carrie. Writing YA wasn’t all that freaky, really. Getting used to first person present tense took a while, though.

Darkfallen: Rumor has it Steve chained Carrie to a desk and forced her to write this novel. In an effort to end the torment, you both set a breakneck pace and finished the book in a very short time. Is that how it happened?

CARRIE: It took less than a month to write that first draft. Enough said. Although as supporting evidence, I do have chain marks on my ankles. Really, I’ve never had so much fun writing a book before. I’d check my email all the time muttering, “Has he sent a new chapter yet? What?! WHAT?!? No new chapter.” Then I’d rush out my chapter to see what would happen next.

It was kind of like when you have a crush on a boy and you really want him to text and he doesn’t and
you’re like – come on! Come on!

It was probably the opposite for Steve. He was probably all, “NO! NOT ANOTHER CARRIE CHAPTER!Was it? (Please say “no,” Steve. Please say “no.”)

STEVE: Not even close! I felt exactly the same. I couldn’t wait for that next chapter, and as soon as I got it I was inspired to write my next part right then. If something happened and I couldn’t write my chapter on the same day I got Carrie’s latest I was wracked with guilt and afraid she would need more time, or would withhold her chapter as punishment and I’d have to wait longer for it. Like she said, writing has never been so much fun.

Darkfallen: Artistically speaking what did each of you contribute to this book? How is it different than the usual novel you write?

STEVE: Well, the most obvious answer is that the book is written in alternating points of view between Aimee, Carrie’s character, and Alan, my character. Carrie’s writing is very much character driven and very feminine. She sees a lot of detail that I tend to gloss over. I’d say this novel is much richer in detail and tone than anything I’ve done previously and I blame Carrie for that.

CARRIE: It is much quicker, much more plot-driven, and has a lot more testosterone in it. Steve puts a really man energy into his chapters and he’s so good at dialogue and flow. I was really lucky to write
with him.

Darfallen: Wedel has been sighted wearing a cowboy hat and driving a 40-year-old pickup truck. Carrie, on the other hand, is an East Coast girl with a Mini Cooper. Is it possible that you both found shared ground upon which to build a plot? What are some of the commonalities and differences between the two of you?

STEVE: I think our politicians could learn a lot from me and Carrie. Sure, we have some differences,
but our ultimate goals are pretty much the same. We both want to tell good stories that entertain and
just maybe carry a positive message. We share an interest in the supernatural and Norse mythology
and the plight of the modern teenager. To be honest, I didn’t really know how good Carrie was with
the paranormal elements until we wrote this book. Need wasn’t published yet, remember. I figured I’d
provide most of the chills, but she wrote a scene with a knife that stands my hair up every time I read it.

CARRIE: Dude. When your hair stands up on end you’re like 87 feet tall. Steve has long hair…. Really, really long hair. *stares at Steve & imagines him with his hair standing straight up*

Sorry. Back to the question.

Well, he is quite tall and I’m --- I’m not quite tall and he has a lot of facial hair and I – I DO NOT! I think the thing we have in common is that we both really care about people and stories and teens. I mean, Steve will become a huge stress monkey if something is wrong with one of his students or his kids, and I think that passion and caring and love of people comes out in both our writing despite our political, physical, and motor vehicle differences.

Darkfallen: What reaction do you anticipate from your loyal fan base regarding this collaboration? Is it something they’re going to like? Will they pity you for what you’ve endured? Or will they simply ignore it?

STEVE: Hopefully Carrie’s fans won’t feel the need for pity. No residents of Maine were harmed in the creation of this book. Not physically, anyway. I think my fans will like it. I know my students will, and I’ll be thrilled to have a book school librarians will make available to high schoolers.


CARRIE: I hope they like it despite the fact that there are no pixies. They will all probably fall in love with Alan, the main character that Steve created, the way I did. Oh my gosh! You think they’ll ignore it? Hold on. I have to go panic now. *hides in the closet and screams*

*Darkfallen gives her a paper bag to breathe into...and a fudge pop*


Darkfallen:  After Obsession features a girl in Maine and a boy who comes from Oklahoma. Are there other elements in the novel that mirror your lives or your relationships to your Okie or Mainiac collaborator?


CARRIE: Well, Steve is tall. Alan is tall. Steve is less politically correct than I am. Alan is like that too. Aimee and I both try to eat healthy and we both paint…… Um…… Wedel? Can you answer this one? *peels the wrapper off and takes a bite*


STEVE: Speaking of eating healthy, says the girl with the fudgesicle, sure I'll answer this one. *grins mischeviously at Carrie*
Alan and Aimee learn a lot about each other, and that was true for me and Carrie as we worked
together. I learned a lot about living in a small Maine town. Can you believe they really don’t have
football in most Maine high schools? I know I worked in several details gleaned from my life as a high school teacher.

Darkfallen: The concept of demonic possession is something you haven’t dealt with in your previous fiction. Did the idea for the novel come from your month-long captivity? Carrie, was it a feeling of helplessness as Wedel subjected you to a Southern drawl and stories about the high school students he tries to teach?

CARRIE: I think it came from Wedel because he is twisted like that. *sticks her tongue out at Steve*

STEVE: I honestly don’t remember. I remember there was a pretty short period where we kind of kicked around some pretty basic plot ideas. That was November 2008. Carrie was working on something for the National Novel Writing Month, so we agreed to start writing in December. Not being bound to NaNoWriMo, I went ahead and wrote a chapter, then confessed to what I’d done. Turns out, Carrie had done the same thing. So, I’m not sure who’s idea the possession was, but I guess I did the research on it as we got into the book.

Darkfallen: Carrie, you are known for strong young female characters instrumental in solving their own problems, much like you allegedly gnawed through the chains and escaped Wedel. Has the revolving point of view used in After Obsession diluted the strength of Aimee, the female protagonist? And Steve, you are known for your horror and your detail. Did you find it hard to tone it down for this book?

CARRIE: No. I think by seeing her actions through Alan’s eyes it actually makes her stronger.

STEVE: In YA, even demons have to watch their language. Actually, the scary elements aren’t that toned down from my solo novels. And, I guess I’ve mellowed with age, because I’m not including as much graphic content in my other books as I used to.

Darkfallen: Carrie, are you suffering from Stockholm Syndrome? Would you collaborate with Wedel again, or are you simply glad to be free? Steve, have you moved on to bigger and better authors to torment? What are your states of mind as After Obsession moves closer to publication?

CARRIE: I would love to experiment again, if he still wants me.

STEVE: Bigger and better? That would be hard to find. I’d write with Carrie again in a heartbeat. Maybe I wouldn’t even have to use that old black magic next time.

Darkfallen: Well I for one couldn't be more excited about this book...I mean seriously if I was any more excited I fear I might combust. And no one wants that. I hear splattered Darkfallen can be really hard to get out og the carpet. *winks* Thank you so much for sitting down with me today!!

Annnnddddd because Carrie and Steve are so super awesome they have left me with a ARC of After Obsession to giveaway to one lucky wastelander!!
This contest if open to followers only so if your not lost in here somewhere already, please, join us...and I promise I will keep Jaspie from licking you ;)
This is also open to residents in the US, Canada, & Europe. To enter just simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. And don't forget to leave your mailing address!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Wait is Over!! Kiera's story continues...

Tim O'Rourke as tortured us long enough....


Keeping us up at night wondering what is going to happen next...

What will happen to Kiera?
Will she ever see Luke again?
Well the wait is over folks!

That's right the long awaited, much anticipated sequel to Vampire Shift is finally here!!

Remember this awesome cover?
Well the sequel has a cover to that is sure compell you just as much...


I mean look at her eyes...
and that guy in the backround...
yea I wanna get to know him a little better.
*winks*
Vampire Wake
By Tim O'Rourke
Synopsis borrowed from Amazon:
Pick up your copy today!

Since escaping from the Ragged Cove and finding herself suspended from the Force, Kiera Hudson is hired by the mysterious Lady Hunt to protect her sixteen-year-old daughter Kayla, from the stranger who lurks on the moors. But little does Kiera know that it is she who is really in need of protection.

Arriving at Hallowed Manor on the desolate Welsh moors, Kiera soon realises that the vampires that she has been ‘seeing’ are not the stuff of her nightmares, but are very real and closing in.

If Kiera is to escape the vampires that hunt her, she will have to discover the true identity of the bandaged man, the secret of the children’s graveyard hidden beneath the weeping willows and who or what is hiding in the ‘forbidden’ wing at Hallowed Manor…

‘Vampire Wake’ Book Two in the Kiera Hudson Series.

‘Vampire Hunt’ Book Three coming soon!



So because Tim O'Rourke is the awesome man that he is, and because he loves his fans so VERY much, he has brought not ONE, but TWO lucky winners a little present.

That's right two wastelanders will get a Kiera Hudson Series Prize Pack!

What exactly is that?

Each winner will recieve:

A signed Vampire Shift bookmark
Vampire Shift (paperback)
&
Vampire Wake (eBook)

How awesome is that!!!!!
All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. This giveaway is open internationally, and to followers of Paranormal Wastelands. So if your not already lost in the wastelands...join us!
I hear it's fun in here and all you have to do is follow on Google Friend Connect:)
But one last thing...
It just so happens that today is not only the release of Vampire Wake, but also Tim O'Rourke's wedding anniversary!!

Happy anniversary Tim!!!
Looks like you managed to keep her yet another year, and we wish you luck for a lifetime of years to come!




 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Night Walker

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday!
This meme is sponsored by MizB over at Should Be Reading.
(wanna learn more about how you too can join in and play along? click here)


This weeks teaser is from....


"So that's it? You're going to throw away the past two years like they never happened?" "Why not?" she shrugged, seeming tired and annoyed. "you did."  38% on Kindle

That's right...you tell him!
Now run along and fall into the arms of that hot, shirtless man on the cover with the happy trail, sexy abbs, and the low riding bult buckle...I bet you won't even remember that cheating bastards name any more;) lol

                                
Now c'mon...Tease me!!

While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!

Greta Shakes Things up with Freebies

Hello folks!! Today is normally my Monday Review Day but I thought I would like to shake things up a bit.

Recently two of my author friends have posted short story freebies and I thought today I would share them with you.





Title: Amethyst Heat
Author: Laura Hunsaker
Get it for free Here
Synopsis from Goodreads

While out riding, Meg McMurray finds herself on unfamiliar lands. Gone are the long expanses of Oklahoma prairie, and in front of her are the wild Scottish Highlands. How did she come to be there, and did Aunt Gilly's amethyst ring have anything to do with it?















Title: Keep Me
Author: Kerry Freeman
Download for free HERE
Synopsis from Goodreads

The last thing Marcus wants to do after a long, sweaty day is answer the ringing doorbell. He wants to face his young former lover, who stands on his doorstep in search of forgiveness, even less. Marcus isn't sure he can risk his heart, but he can't turn the boy away, either. When he discovers where the boy's demons have taken him, Marcus finds that what he wants begins to change.



ENJOY!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Captivate (Need #2) by Carrie Jones:Review

Captivate (Need #2)
By Carrie Jones
Published January 5th 2010 by Bloomsbury
Pick up your copy at Amazon, B&N, or your local indie today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

I fell in love with Zara's compulsive internal ranting in Need. I became attach to everything about her world. Who knew Pixies could be so SO evil?! Well Captivate takes you places you don't wanna go but in the best way possible. It's beautifully bitter, tragically sweet, and I Heart everything about it.

Zara and the gang are back at it. Now that they have imprisoned the pixie king/her father and is people they think all is well. They couldn't be more wrong. While trying to decide what to do with her father once and for all more trouble is lurking, ready to attack the town of Bedford. New pixie kings sense that Zaras father is weak and they are going to claim his territory. Thing is these pixies make her fathers look friendly Disney characters. Will Zara be able to protect her town from the new pixies and their uncontrollable needs? And if so what price is she willing to pay to fight for the people she loves?!

"Pixie Tip: Pixies are blue. Cookie Monster, Groover, and other Muppets are also blue. Do NOT confuse the two. Muppets dont try to kill you...usually"
LOLZ

This is what makes this book great. There is heart and soul poured out on the pages, but your are going to have a few gut retching laughs along the way too! I don't want to be a spoiler bunny but I will say this, you are gonna be heartbroken. You are gonna need tissues. And even though you are gonna feel like you can't go on, you'll find you can't put this book down either. Don't say I didn't warn you;)

Now go do what you have to do to get your hands on this book.
Buy it, borrow it, rent it, download it, steal it if you have too, but you have gotta READ this book!
more like 10....

Lymi...


While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Paranormal Wastelands Presents a Kismet Production: Wanted vs Unwanted - Geek against Freak




YAY!
The time has come for author of the best-selling Fade series, Lisa McMann, to unleash her new book!

We here at Paranormal Wastelands couldn't be more excited about it:))


So we jumped on the bandwagon, drank the kool-aide, and hitched a ride on the tour bus with Kismet Book Tours to help spread the word!!

On this tour there will be a super awesome grand prize....

*pauses for effect*





But we will talk about that later...hehe



Now back to this fantastic new booky wook! For those of you that don't know what the book is about check it out.


There will be a quiz on this later, so pay attention....lol



By Lisa McMann
Published August 30th 2011 by Aladdin
Pick up your copy today at Amazon, B&N, Indiebound, B.A.M, Powell's, or your local indie!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.


Now come find out if Darkfallen & Greta are...

Wanted?

Unwanted?

Then stick around for a chance to win an AWESOME prize pack!!



*lets get ready to ruuummmmbbbllllle*

Ding ding!!

Announcer: In this corner weighing in at NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS is Darkfallen - the crafty Unwanted Girl.





And in this corner weighing in at More than her Cat and Less than the couch is Greta - the uber smart as a whip, oh yes she can we believe in her, WANTED GIRL!!




And yes...that is the sound of her fourteen year old son giggling! lolz




Darkfallen: Uhhh... what?

Greta: What do you mean what?

Darkfallen: It sounds like the announcer likes you more

Greta: Well, he should... I'm totally better than you cuz you know... I'm uber fabulous with my brainz

Darkfallen: What makes you better than me?

Greta: Umm... duhs? Uber fabulous with brainz!

Darkfallen: You can't even spell!
Greta: That makes me fabulous.... you wouldn't understand painter girl!! I rock!

Darkfallen: But....

Greta: NO! No BUTS about it.... Plus, that's an improper sentence.

Darkfallen: You wouldn't know an improper sentence if it bit you on the kneecap

Greta: HAH! Shows what you know! I have been bitten on the kneecap before and I totally noticed because I'm quite intelligent and uber smart and realized there was something quite askew with the whole ordeal.

Darkfallen: Oh brother



Announcer: Ladies... to your corners



Greta: I'm already in my corner. I knew I should be here because my mighty brain told me so.

Darkfallen: That doesn't even make sense

Greta: Silence MARTHA STEWART

Darkfallen: Martha what? Oh it is on!!



Referee: Now, I want a clean fight. No hitting below the cerebrum cortex and no punching above the easel. Do I make myself clear?



Greta: Crystal... as in I totally know what crystal is made from but don't want to explain it because Andy Warhol over there probably wouldn't understand



Darkfallen: *fumes*



Greta: Dude! You're turning red. Am I embarrassing you with my witty satire? I know... I'm awesome. This fight is just going to prove it ;) Hahahahas!






- fight -






















Announcer: Well, that was pretty ugly!! But the winner of the Paranormal Wastelands Wanted vs Unwanted Smack Down is ----






THE UNWANTEDS!!






Congratulations Darkfallen!! You just proved that nerds are all talk and no brawn. We salute you artists of the world!! We salute you!



Darkfallen: Greta, what does Charlie Sheen have to do with this post?

Greta: Duhs.... WINNING! Don't you know your own people? He's an artist, man

Darkfallen: Are you ready for me to kick your butt again?

Greta: EEK!


And now, before another fight breaks out, we have author Lisa McMann here to answer a question about the book!


*~* And now it's time for the awesome prizes pack! *~*





Contest Info: Are you Unwanted? Gather entries to be entered to win the grand prize book club class pack (up to 20 books!) by explaining which camp you’d be in:
Wanted or Unwanted?

leave a comment = +1entries
provide a picture of you that shows what you'd be (be creative) = +2 entries
provide a video and tell us what you would be! = +5 entries


Link can be provided in the comments of this post, on the Kismet Book Touring Facebook page or on Lisa's Facebook page. Open US/Canada. Contestants under 18 years of age must have parental consent to enter.



Check out the rest of the tour stops, and see what other bloggers had to say!



Monday August 29th - Danny and Pushy, Bewitched Bookworms
Tuesday, August 30th (The Unwanted's Book Birthday!) - Katie, The Mundie Moms
Wednesday, August 31st - Alyssa, Teens Read and Write
Thursday, September 1st - Heidi, YA Bibliophile
Friday, September 2nd - Becky, Stories & Sweeties

Monday September 5th - Jill, The O.W.L
Tuesday, September 6th - Mary, Book Swarm
Wednesday, September 7th - Reading Teen
Thursday, September 8th - Melissa, I Swim For Oceans
Friday, September 9th - Sab, YA Bliss

Monday September 12th - Cynthia, A Blog About Nothing
Tuesday, September 13th - Nancy, Amusing Reviews
Wednesday, September 14th - Michelle and Leslie, Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks
Thursday, September 15th - Darkfallen and Greta, Paranormal Wastelands
Friday, September 16th - Alice, Alice Marvels

Tuesday, September 20th -Grand prize announcement on Lisa McMann's blog!

Wanted & Unwantedly yours...






While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.


Title: As I Wake
Author: Elizabeth Scott Published: September 15, 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads
Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.


We here at Paranormal Wastelands are super mondo excited about this book. Elizabeth Scott is such a fantastic writer and zomg when she writes those intense books because it just makes us squee


Must have NOWS! We needs it!!
We wants it!!
We can't lives without it!!

Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.

 



While your here check out our upcoming Halloween event & Blog Hop, Zompacolypse 2011, and join in on the fun!