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Review: The Shapeshifter’s Secret by Heather Ostler Blog Tour

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Title: The Shapeshifter’s Secret

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Shapeshifters
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: 12 June 2012
Pages: 328 (eARC)

ABOUT THE BOOK
In Julia’s life, timing is everything. Like the time her paranoid father put bars on her window so she wouldn’t sneak out at night—even though she’s never given him a reason not to trust her. Or the time this weird new kid showed up at her school and pretty much every girl in sight instantly and inexplicably fell in love with him. What was up with that?
But as time moves on, things in Julia’s life go from strange to seriously impossible. Now it’s all she can do to keep herself and the life she’s always known from falling apart.
This fast-paced action-adventure story is packed with humor, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very last page. Get lost in a world of hidden royalty, shifting alliances, and dangerous vendettas, but don’t ever forget: nothing is what it seems.
THE RATING

THE REVIEW
The Shapeshifter’s Secret promised me a world unlike anything I have ever read about and it delivered. The concept is very original and the story has a way of sucking you into it. I manage to finish it in a single sitting! Julia is a very likable character, her overprotective father and his rules have limited Julia from involving herself in normal teenage activities. 
The book begins with Julia thinking about the complex personality of Caleb, the new student. But her anger issues are more disturbing for her. Julia seems to be losing her temper whenever she isn’t satisfied with the answers she wants. She almost feels herself turning into an unknown creature when her father, Lancer, refuses to tell her much about her mother.
Then Sierra has been acting strange lately and her father decided to put bars on her windows. Seriously? The only good thing about her life seems to be the arrival of Liam, her uncle. But then she overhears a strange conversation between her father and Lance. 
Things start to get more strange for Julia when she loses her temper in class and almost attacks a student. She even shapeshifts once but Caleb saves her from trouble. Her father then finally decides to reveal what Julia really is and her lineage. 
Fast-forward into Ossai which is really Julia’s home and the subsequent enrollment in Lockham. Julia is also disappointed in Caleb but finds a love interest in Terence, one of the captains of the Soldier Union. There Julia also discovers the truth about her mother and the people who depend on her to make things right in Ossai. Is Julia ready to tackle with their sworn enemy, the Guild?
The Shapeshifter’s Secret is a fast-paced and action-packed book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a spectacular new series from Heather Ostler. One I am sure the readers of paranormal genre wouldn’t want to miss out on. A debut author to look out for!
THE QUOTES:

‘Soon her hands began shaking harder than ever before. Her breathing seized her, and she felt her lungs might explode before she had enough air. She shook her head as her vision was obscured, and suddenly she was no longer Julia.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Ostler grew up near the mountains with a rambunctiously entertaining family. She majored in English at Utah Valley University, and soon began composing stories about masquerades, water nymphs, and shapeshifters. She and her husband, Kellen, reside in Highland, Utah with two remarkably pleasant pugs.


Heather Ostler can be found at 

Thanks to Cedar Fort Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy of The Shapeshifter’s Secret for review.

Review: Socialpunk by Monica Leonelle Blog Tour

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Title: Socialpunk (Socialpunk, #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Cyberpunk
Publisher: Spaulding House
Release Date: 27 March 2012
Pages: 328 (eBook)

Synopsis
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win. 

My Rating
* * *
The Review
Socialpunk is the first ever cyberpunk book that I had a chance to read and I must admit, I liked how the genre works. The earth as we know has completely changed and Ima lives in the domed city of Chicago with no transportation to go in or out of the city. After all, out there is just a vast wasteland and communication with the outside world is out of the question. 
Socialpunk begins when Dash, Ima’s best friend, help take her to the club to meet someone. Things get awry and out of control at the club and one of the strange hooded figures, Vaughn, comes to the rescue of Ima and Nahum and help them escape to the Silicon City. Dash is left behind in the confusion of the explosion.
Silicon City is nothing short of awe-inspiring and breathtaking. The world building is done perfectly. I found myself transported to a world of silver structures, bionic eyes, degenerates, nutritional juices as food and running as a way of transport. Vaughn introduces them to his hash consisting of Ember and Nasser, their leader. 
All Ima wants to do is to save Dash when they discover the plan of destroying the Domed City. Vaughn realizes that the latest virtual reality he tested is not virtual but flesh and blood real. He is thrown off and Nasser decides to help Ima find Dash and join their hash.
Socialpunk is a fast-paced action novel and so there is something going on all the time. Romantically, everyone seems to be in love which can get confusing but is also very interesting to read about. In the end though, it is up to Ima what she chooses to do when she stumbles upon the plan for her home. Socialpunk ended rather abruptly though fittingly. Nevertheless, it left me wanting more of the Silicon City and its inhabitants.
Best Quote:

“After playing God for six years with the world he created, he couldn’t control any of his subjects, none at all. Over the years, he had watched them evolve and become the sum of their own choices rather than the sum of his; and for that, he regretted ever giving them life.”

About the Author
Monica Leonelle is a 27 year old writer living in Chicago with her husband and Westie dog. She is the author of a YA urban fantasy series called Seven Halos in addition to her YA cyberpunk trilogy, starting with the first book, Socialpunk.

Monica Leonelle started reading young adult books when she was seven and never managed to grow out of them. Now, she writes them from a lovely Chicago apartment she shares with an adorable little Westie named Mia.

There are lots of other things Monica hasn’t grown out of, like the Disney channel, Forever 21, and dressing up on Halloween. She believes in approaching life with a childlike wonder. She loves to hear from readers, so email her at monicaleonelle@gmail.com to talk about her books, or to just say hi.
Monica Leonelle can be found at 

Review: Off Limits by Renee Pace Blog Tour

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Title: Off Limits (Nitty Gritty, #2)

Author: Renee Pace
Genre: Young Adult,
Publisher: N/A
Release Date: 8 December 2011
Pages: 164 (eBook)

Synopsis
Lindsay looks and acts like the perfect fifteen year-old, but she’s hiding a dirty little secret that no amount of fashionista coverings can make better. Telling her mother her step-father is molesting her is not an option. Trying to kill herself again haunts her more than the scars on her wrists, and pretending to be perfect at school might very well drive her over the edge. 
Megan knows all about lying. It’s been part of her life ever since she realized the only way to escape her poverty-stricken neighborhood was to work hard, keep her mouth shut and wear a mask no one can penetrate. All that changes when Lindsay befriends her.
Can two girls who have little in common discover the value of a real friendship or will the secrets they dare not speak destroy them both?

My Rating
* * *
The Review
I chose to read and review Off Limits because I wanted a taste of hardcore realistic fiction and that’s exactly what I got. Off Limits is not the usual contemporary YA, it’s serious and makes one think. Moreover, the book offered something I don’t usually read about so I am glad I read it.
I identified more with Megan than Lindsay maybe because I couldn’t think of myself as someone who can allow someone else to treat me that way. So to say that Lindsay did have a choice in the matter but she was too scared to go through with it would be correct. Also, ignorance is bliss so thinking about it not happening to her and detaching herself from it probably did the work. Yet, I found the whole situation to be absolutely horrifying. 
Megan, on the other hand, is stronger than Lindsay. She stands up for herself and is smarter than anyone would know her to be. Sure she keeps to herself and know she that getting good grades is far more important than any social life in the Prep school. She’s got her insecurities all right and knows much more about rape and molestation than Lindsay could ever know. 
Therefore, Megan and Lindsay are more alike than any of the girls they associate with. They can help each other see the good in the other. I just didn’t like it when Lindsay chose to ignore Megan and refused to actually see what she is all about. But I was glad when she agreed to help Peter and come out of her comfort zone. 
By the end of the book, both Megan and Lindsay went through change. They matured in more ways than one. I was engrossed in the book and got sad when it ended all too suddenly. I hope I get to know more about what happened to Megan and Lindsay in future.
Best Quote:

“We’re both crying for two different reasons. Her hand soothes my hair but I’m not relaxed. We went down this road once before. I’ve got the scars to prove it.”

About the Author
Renee Pace is a multi-published author who likes to tackle real teen issues in her nitty gritty series. She calls Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada home. Mother of four she juggles writing, deadlines and her children’s hectic schedules. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada, the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, and the Society of Children Writers & Illustrators.
Her first nitty gritty book, Off Leash was a 2011 semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Her second book Off Limits tackles poverty and sexual abuse, and for her third book, Off Stroke debuting May 2012 Pace writes about young love and prejudice.
Renee Pace can be found at 
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Review: Kings & Queens by Courtney Vail Blog Tour

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Title: Kings & Queens (Kings & Queens, #1)

Author: Courtney Vail
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery
Publisher:  Little Prince Publishing
Release Date: 7 July 2011
Pages: 328 (eBook)

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Majesty Alistair wants police to look further into her father’s fatal car wreck, hopes the baseball team she manages can reclaim the state crown, aches for Derek…or, no…maybe Alec…maybe. And she mostly wishes to retract the hateful words she said to her dad right before slamming the door in his face, only to never see him again.
All her desires get sidelined, though, when she overhears two fellow students planning a church massacre. She doubts cops will follow up on her tip since they’re sick of her coming around with notions of possible crimes-in-the-works. And it’s not like she cries wolf. Not really. They’d be freaked too, but they’re not the ones suffering from bloody dreams that hint at disaster like some crazy, street guy forecasting the Apocalypse.
So, she does what any habitual winner with zero cred would do…try to I.D. the nutjobs before they act. But, when their agenda turns out to be far bigger than she ever assumed, and even friends start looking suspect, the truth and her actions threaten to haunt her forever, especially since she’s left with blood on her hands, the blood of someone she loves.
My Rating
* * * *
The Review
Kings & Queens takes place in a time period of 6 weeks, 5 months after Majesty’s father dies. Majesty is still raw from the whole ordeal and is trying very hard to go on in life without being irritated by her mother’s new friend, Paul and the fact that she’s in love with one of her best friends, Derek. In fact, Alec, the other best friend, is the only person keeping her on her toes, patient and just being there for her.
The way Kings & Queens begins will surely take the reader on a confusing ride for at least a few pages. Things start to get clearer though, when Majesty, manager of her high school baseball team, is in the woods playing assassination hide-and-seek with the baseball players and the coach. It’s a tradition they perform after every win.
So it’s understandable that she has almost no idea that her life is going to get a hell lot more complicated than she can ever imagine. Why is Preston being all nice all of a sudden seeing that it is an alien thing for him to be. Warren looks like a sure bad boy with his spikes and all. She loathes Blake like anything. Even Paul’s behavior is getting suspicious as hell. Derek is drooling over Cynthia the slut. Bobby is being Bobby as he dumps Aislyn and Alec is moving in on his ex. Is Majesty actually jealous of that? What?
Kings & Queens have a lot of crazy characters. The mystery is so good it kept me guessing about the person behind the whole church massacre scene and then being adamant to take Majesty’s life. As the story progresses, Majesty’s list of possible killers is getting longer by the minute. There is so much going on in her life that I didn’t want to stop reading at all! 
Kings & Queens is definitely a juicy read. I would highly recommend it to lover of mystery with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure. There’s also violence, murder and mayhem. Who doesn’t want all that in a good unputdownable mystery and a young adult one at that?
Best Quote:
“Oh, really? Do you wake up heaving from bloody dreams that promise destruction like some crazy street guy forecasting the Apocalypse? Did you slam a door in your dad’s face hours before he died? Does everyone, cops included, think you’re a pestering loon ’cause ‘accident’ doesn’t sit right with you, nor the many other freakouts, like the car that keeps showing up on your street, with someone sitting in it, doing like, nothing? No? Oh no? Didn’t think so. Life sucks for everyone. Jump or deal with it.”
About the Author

Courtney Vail writes totally twisted YA and adult suspense. She enjoys braiding mystery, suspense & romance with some kind of weirdness. Her addictions to crazy coffee concoctions, Funny Bones, Ben & Jerry’s, and bacon keep her running and writing. She currently lives in New England with a comedian stud and a wild gang of kidlets.
Courtney Vail can be found at 
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Buy Kings & Queens (Kings & Queens, #1)

Review: Embrace by Cherie Colyer Blog Tour

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Title: Embrace

Author: Cherie Colyer
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Release Date: 20 December 2011
Pages: 190 (eARC)

Synopsis
Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. 
Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. 

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own.
Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.

Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.

My Rating
* * * *
The Review
Embrace dives straight into the heart of the story from the get-go. Madison is not sure she likes change so when her BFF, Kaylee, tells her to get ready to go to a life-changing party; she’s not sure she likes the sound of that. But she goes and her life does take a turn for good when she meets Isaac. More than that, she feels static current pass through her when their skins touch. The same happens with his father when she shakes his hand.
Madison is a character who is still pining for her ex-boyfriend who relocated across the country. She still have feelings for Kevin and regularly catches up with him. Kaylee thinks Madison needs to move on and so she relays how Matt have a crush on her and she could at least give a chance to Isaac.
Things change when Kaylee turns semi-schizophrenic and Madison just knows that it isn’t anything medical. Research leads her to believe that dark magic is involved and she accidentally embraces her power in the desperation to prove that Kaylee is not a lunatic who sees invisible creatures coming to kill her.
In time, Isaac and Josh, Kaylee’s boyfriend help Madison. Matt’s advances become nothing short of deadly and Kevin arrives for a visit. A showdown is just waiting to happen around the corner and someone is not very happy. And what does Emma and Paige have to do with any of this?
In all, the best thing about Embrace is that, though it will be a series, it is a complete story. I really liked how emotions flow into the bodies and can be felt. Moreover, Madison’s conflict over Isaac and her relationship with Kevin is dealt with such maturity that I was thoroughly engrossed.
Embrace is a different kind of paranormal than from what I usually read and I am going to admit that I really liked reading it. It definitely would be awesome to learn more about Isaac and his powers and how Madison’s is progressing with hers. A fun, yet emotional, Embrace is for fans of paranormal with a dash of mystery and fun on the side.
Best Quote:

“Embraced in Isaac’s wings, I decided that change wasn’t such a bad thing. It actually gave flight to a whole new world I couldn’t wait to explore.“

About the Author


I write young adult and middle grade novels. I love finding new stories that keep me up late reading. While my favorite genre is fantasy, if the book is beautifully written with characters that come alive I’m all over it.
My debut novel EMBRACE is scheduled to be released this winter through Omnific Publishing. 
Cherie Colyer can be found at