Author Archives

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Waiting On Wednesday – 35

Hello gentle reader,

this week I’m waiting on Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (expected publication: 1st April 2014 by HarperTeen). It’s a YA Fantasy Retelling (based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, as you might have guessed). I find the cover very eye-catching and the fact that this book sounds very Wicked-like doesn’t hurt either… I’ll definitely read it when it comes out!

Dorothy Must Die

From Goodreads:

I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I’ve read the books. I’ve seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can’t be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There’s still the yellow brick road, though—but even that’s crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I’m the other girl from Kansas.
I’ve been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I’ve been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman’s heart.
Steal the Scarecrow’s brain.
Take the Lion’s courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

There is a prequel to this story: an e-novella published on 12th November 2013 by HarperCollins. It’s called No Place Like Oz.

No Place Like Oz

In this digital original novella, Dorothy travels back to Oz to reunite with old friends, but her story may not have a happy ending. No Place Like Oz is a prequel to the forthcoming novel Dorothy Must Die. Perfect for fans of Alex Flinn, Marissa Meyer, and Gregory Maguire, No Place Like Oz is a dark reimagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Building off of its rich mythology, Danielle Paige creates an edgy, thrilling story for teens that chronicles the rise and fall of one of the literature’s most beloved characters.

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by book blogger Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Have you heard of Dorothy Must Die? Is it on your TBR list? Have you read No Place Like Oz yet? What are you waiting on this week?

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Waiting On Wednesday – 34

Hello gentle reader,

this week I’m waiting on Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii by Vicky Alvear Shecter (expected publication: 27th May 2014 by Arthur A. Levine Book). It’s a YA Historical novel set in Ancient Rome and it sounds awesome!

Cursesandsmoke

From Goodreads:

When your world blows apart, what will you hold onto?

TAG is a medical slave, doomed to spend his life healing his master’s injured gladiators. But his warrior’s heart yearns to fight in the gladiator ring himself and earn enough money to win his freedom.

LUCIA is the daughter of Tag’s owner, doomed by her father’s greed to marry a much older Roman man. But she loves studying the natural world around her home in Pompeii, and lately she’s been noticing some odd occurrences in the landscape: small lakes disappearing; a sulfurous smell in the air. . . .

When the two childhood friends reconnect, each with their own longings, they fall passionately in love. But as they plot their escape from the city, a patrician fighter reveals his own plans for them — to Lucia’s father, who imprisons Tag as punishment. Then an earthquake shakes Pompeii, in the first sign of the chaos to come. Will they be able to find each other again before the volcano destroys their whole world?

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by book blogger Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Have you heard of Curses and Smoke? Is it on your TBR list? What are you waiting on this week?

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YA New Releases – December Edition

Hello gentle reader,

this month I have decided to highlight a few novellas that I’m really looking forward to reading…

forged

Forged by Jennifer Rush (Altered #0.5)

Expected publication: 3d December 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Before Anna and Sam, there was Dani and Sam.

There’s one rule that all Branch operatives must live by: No attachments. When Dani O’Brien entered the Branch, she planned to trade her freedom so that her family could have a better life. But joining up with the mysterious organization is more than she bargained for. Branch head Connor watches over her closely–too closely. The training is brutal, the experiments are secret, and the missions promise to be anything but ordinary. The only thing getting Dani through each day is the hope that she’ll run into Sam–a young man, about her age, who wears the world on his shoulders.

This short-story is the prequel to Jennifer Rush’s thrilling and suspenseful Altered series.

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson (The Bane Chronicles #9)

Expected publication: 17th December 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Magnus meets Valentine in battle as the Circle attacks the Downworlders of New York City.

In the time of the Uprising, Valentine’s Circle goes after Downworlders in New York…and the Shadowhunters of the Institute must decide whether to join him, or fight with Magnus and his kind. This is the first time Magnus sees Jocelyn, Luke, and Stephen—but not the last. It is not long before Jocelyn seeks him out…

FractureMe

Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me #2.5)

Expected publication: 17th December 2013 by HarperCollins

In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam’s perspective.
Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi’s epic dystopian series.

LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS DANGEROUS DREAM

Dangerous Dream by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Dangerous Creatures #0.5)

Expected publication: 17th December 2013

“Beautiful Creatures” authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl are going back to Gatlin for an all-new spin-off series called “Dangerous Creatures”. The series follows fan favorite characters (and on-again-off-again couple) Link and Ridley as they embark on fresh adventures. The series kicks off with the enovella “Dangerous Dream,”, followed by the release of the first book, “Dangerous Creatures,” on May 6, 2014.

Which books are you looking forward to reading this month? Let me know below!

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One Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

thereanddraftagain's avatarThere And Draft Again

Hi everyone!

There And Draft Again is one year old tomorrow! We would all like to thank you, dear readers, for supporting us throughout these past 12 months, for “liking” our posts, commenting, sharing and suscribing!

So without further ado… let’s celebrate this milestone with a giveaway!

As Fantasy writers, we all know how important it is to get feedback on our writing. So we’ve decided to give away critiques! Prepare those queries and manuscripts, and enter below for a chance to win!

What you can win:

– A Full Manuscript critique from Jessica Montgomery (manuscript must be complete)

OR

– A query critique from Mara Valderran

OR

– A query critique from Rachel Horwitz

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– A first 5 pages critique from Kate Michael

OR

– A first chapter critique from Raewyn Hewitt

OR

– A first chapter critique from Rachel O’Laughlin

OR

– A first 5,000 words critique…

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Waiting On Wednesday – 33

Hello gentle reader,

this week, I’m waiting on Hexed by Michelle Krys (expected publication: 10th June 2014 by Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books). It’s a YA Fantasy about witches. I’ve been following Michelle Krys online for a very long time, and I can’t wait to finally read her book!

Hexed

From Goodreads:

If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her?

Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.

Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by book blogger Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Have you heard of Hexed? Is it on your TBR list? What are you waiting on this week?

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Victorian England… on TV!

Hello gentle reader,

By now you must know how much I love all things Victorian and I’m delighted to report that this autumn’s TV schedule allows me to indulge in my passion for this topic. There are currently three shows that take place in late 19th Century England. Each one shows a different aspect of this era. Have you watched them?

Dracula_NBC

Dracula – Historical Fantasy

Season 1 began on 25th October in the US and 31st October in the UK

This is a retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Set in 1890s London, it introduces Alexander Grayson (Dracula), a vampire posing as an American entrepreneur set on revenge against the Order who has killed his wife and turned him into a creature of the night. He is helped in his plans by Abraham Van Helsing. But he also meets Mina Murray, engaged to journalist Jonathan Harker, and falls in love with her.

Dracula - Season 1

Why I’m watching it: Vampires in Victorian London! Two of my favourite things put together! I’m also really enjoying the beautiful sets, gorgeous dresses and amazing cinematography.

Dracula set

Dracula set 2

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Ripper Street

Ripper Street – Historical Mystery Drama

Now in its second season, this show was first broadcasted in the UK in December 2012 and in the US in January 2013

Set in 1889 Whitechapel (London East End) after the Jack the Ripper murdering spree, this show follows the paths of three policemen investigating the everyday crimes occuring in their impoverished district. Their investigations take them to slums, pubs, factories and brothels where they encounter all sorts of characters and situations.

ripper_street

Why I’m watching it: because it’s realistic and gripping. No glamourous dresses or high society plots here: poverty and crime are everywhere, yet each character fights to make their life and their district better.

Ripper Street 2

Ripper Street 3

Ripper Street 4

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the paradise bbc

The Paradise – Historical drama

Now in its second season, this show was first broadcasted in the UK in September 2012 and in the US in October 2013.

Based on Emile Zola’s Au Bonheur Des Dames (“The Ladies’ Paradise”), this show is set in 1875 North East England. It portrays lives of the people who work or shop in the first department store, “The Paradise”. The main character, Denise Lovett, comes from a small town to work as a shopgirl in ladies wear at the store, where she falls in love with the shop’s owner. But her ambitions are seen as a threat by many…

The Paradise BBC set

Why I’m watching it: because it’s light and fun and highly enjoyable. The dresses are beautiful, the heroine lovely, the villains villainous, and all always ends well. The upmarket department store, entirely recreated at Lambton Castle, is a wonderful setting.

The Paradise

The Paradise BBC Denise

So tell me, are you watching these Victorian shows? What do you think of them? Make sure to leave me a comment below!

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Waiting On Wednesday – 32

Hello gentle reader,

If you’re here for my Gratitude Giveaway 2013, please click on the image below:

gratitude 2013

This week, I’m waiting on The Madness by Alison Rattle (expected publication: 6th March 2014). It’s a YA Historical novel set in Victorian England. I really enjoyed reading The Quietness by the same author: her books always portray teenage girls in late 19th Century England, in a very realistic way.

The Madness Alison Rattle

From Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Marnie lives in the idyllic coastal village of Clevedon. Despite being crippled by a childhood exposure to polio, she seems set to follow in her mother’s footsteps, and become a ‘dipper’, escorting fragile female bathers into the sea. Her life is simple and safe. But then she meets Noah. Charming, handsome, son-of-the-local-Lord, Noah. She quickly develops a passion for him – a passion which consumes her.

As Marnie’s infatuation turns to fixation she starts to lose her grip on reality, and a harrowing and dangerous obsession develops that seems certain to end in tragedy.

Set in the early Victorian era when propriety, modesty and repression were the rule, this is a taut psychological drama in which the breakdown of a young woman’s emotional state will have a devastating impact on all those around her.

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by book blogger Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Have you heard of The Quietness? Is The Madness on your TBR list? What are you waiting on this week?

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Gratitude Giveaway 2013! (closed)

Hello gentle reader,

today I’m taking part in the 4th Annual Gratitude Giveaway hosted by Kathy @ I am a reader, not a writer. It’s a giveaway to thank you, my lovely followers…

gratitude 2013

I’m giving away ALLEGIANT (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth (UK Hardcover edition).

allegiant-uk-cover-veronica-roth

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent (Goodreads).

Giveaway information:

The giveaway is open until Saturday 30th November 2013 at 9am (BST time).

To enter please fill in the contact form below with your name and email. If you follow my blog by email or WordPress, if you are a Twitter follower, if you like my page on Facebook, if you follow me on Pinterest or Tumblr, or if you tweet about the giveaway, this will grant you an extra entry. Mention it below.

Entrants must be at least 13 years of age.

This giveaway is open Internationally, as long as the Book Depository ships to your country.

The winner will be chosen randomly, notified by email and will have 72 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

I hold the right to end the giveaway before its original deadline without any prior notice.

I hold the right to disqualify any entry as I see fit.

Privacy information: no information given for this giveaway will be used for other purpose than this giveaway. All information provided (names, emails and mail addresses) will be deleted after the giveaway.

This is a blog hop! Check out the other giveaways here.

Good luck and feel free to leave me a comment below!

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Waiting On Wednesday – 31

Hello gentle reader,

this week I’m waiting on Guardian (Proxy #2) by Alex London (expected publication: 29th May 2014 by Philomel). It’s a YA Science-Fiction sequel to Proxy, which came out in July 2013. It’s no secret that I loved Proxy (one of the best YA books of 2013, in my opinion) and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the second book.

Guardian

Since I don’t want to post any spoilers in case you haven’t read the first book, I’m pasting below the blurb from Proxy (from Goodreads):

Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.

Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by book blogger Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Have you heard about Proxy and Guardian? Are they on your TBR list? What are you waiting on this week?

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Book of the Week – 24

Hello gentle reader,

last week I finished reading the Bright Young Things trilogy by Anna Godbersen (published between 2010 and 2012 by Harper Teen). It’s a YA Historical series set in 1929 in New York City. I enjoyed reading Book 1 (Bright Young Things) and Book 2 (Beautiful Days), but I loooved Book 3 (The Lucky Ones). It was wonderful to see everything coming together and falling into place at the end. So if you like stories set in the Roaring Twenties, I recommend this trilogy!

Bright Young Things

From Goodreads:

The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: Flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York’s glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star….

Cordelia is searching for the father she’s never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined — and more dangerous. It’s a life anyone would kill for…and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is ­Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia’s brother, Charlie. But Astrid’s perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the ­illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls’ fortunes will rise and fall — together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of THE LUXE comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

Have you read Bright Young Things? What did you think? And what are you reading this week? Feel free to leave me a comment below!