Happy Birthday to Me!

Hi all!

My birthday is coming up so I’m going to take a short blog break. You’ll still be able to find me on twitter @demitrialunetta, so you won’t miss me too much J

I’ll be back next Monday, March 4^th with a new IN THE AFTER giveaway followed by an ARC Spotlight of RUSH by Eve Silver on Wednesday March 6^th.

See you next week!

 

The Blog Chain - An American Classic Goes Post-Apocalyptic

The Blog Chain topic this week is:

Pick a book or story and imagine it in a new genre. For example, what would Oliver Twist be like if it was a sci-fi novel. Would Fagin have been a robot? Do you prefer you new creation or the original?

 

 

For my genre reassignment, I chose THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS by James Fenimore Cooper. Even if you haven’t read the original novel, you’ve probably seen the movie featuring a young, rugged Daniel Day Lewis. Let's have look shall we...

 

 

 

 Even though the plot is completely different the movie still covers the basics: Set during the French and Indian War, Hawkeye travels with his adoptive Native American father and brother, Chingachgook and Uncas. They meet up with the newly arrived Munro sisters and take it upon themselves to protect the girls from all kinds of unexpected dangers. Characters run around the American wilderness, fall in love, and some die bravely. Everything you could want from an American classic.

I would love to see these characters survive a virus caused apocalypse. There’s so much survival in pre-revolutionary times, that the skills Hawkeye possesses would really translate. He could even have the same weapons and his adoptive family. Filled with not so subtle racism and sexism, (in the book, English and French hate each other and the Native Americans while the Native Americans hate the English and any other tribe of Native American. There are some interesting jibes about how the English are dogs to their women and the Delaware wear skirts). Even these elements could stay…a post-apocalyptic world would not be completely politically correct. The English and the Native Americans can be updated to two competing factions, while the French would translate well as humans effective by a virus…probably with some horrific mutation. Not quite zombies, but aggressive, violent, sub-humans.

If you’ve read (or seen) LAST OF THE MOHICANS, you know that’s there’s a ton of action, a solid romance, and some heart-breaking loss. The characters are courageous, and fueled by a strength of character required to survive the early days of America.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, but I’m really digging the idea of an updated version.

What about you guys, which books would you reimagine and how? 

Keep following this topic on the chain and check out Michelle’s blog on Monday, or look back at Katrina's post from yesterday.
 

Silence IN THE AFTER

Today I’m over at the 2K13 blog talking about the importance of sound IN THE AFTER, so head on over and check it out. I’ll also be manning twitter @TheClassof2K13 so come over and visit.

 

Speaking of 2K13, my 2K13 classmate, Liz Fichera, will be at THE BOOKSTORE in Glen Ellyn, IL tomorrow signing copies of her debut novel HOOKED. I’ll be out there, supporting her and she’ll be the first 2K13 writer I’ll get to meet in person! She’ll be there from 6-8 so stop by too!

The Bookstore - 475 N. Main Street - Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

ARC Spotlight – THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING by Ashley Elston

 

 

She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary/Thriller

I loved how the plot of THE RULES FOR DISSAPEARING unfolded, unraveling a mystery with just enough suspense and action mixed in. “Meg” is a very relatable MC, having been plucked from her privileged carefree life and always fearful she will have to move again. She resents her parents and doesn’t understand the situation she’s been thrust in to. All of her frustrations are bottled up though, as she tries to be strong for her younger sister. There are also surprising twists and turns along the way, which make for an exciting read.

THE RULES FOR DISAPEARING is available for pre-order and will be released May 14^th.

ARC Spotlight – THE OATHBREAKER’S SHADOW by Amy McCulloch

 

 

Fifteen-year-old Raim lives in a world where you tie a knot for every promise that you make. Break that promise and you are scarred for life, and cast out into the desert.

Raim has worn a simple knot around his wrist for as long as he can remember. No one knows where it came from, and which promise of his it symbolizes, but he barely thinks about it at all—not since becoming the most promising young fighter ever to train for the elite Yun guard. But on the most important day of his life, when he binds his life to his best friend (and future king) Khareh, the string bursts into flames and sears a dark mark into his skin.

Scarred now as an oath-breaker, Raim has two options: run, or be killed.

Recommended for fans of: YA Fantasy

The premise for this fantasy novel is unique and I love the idea that there are real consequences to breaking a promise. You are immediately thrown into Raim’s world, and McCulloch’s world building is fantastic. I also like how severe and unwavering Raim’s society is. They have rules for a reason and breaking those rules means banishment. Even Raim’s status can’t save him. It’s a set up for a fast-paced, suspenseful story.

THE OATHBREAKER’S SHADOW is available for pre-order and will be released June 4^th.

ARC Spotlight – TAKEN by Erin Bowman

 

 

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Dystopian

I sped through this book, intrigued by the unique idea. I don’t want to give away too much, but Bowman does a great job of sucking the reader in and then rounding out the story. The concept of being enclosed in an area and never knowing what is beyond the wall is creepily brilliant. Would you accept your fate – the Heist – or climb the wall and almost certainly die? There is bit in the middle where the reader thinks… “What the what?!” but this echoes the characters’ feelings and Bowman doesn’t wait too long to begin the explanations. Great dystopian read!

TAKEN is now available for pre-order and will be released April 16th.

ARC Spotlight - TRUTH OR DARE by Jacqueline Green

 

 

When a simple round of truth or dare spins out of control, three girls find it’s no longer a party game. It’s do or die.

It all started on a whim: the game was a way for Tenley Reed to reclaim her popularity, a chance for perfect Caitlin “Angel” Thomas to prove she’s more than her Harvard application. Loner Sydney Morgan wasn’t even there; she was hiding behind her camera like usual. But when all three start receiving mysterious dares long after the party has ended, they’re forced to play along—or risk exposing their darkest secrets.

How far will Tenley, Caitlin and Sydney go to keep the truth from surfacing? And who’s behind this twisted game?

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary/Suspense
 

I loved the premise of this book: What would you do if someone threatened to expose your darkest secrets? Would you betray your friends? Hurt others? Damage your own rep? This book was very suspenseful, keeping you guessing as to the identity of the “darer” till the very end. You also get the POV from not one, not two, but three different characters, each with a unique (if purposefully limited) perspective that lets the reader have more clues and a more rounded picture than any one character. I also loved how each girl had issues but also their strong side, each a complete person and not a caricature.

TRUTH OR DARE is available for pre-order and releases May 14^th.



The Blog Chain - The Balancing Act

I'm so lucky to have joined an awesome group of bloggers that post about various writing topics. The blog chain follows the same topic for two weeks, through ten different blogs, then starts all over with a different topic! I'll be posting bi-monthly, every other Friday.

And my first ever blog chain topic is…(drum roll please)…

The balancing act. How do you balance your writing time with everything else in your life--including, kids, job, book promotion

This one is a tuffy. Before I became a full time writer, I wrote when I could. Usually on weekends and on my lunch break. Now that I’m a full time writer I feel that writing needs to come first, especially when I’m on a deadline. I’m not going to lie, sometimes other aspects of my life suffer, including but not limited to: laundry, changing out of my pajamas on any given day, seeing friends and family, and remembering to eat. I don’t have children, so don’t worry, I’m not a neglectful parent, although I do rely on my husband a little more than is fair to take care of our dog.

I’m trying to get out of the bad habit of shutting out the world when writing/editing. I’ve actually got myself on a schedule now which helps me fit everything into a day, including meals and time spent outside the house. Although writing still comes first I make sure to set aside time for other things as well. Hopefully when my book two edits come in, I won’t become a hermit again, but I’m not making any promises. J

Want to read more on this topis? Follow the chain and check out yesterday’s blog post with Sandra. The next stop on the blog chain is Monday with Michelle.

Okay guys…how’d I do on my first ever blog chain post?

ARC Spotlight – THE FLAME IN THE MIST by Kit Grindstaff

 

 

Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma's past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.

Recommended for fans of: MG Fantasy

I loved this book, it’s exactly the book I wish I had when I was ten and obsessed with anything fantasy (who am I kidding, I still am!) I loved the darkness, both in imagery and theme. What’s creepier than a land shrouded in perpetual mist? I also like how Grindstaff presents Jemma’s world, then throughout the book digs deeper, peeling of layers one at a time. No information is too overwhelming (though some is just the right amount of disturbing), and unfolds perfectly throughout the story. There are some pretty dark secrets buried in this book, and Jemma handles them with amazing will and determination. This is a book any MG reader can fall in to…and any adult with a love for fantasy won't want to miss. J

THE FLAME IN THE MIST is available for pre-order and will be released April 9^th.

 

Win an IN THE AFTER Arc on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

In the After

by Demitria Lunetta

Giveaway ends February 28, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

ARC Spotlight - BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA by April Genevieve Tucholke

 

 

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Recommended for fans of: YA horror with a gothic feel

Not only is BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA beautifully written, it grabs you from page one. Everything about Violet's situation is eerie, from the falling apart mansion and lack of parental supervision to the creepily aggressive brother. Then River shows up and creepy takes on a whole new meaning. I love the way the plot threads weave together, reminding me of a classic gothic romance. Add a few unexpected plot twists and you have a fantastic read.

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is now available for pre-order and will be released August 15th.