Class of 2K13 Takeover!

 

I'm over at The Class of 2K13 blog today talking about a few things I've learned from my debut year. Stop by and check it out! I'll also be manning the 2K13 twitter account @TheClassof2K13 so feel free to visit me on twitter too!



Book Spotlight - MAID OF SECRETS by Jennifer McGowan

 

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Historical Fiction, Elizabethan Fiction

 Though I’m a Sci-fi girl, I love me a good Historical Fiction (you can read a post on my not so secret love here) and MAID OF SECRETS does not disappoint. It has a wonderful MC, royal intrigue, female spies, and just the right amount of romance. I also love how McGowan weaves history through her book, it’s not overwhelming but gives you just enough for historical context.

The story itself is also a page-turner, you find yourself unable to stop reading as several mysteries unfold.  It’s also quite the ride to see Meg’s character develop from a resourceful thief to a skillful spy, and her struggle with all that entails. The characters are all wonderfully fleshed out, and you feel like you’re smack dap in the middle of Elizabethan England. Definitely recommend to anyone with a love of Historical Fiction.

MAID OF SECRETS is available now!

Book Spotlight – THE NEPTUNE PROJECT by Polly Holyoke

 

 

With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world.

But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive.

Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure.

Recommended for fans of: MG or YA Dystopian/Action Adventure.

This MG dystopian is packed with action, an exciting plot, and loveable characters. I was really drawn to the MC, Nere, and her plight; finding out that she is part of a genetics experiment that created humans who could live in the ocean. Within the first few chapters, Nere’s life is changed forever and the reader empathizes with her fear and resentment. But Nere is also strong and courageous and really drives the story forward. Although this book is MG, I think a lot of older teens would like it too. Definite rec to any pre-teen/teen interested in marine biology or who is looking for a fun spin on the dystopian genre.

THE NEPTUNE PROJECT is available now!

Busy Busy Busy

Today may seriously be the busiest day of my life! Check out all that's going on, and if you're in Chicago stop by one of these many event and say hi! don't miss my book launch at 7:30 at the Book Cellar (info below). Hope to see you all :)


June 28th (Friday) - Breaking Out: Veronica Roth and Debut Authors from The Class of 2k13 Discuss Their Upcoming Books

When: 11:00am to 12:00pm

Location: Hilton Chicago Waldorf Room

 

Description:  Come hear NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Veronica Roth and debut authors from The Class of 2k13 talk about their exciting new books. This is your chance to meet the potential stars of tomorrow, today. This session will include a brief question and answer period AND a teen fiction trivia contest (librarians vs. authors) for fabulous prizes!

Panelists include: Caela Carter, ME, HIM THEM AND IT (YA Contemporary); Debra Driza MILA 2.0 (YA Sci/fi); Polly Holyoke THE NEPTUNE PROJECT (MG Sci/fi); Justina Ireland VENGEANCE BOUND (YA Urban Fantasy); Demitria Lunetta IN THE AFTER (YA Post-Apocalyptic); Jennifer McGowan MAID OF SECRETS (YA Historical); Nicole McInnes BRIANNA ON THE BRINK (YA Contemporary); Kate Karyus Quinn ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE (YA Literary Horror); Liesl Shurtliff RUMP, THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN (MG Fantasy); Tamera Wissinger GONE FISHING (MG Novel In Verse).
 

June 28th (Friday) - The Class of 2K13 Group Signing

 

When - 4pm - 7pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Join us for our first group signing!

About 2K13: Each year, a group of twenty Young Adult and Middle
Grade debut authors from traditional publishers come
together to spread the word about new books that we hope
... will get kids excited about reading. From timeless fantasy to
up-to-the moment contemporary to futuristic sci-fi, harrowing
thrillers to thrilling romance, Young Adult and Middle Grade
literature has never been more diverse. http://classof2k13.com/

Schedule:


4pm - Middle Grade Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Liesl Shurtliff - RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN - MG Fantasy
Tamera Wissinger - GONE FISHING - MG Contemporary Adventure
Polly Holyoke - THE NEPTUNE PROJECT - MG Sci-fi
Tara Sullivan – GOLDEN BOY – MG Contemporary


5pm - Young Adult Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Debra Driza - MILA 2.0 - YA Sci-fi
Caela Carter – ME, HIM, THEM, & IT – YA Contemporary
Kate Karyus Quinn - ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE - YA Literary Horror
Jennifer McGowan - MAID OF SECRETS - YA Historical Fiction
Nicole McInnes - BRIANNA ON THE BRINK - YA Contemporary
Demitria Lunetta - IN THE AFTER - YA Post-apocalyptic


6pm - Young Adult Authors - preview for upcoming releases (Reading with Swag Signing)


Lydia Kang - CONTROL - YA Sci-fi
Mindy McGinnis - NOT A DROP TO DRINK - YA Post-apocalyptic
Geoffrey Girard - PROJECT CAIN - YA Sci-fi
K. A. Barson - 45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) - YA Contemporary
Cristin Terrill - ALL OUR YESTERDAYS - YA Sci-fi

Hope to see you all there!

 

 

 

June 28th (Friday) -  IN THE AFTER Launch Party

When - 7:30 pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Come join me for the IN THE AFTER book launch party! There will be door prizes, snacks (yes, there will be cupcakes), character appearances, photo ops., tons of swag, prize giveaways (including t-shirts) and an awesome grand prize!

IN THE AFTER Releases Tomorrow!

So...freaking...excited!!!

If you want to ask me any questions I'm answering comments over at the 2K13 blog here.

 

 

Back tomorrow!

 



ARC Spotlight – Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn

 

When you’ve been kept caged in the dark, it’s impossible to see the forest for the trees. It’s impossible to see anything, really. Not without bars . . .

Andrew Winston Winters is at war with himself.

He’s part Win, the lonely teenager exiled to a remote Vermont boarding school in the wake of a family tragedy. The guy who shuts all his classmates out, no matter the cost.

He’s part Drew, the angry young boy with violent impulses that control him. The boy who spent a fateful, long-ago summer with his brother and teenage cousins, only to endure a secret so monstrous it led three children to do the unthinkable.

Over the course of one night, while stuck at a party deep in the New England woods, Andrew battles both the pain of his past and the isolation of his present.

Before the sun rises, he’ll either surrender his sanity to the wild darkness inside his mind or make peace with the most elemental of truths—that choosing to live can mean so much more than not dying.

Recommended for fans of: Dark YA Contemporary with a paranormal feel

It’s hard to review this book without giving away spoilers but I’ll give it my best. Kuehn writes such a dark and complex story, headed by a dark and complex MC. All the characters seem real, I love how Andrew/Win has a love/hate relationship with his “best” friend. This book is full of unexpected twists and painful revelations. It will haunt you long after you’ve finished the last page.

CHARM & STRANGE came out yesterday and is available now!

IN THE AFTER June Events

June is a huge month for me...IN THE AFTER releases on June 25th! I'm also participating in a lot of fantastic events. Hopefully you can come to some!

June 9th (Sunday) - Printer's Row, Chicago 10am
Panelist - The First Chapter: Debut Children's Authors
Located - University Center/Park/Fountain Room - Printers Row neighborhood on the blocks surrounding Dearborn and Polk streets
 

June 20th (Thursday) - Lucky 13s Twitter Chat 8pm (Est) 7pm (Central) Topic: Paranormally Yours: Talking About the Strange and Creepy and Otherworldly #Lucky13s @TheLucky13s @Demitria Lunetta
 

 

June 25th (Tuesday) - IN THE AFTER releases!

 

 

June 28th (Friday) - Breaking Out: Veronica Roth and Debut Authors from The Class of 2k13 Discuss Their Upcoming Books

When: 11:00am to 12:00pm

Location: Hilton Chicago Waldorf Room

 

Description:  Come hear NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Veronica Roth and debut authors from The Class of 2k13 talk about their exciting new books. This is your chance to meet the potential stars of tomorrow, today. This session will include a brief question and answer period AND a teen fiction trivia contest (librarians vs. authors) for fabulous prizes!

Panelists include: Caela Carter, ME, HIM THEM AND IT (YA Contemporary); Debra Driza MILA 2.0 (YA Sci/fi); Polly Holyoke THE NEPTUNE PROJECT (MG Sci/fi); Justina Ireland VENGEANCE BOUND (YA Urban Fantasy); Demitria Lunetta IN THE AFTER (YA Post-Apocalyptic); Jennifer McGowan MAID OF SECRETS (YA Historical); Nicole McInnes BRIANNA ON THE BRINK (YA Contemporary); Kate Karyus Quinn ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE (YA Literary Horror); Liesl Shurtliff RUMP, THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN (MG Fantasy); Tamera Wissinger GONE FISHING (MG Novel In Verse).
 

June 28th (Friday) - The Class of 2K13 Group Signing

 

When - 4pm - 7pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Join us for our first group signing!

About 2K13: Each year, a group of twenty Young Adult and Middle
Grade debut authors from traditional publishers come
together to spread the word about new books that we hope
... will get kids excited about reading. From timeless fantasy to
up-to-the moment contemporary to futuristic sci-fi, harrowing
thrillers to thrilling romance, Young Adult and Middle Grade
literature has never been more diverse. http://classof2k13.com/

Schedule:


4pm - Middle Grade Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Liesl Shurtliff - RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN - MG Fantasy
Tamera Wissinger - GONE FISHING - MG Contemporary Adventure
Polly Holyoke - THE NEPTUNE PROJECT - MG Sci-fi
Tara Sullivan – GOLDEN BOY – MG Contemporary


5pm - Young Adult Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Debra Driza - MILA 2.0 - YA Sci-fi
Caela Carter – ME, HIM, THEM, & IT – YA Contemporary
Kate Karyus Quinn - ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE - YA Literary Horror
Jennifer McGowan - MAID OF SECRETS - YA Historical Fiction
Nicole McInnes - BRIANNA ON THE BRINK - YA Contemporary
Demitria Lunetta - IN THE AFTER - YA Post-apocalyptic


6pm - Young Adult Authors - preview for upcoming releases (Reading with Swag Signing)


Lydia Kang - CONTROL - YA Sci-fi
Mindy McGinnis - NOT A DROP TO DRINK - YA Post-apocalyptic
Geoffrey Girard - PROJECT CAIN - YA Sci-fi
K. A. Barson - 45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) - YA Contemporary
Cristin Terrill - ALL OUR YESTERDAYS - YA Sci-fi

Hope to see you all there!

 

 

 

June 28th (Friday) -  IN THE AFTER Launch Party

When - 7:30 pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Come join me for the IN THE AFTER book launch party! There will be door prizes, snacks (yes, there will be cupcakes), character appearances, photo ops., tons of swag, prize giveaways (including t-shirts) and an awesome grand prize!

 

ARC Spotlight – GOLDEN BOY by Tara Sullivan

 

 

Thirteen-year-old Habo has always been different— light eyes, yellow hair and white skin. Not the good brown skin his family has and not the white skin of tourists. Habo is strange and alone. His father, unable to accept Habo, abandons the family; his mother can scarcely look at him. His brothers are cruel and the other children never invite him to play. Only his sister Asu loves him well. But even Asu can’t take the sting away when the family is forced from their small Tanzanian village, and Habo knows he is to blame.

Seeking refuge in Mwanza, Habo and his family journey across the Serengeti. His aunt is glad to open her home until she sees Habo for the first time, and then she is only afraid. Suddenly, Habo has a new word for himself: Albino. But they hunt Albinos in Mwanza because Albino body parts are thought to bring good luck. And soon Habo is being hunted by a fearsome man with a machete.

To survive, Habo must not only run but find a way to love and accept himself.

Recommended for fans of: YA or MG Contemporary with Substance/ African Culture

This book is amazing. Sullivan has clearly done extensive research on Albinos living in Tanzania. You are immersed in African culture, but you always feel like you belong there. Everything feels very authentic and accurate. It speak from a place that is more than just intellectually though, GOLDEN BOY feels so genuine. You feel stricken when the family is forced to leave their home, just as Habo does. You also get to go on a journey with him as he learns about his condition and begins to grow as a person. I think anyone who has ever felt different can connect with Habo as a MC. GOLDEN BOY definitely deserves the starred Kirkus review it received.

GOLDEN BOY is available for pre-order and will be released on June 27^th.

 

Back Wednesday with the Kirkus review of IN THE AFTER!

Violence and Cursing and Sex, Oh My!

Today over at the 2K13 blog I'm addressing the levels of "bad things" in IN THE AFTER. Head over and check it out...then enter my April Giveaway here on my blog. I'll also be manning the 2K13 twitter account so stop by @TheClassof2K13!

Back Wednesday with another ARC Spotlight!
 

ARC Spotlight – RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN by Liesl Shurtliff

 

 

In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke.

But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold—as much gold as he wants! His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

Recommended for fans of: MG Fractured Fairy Tales / Fantasy

I love books in which we see the story told from the “villain's” perspective, and Shurtliff does an amazing job with RUMP. Rump really isn’t a villain at all, just a boy tangled in magic who must gain the confidence he needs to get himself out of his bad situation. Kids will love the humor and adults will enjoy the wit. I can definitely relate to Rump and his anxiety over his strange name. I also like the message that we are each in charge of our own destinies. I highly recommend this fairy tale fantasy adventure!

RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPLESTILTSKIN is out tomorrow, April 9^th

 

I'll be back Wednesday with another giveaway!

 

 

VENGEANCE BOUND Releases Tomorow!

VENGEANCE BOUND releases tomorrow, here's a copy of a review I posted way back when I read the ARC.

The Goddess Test meets Dexter in an edgy, compelling debut about one teen’s quest for revenge…no matter how far it takes her.

Cory Graff is not alone in her head. Bound to a deal of desperation made when she was a child, Cory’s mind houses the Furies—the hawk and the serpent—lingering always, waiting for her to satisfy their bloodlust. After escaping the asylum where she was trapped for years, Cory knows how to keep the Furies quiet. By day, she lives a normal life, but by night, she tracks down targets the Furies send her way. And she brings down Justice upon them.

Cory’s perfected her system of survival, but when she meets a mysterious boy named Niko at her new school, she can’t figure out how she feels about him. For the first time, the Furies are quiet in her head around a guy. But does this mean that Cory’s finally found someone who she can trust, or are there greater factors at work? As Cory’s mind becomes a battlefield, with the Furies fighting for control, Cory will have to put everything on the line to hold on to what she’s worked so hard to build.

I loved this book! It’s edgy with a kick-ass main character…who has some serious issues. The story is well-paced, unfolding with just enough information to keep you reading, because you just have to know what happens. It’s also interesting how conflicted the main character is, unsure if the voices in her head are echoing the horrible things she wants to do, or making her do those things.

Vengeance Bound is out Tomorrow!

 

 

 

ARC Spotlight - BRIANNA ON THE BRINK by Nicole McIinnes

 

 

A one-night stand has life-altering consequences for popular, sixteen-year-old Brianna, who must then accept help from the one person closest to her mistake.

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary

At times Brianna is not the most likeable of girls. If you’ve read my recent blog post on anti-heroes through, you’ll know that this makes me even more intrigued by her character. She’s shallow and mean, kind of a bully, and way too worried about her looks and what others think of her. This is what makes the story though, because she’s a regular, insecure teenage girl with a crappy home life. Brianna definitely grows throughout this story, as she is forced from her home, ostracized by her friends, and made to grow up way too quickly. I loved her default role-model, Jane someone who is selfless without being annoyingly preachy and self-righteous about it. I think what I liked best about this book is that Brianna learns that her actions have consequences, good and bad, something that we all have to face sooner or later.

BRIANNA ON THE BRINK will be released this Friday. Pick up a copy!

 

ARC Spotlight – MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

 

 

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past —that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Recommended for fans of: YA Thriller

Mila is just living her life as a normal high schooler when all hell breaks loose: she discovers she’s an android. I love all the action, once it gets going it’s non-stop. I also like the dilemma that Mila faces, accept that she is a machine or fight for her humanity. I also love Mila’s “mother” who Driza makes into a very complex character. If you like action packed YA, you’ll love this book. I would also recommend downloading the free origins story and reading that first. It definitely adds to the story and propels you into the book.

 

MILA 2.0 releases tomorrow! Pick up a copy!

 

 

Also check out my blog post at The Class of 2K13 blog today on what I've learned from children. I’ll also be on twitter @theclassof2K13 so stop by and visit!

March Giveaway - Win an IN THE AFTER Advanced Copy

 

Open to U.S., Canada, & the U.K.!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 – HOOKED by Liz Fichera

 

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

Recommended for fan of: YA contemporary with substance

It seems from the cover and the summary that this book would be ultra-smooshy, but it’s not. Fred faces some issues, including a very real social divide: she’s poor and lives on the “Rez.” She feels out of place being on the golf team, not only because she’s the only girl, but because she’s the only Native American. I loved Fred’s character, she was genuine and likeable. The alternating perspectives also make it easy to see Ryan’s thought…and not dislike him. He has to deal with a whole other set of issues, including living up to expectations and social norms. A fantastic contemporary debut that addresses bigger issues, while not getting completely lost in them.

HOOKED is out tomorrow!

ARC Spotlight - 45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) by K.A. Barson

 

 

Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:

She is 16.

And a size 17.

Her perfect mother is a size 6.

Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary

This book really hit home. It’s not just for teens that have struggled with their weight, but for anyone who has ever had a problem in life they felt they had no control over. Ann’s just happens to be her weight. She thinks that all of her troubles will be solved if she can just lose 45 pounds. Even with the low self esteem, she’s a very likeable MC, easy to relate to. She’s also a bit clueless. I love how Ann’s character develops throughout the book, as she learns more about herself, her friends, and her family. She discovers that she’s not as alone in her struggles as she thought. A very satisfying read!

45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) is now available for preorder and will be released July 11^th.

Early IN THE AFTER feedback

I recently added a "reviews" tab to the blog. Soon they'll be reviews from all kinds of sources, but right now it's early reader reviews on Goodreads! These are all for my Uncorrected Advanced Copies. Take a look. So far so good!

I'm also lucky enough to read a ton of ARCs for other authors debuting in 2013. Over the next few weeks I'll be highlighting these, which include Ya Contemporary, Sci-fi, & Paranormal, each with a dash of something special. So check back Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays over the next few weeks to find out about these soon to be available books!

I know it's Wednesday, so any 2013 debuts people are waiting on?

 

IN THE AFTER ARC Giveaway

 

 Want to win an IN THE AFTER advanced copy? Of course you do! Luckily there’s a giveaway going on now at YA Books Central. Not only could you win a copy of my book, but also a copy of ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE by my awesome Harper Teen buddy, Kate Karyus Quinn.





Click the link and check it out!

THE CADET OF TILDOR Release Tomorrow!

So the very first Class of 2K13 author to release this year is Alex Lidell, with her YA fantasy, the CADET OF TILDOR!

Here's a review I wrote a while back after reading an advanced copy:

This is the best fantasy novel I’ve read in a while. It has all the things you’d expect from a good fantasy, mages, sword fights, royal intrigue, and plenty of plot twists. It also has a kick-ass MC, Renee. What sets it apart for me is that Renee has flaws, which makes her relatable to the reader. In the beginning of the book, she’s stubborn and willful and only sees the world in black and white. This allows for her character to grow through the book, giving her depth. She never loses her willfulness, but begins to see the complexities of her situation and begins to understand that not everything is black and white. I love when an MC not only goes on a journey, but also grows as a character.

I also found the lack of romance refreshing. That’s not to say the Renee isn’t attracted to good looking men (she is sixteen after all) but the plot doesn’t fall into the all too common YA romance formula. I also like how Renee wants to be treated like her male counterparts, and ultimately is, including being trained, bruised, and battered.

 

If you want to check out more reviews, THE CADET OF TILDOR is on Goodreads. You can also enter to win a giveaway!

 

THE CADET OF TILDOR releases tomorrow, Jan 10th!