Follow Friday

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Craziest thing you’d be willing to do for an ARC you are dying to read (aka what would you doooo-ooo for that ARC you want? *think of the Klondike Bar music*) via A Great Read

Hmm...good question. I think there are probably no limits there...IF it were a book I was DYING to read.  I have had moments where I have tweeted so many times for a book that my app shut down on my phone....
- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

One Kick by Chelsea Cain

Published: Auguast 19, 2014

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 309

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor. Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later. In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again. But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick's experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past

Review

I remember reading a book by Chelsea Cain many years ago and really enjoying it, so I'm not sure why I haven't read any more by her.  When I saw 'One Kick' I thought it might be a great crossover novel, and it would be, but with some reservations. 'One Kick' is not for the faint of heart.  The subject matter - abducted children - is harrowing for many people, but the sub-topic, which I am not going to  identify, is even more controversial.  If you are not a fan of disturbing subject matter, then 'One Kick' is not for you.

Having said that, I was absolutely riveted from page one.  Kick Lannigan was a fascinating protagonist.  I found it impossible to imagine how I would behave had I gone through what she had, and I admired her immensely.  She chose to fight her demons and use her skills to help others. I think I might have just curled up in a corner and given up. Ms Cain does not go into a lot of explicit detail, but manages to infer some pretty unbelievable situations that had me feeling like I needed a shower.

'One Kick' is tense and riveting, and Ms Cain's writing style is such that I, for one, could not put the book down.  I was propelled along by a sense of urgency that I shared with Kick and Bishop.  There is no time to waste, they have to solve the kidnappings or it will be too late.  This was a fascinating and horrifying look into a subject that I suspect most of us would like to brush under the carpet and try to forget about.  A must read thriller for those with strong stomachs.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Walled City

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

730. That's how many days I've been trapped.
18. That's how many days I have left to find a way out.

DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible....

JIN hides under the radar, afraid the wild street gangs will discover her biggest secret: Jin passes as a boy to stay safe. Still, every chance she gets, she searches for her lost sister....

MEI YEE has been trapped in a brothel for the past two years, dreaming of getting out while watching the girls who try fail one by one. She's about to give up, when one day she sees an unexpected face at her window.....

In this innovative and adrenaline-fueled novel, they all come together in a desperate attempt to escape a lawless labyrinth before the clock runs out.

I have a copy of this book on my phone right now compliments of the good folks at NetGalley and I haven't been able to find the time to read it.  Sounds extremely fast-paced and exciting though!!

- Christinabean

The Taking by Kimberly Derting

Published: April 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 357

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own? 

Review:

I don't think I've read many, if any books on alien abduction but Ms. Derting has never let me down before.  I'm a huge fan of her Body Finder series as well as The Pledge series.  

So we are introduced to Kyra Agnew and she seems to have everything going for her - great at sports, has a loving boyfriend and supportive family until she gets into a fight with her Dad and storms out of the car only to see lights all around and wakes up somewhere unexpected....5 years later.  The thing is, she hasn't changed AT ALL.  But her entire world has moved on past her.  Her boyfriend is no longer her boyfriend.  Her family has split up and she has to re-adjust to the world and the changes that happened without her.  

Of course, strange things start happening next and the only one she feels she can trust is her ex-boyfriend's little brother...who coincidentally is not so little anymore.  In fact, Tyler is now her age and seems to be incredibly understanding to her situation.  Where his brother was sweet and seemed like her match, Tyler is not afraid to take a risk in letting Kyra know EXACTLY how he feels about her.  At one point in the novel, he draws an incredible picture for her.  IN THE STREET. BETWEEN THEIR HOUSES. It is sweet and romantic and I found myself saying - Kyra!!  AUSTIN WHO???  PICK TYLER!!!

So back to Kyra's strange happenings.  She can't figure out what has happened in the last 5 years of her life until she meets someone who can help her.  Discreetly.  Her father has been coming up with theories of her being taken by aliens and while she originally dismissed the idea, she is now starting to wonder...

In terms of characters, Kyra really grew on me.  I thought she might try and lash out at her ex (Austin) for moving on  without her but I'm glad she didn't.  She was stuck in a 16 year old's body and had some of the same feelings as her teen self but she was incredibly reflective and took the time to rationalize how her friends and family could have moved on without her.

I had read a few reviews about this title which were disappointing because I LOVED THIS BOOK!  Because of the subject matter, it was a new topic for me.  There was some swearing (as a warning to those of you wishing to recommend to a younger reading audience).  The pace of the novel was also a little bit slow but overall, it was a great read.  I have to tell you though 

**SPOILER** I almost stopped reading when Tyler got sick *END SPOILER**

Glad I didn't because in the end, the intensity of the book escalated and I found myself reading faster and faster and now I've got to wait until APRIL 2015 for Book #2....sigh....

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received.

This week from the library:

Summary (by Goodreads)

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

I haven't read a story about dragons for AGES!!  Plus, I haven't read any of Julie Kagawa's series yet but she is on my list of authors to try!  My expectations are high!!

- Christinabean

Forbidden by Kimberly Griffiths Little - Huge Giveaway

On November 4th, HarperCollins unveils Forbidden, a seductive YA debut from award-winning middle grade author Kimberley Griffiths Little. Forbidden transports readers back in time to the deadly deserts and sweltering heat of Ancient Mesopotamia for a tale of danger, duty, and forbidden love. Jayden is on the brink of womanhood and betrothed to her tribe’s prince, cold-hearted Horeb. But when tragedy strikes, Jayden meets Kadesh, a mysterious visitor from the south who makes Jayden doubt everything she knows. Torn between loyalty to her tribe and the chance to escape her fate, Jayden must make a choice that will change her life forever.

Kimberley is also offering a HUGE preorder giveaway from October 6th to November 4th (release day!) to celebrate. See below for full details on how to enter. TO ENTER:

• You must preorder Forbidden through an online retailer or your local bookstore, then email a photo of your receipt to forbiddengiveaway@gmail.com.
• Fill out the rafflecopter below
• US/Canada Only
• Ends at midnight EST on November 3, 2014
• Optional entries: share the trailer on your own site or social media, follow Kimberley on twitter, and tweet about the giveaway (can be repeated daily for extra entries!)
• Winners will be announced and contacted November 4th (release day!)
• If the winner does not respond with their mailing address within one week, a new winner will be chosen.

PRIZES:

(1) GRAND PRIZE WINNER: 1. NEWLY RELEASED Kindle Fire HD6 Tablet with 6" HD Display, Wi-Fi, Front and Rear Cameras, 8 GB -- choose your color! (Black, Magenta, White, Citron, or Cobalt) 2. GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson 3. CHAOS OF STARS by Kiersten White 4. Satin Belly Dance Skirt 5. Belly Dance 150-Coin Hip Scarf 6. Red Silk Veil (not pictured) 7. Red Middle Eastern Earrings 8. Belly dance DVD: Sensual Belly Dance with Blanca, a professional dancer (technique, choreography, and performances) 9. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured) 10. Set of 10 Book Club Cards 11. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

(1) SECOND PLACE WINNER:

1. GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson

2. Red Middle Eastern Earrings

3. Red Silk Veil (not pictured)

4. Belly dance DVD: Sensual Belly Dance with Blanca, a professional dancer (technique, choreography, and performances)

5. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured)

6. Set of 10 Book Club Cards

7. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

(13) RUNNERS-UP WINNERS:

1. Red Middle Eastern Earrings

2. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured)

3. Set of 10 Book Club Cards

4. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Preorder: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

About Forbidden: In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden’s tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden’s turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe’s leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family’s position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden’s heart.

Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden’s heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb’s increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden’s every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.

With a forbidden romance blossoming in her heart and her family’s survival on the line, Jayden must embark on a deadly journey to save the ones she loves—and find a true love for herself.

Set against the brilliant backdrop of the sprawling desert, the story of Jayden and Kadesh will leave readers absolutely breathless as they defy the odds and risk it all to be together.

Follow Kimberley:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About Kimberley: Award-winning author Kimberley Griffiths Little was born in San Francisco, but now lives in New Mexico on the banks of the Rio Grande with her husband and their three sons. Her middle-grade novels, When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, have been praised as “fast-paced and dramatic,” with “beautifully realized settings.” Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell. She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. You can visit her online at www.kimberleygriffithslittle.com.

Share your thoughts on the trailer in the comments!

Shout Out to Indies - The Golden City of Doubloon by Richard Natale

We here at The Paperback Princesses often receive emails from Indie authors requesting reviews and are blessed with free book copies. Often we are unable to get to so many titles before our mass market published books take over our TBR shelves. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great reads though! We want to give back to those Indie authors and are declaring EVERY SECOND SUNDAY our SHOUT OUT TO INDIES MEME. For those of fellow bloggers, please feel free to add our meme to your regular schedule. We only ask that you quote and link back to us as a courtesy. For all of you Indie authors, we invite you to contact us at the contact link to your top left. We will select 1 - 3 titles (each time we post) that sound interesting. Lastly, for you readers, this is a bit of a test so please do comment and let us know what you think. We will also be offering up giveaway copies whenever we can! So without further ado, here are this week's picks:

BLURB: The Golden City of Doubloon is an adventure novel with a strong moral and spiritual underpinning. Set in the Great Depression, the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery includes a massive flood, a tornado, a terrifying massacre at a tent revival meeting and a climactic battle aboard a zeppelin. Our hero, Japeth Finian, 20, the devout, orphaned son of missionary parents, embarks on a time-constrained journey to Doubloon, the “oasis of the Midwest,” to find a serum that will save the inhabitants of his small town from a blood disease that robs them of their immortal souls in return for the promise of eternal life. When they arrive in Doubloon they are confronted by all the wonders, and terrors, of modern life. Joining Japeth in his adventures are his friends, the brave and noble Crowell, the loyal but scatterbrained Lon, Crowell’s sister Lucinda, with whom Japeth is not so secretly in love, and Abra, Japeth’s mute younger sister who may possess secret powers.

Author Bio: Richard Natale is a writer and editor living in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in such publications as the The New York Times, the L.A. Times, The Washington Post, W and Time Magazine among others. He is also a past winner of the National Playwright’s Competition. The Golden City of Doubloon is his third published novel.

REASONS FOR WRITING A YA NOVEL:

I wrote The Golden City of Doubloon for the YA audience, though I believe it will appeal to their parents-and even grandparents.  And that’s as it should be. Sometimes, literature aimed at the "youth market" is overly simplistic and undemanding, which is ironic, because that’s precisely the age when our minds are at their most fertile and we’re almost begging to be challenged.  Oftentimes, we don’t think too much is being asked of us, but too little.

In Doubloon, the hero, Japeth, is on the verge of adulthood and confused as to what his role in the world will be. Throughout his journey he second guesses himself, something we all do at that age (and some of us continue to do). That his choices prove to be life and death decisions don't make them any less relatable. Through trial and error, he discovers his inner moral compass and once he does, his fate becomes clear to him and he embraces it. Like most of us, he’s stronger than he believes himself to be.

PURCHASE LINKS: The e-book is available from Double Dragon, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Ibook among others. It is also available in print from Lulu. 

Excerpt: A few minutes later, they pulled up to the shelter and pounded their fists on the metal doors, shouting “Open up, Reverend, open up,” until they were hoarse. But the howling wind drowned out their efforts.

“We’re too late,” Lon screamed. “Now we’re gonna die.”

They looked up in horror as one of the twisters touched down on the far end of Main Street, wrapping itself around the new fire house and spitting loose bricks like they were bits of confetti. One by one, the swirling, dark eddy ripped its way down the street, dismantling the post office, the general store, and the schoolhouse.

Abra pulled on Japeth’s arm and drew him down the hill toward the church. One of the chapel doors was open, flapping aimlessly in the wind like an invitation.

“But there ain’t even so much as a basement in there,” Lon cried.

“Don’t matter. It’s our only hope,” Japeth said.

Crowell climbed into the truck and rolled it downhill. Japeth and Abra jumped onto the running board and held on. Lon brought up the rear, riding Becka up the steps and inside the church.

“I don’t care if it is the Lord’s house, I ain’t leaving her out there,” he said before anyone could protest.

“All creatures great and small,” Japeth reassured him.

After parking the truck behind the church, Crowell helped Japeth secure the doors and bolt them, while Lon rode Becka around to shut all the windows and attach the shutters. They scanned the dimly lit room for a suitable place to take cover and nearly jumped out of their skins when the wind blew through the organ pipes, producing a blaring, discordant tune.

“That’s it,” Japaeth shouted. “We get behind the organ. Thing weighs a ton. Not even a twister could lift it.” He crouched down and peered behind the organ. It was a tight fit, but it would have to do. “Get in,” Japeth commanded Abra, who got down on all fours and crept into the darkness.

Japeth was about to follow when there was a sudden roar. The twister, now just outside, was rattling the front door like an determined burglar.

Lon got down from his horse and tried to find someplace to tether her. Frightened, Becka bolted and ran straight toward Japeth. He jumped out of her path and spun around. One of the window shutters exploded and slammed against the back of his head, throwing him across the room.

The gyrating wind howled through the insides of the church picking up any loose object it could find. Crowell and Lon flattened against the floor and crawled over to Japeth, who was unconscious. They dragged him toward the narrow opening behind the organ. Lon went in first, grabbing Japeth’s wrists. Crowell clamped his hands tightly around Japeth’s ankles to keep from being swept away.

“I can’t do it. I can’t,” Lon said in a panic. But slowly, he inched Japeth in. The last thing Crowell saw as he folded his body under the organ was poor Ol’ Becka being lifted into the vortex.

The wind tapped out a deafening dirge on the organ as it devoured the chapel. Abra had to press an ear against her brother’s heart to be certain it was still beating.

A few minutes later, as impulsively as it had descended, the twister relinquished its hold on the church and raced away. But the group remained huddled behind the organ taking no chances. The two tornadoes flirted with each other on the outskirts of town for most of the day. They finally gave in to their attraction and, just after nightfall, returned to visit their combined wrath on the graveyard. The giant twister skipped lightly over the old cemetery and concentrated its fury on the annex, churning the dead from their eternal rest. Tombstones were overturned, coffins lifted out of the ground and corpses were carelessly tossed about.

Sated, the tornado then trailed off in search of fresh prey