Mundie Moms

Sunday, April 30, 2017

The Shadowhunter Chronicles Celebration #shadowhunters #TSC #TheShadowhunterChronicles


Cassandra Clare’s Lord of Shadows finally hits shelves next month – we are so close now – so we have teamed up with other Cassie Clare fansites to celebrate her The Shadowhunter Chronicles. From May 1 to May 28, we are going to celebrate The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, The Dark Artifices, The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.
How are we going to do this? With fanart, graphics, photographs, quotes, and whatever else you come up with on tumblr and twitter!
Here’s our schedule:
Day 1: Favourite character
Day 2: Scene that made you laugh or cry
Day 3: Your favourite ship (or a ship that didn’t sail)
Day 4: Most underrated character
Day 5: Favourite scene
Day 6: Character you love to hate
Day 7: Favourite quote
Why only 7 days? Because each week is dedicated to a different book series:
Week 1: May 1-7 → The Infernal Devices
Week 2: May 8-14 → The Mortal Instruments
Week 3: May 15-21 → The Dark Artifices (we don’t want fans who won’t get their books until after May 23 to get spoilt so the celebration is for Lady Midnight only)
Week 4: May 22- 28 → The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
Our suggested tags: 
#TheShadowhunterChronicles #TSC # Shadowhunters and #CassandraClare
Please make sure that you’re not using pictures or gifs from the movie or the TV show, we want to see how YOU see Cassie’s characters ☺
We can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with and hope that you’ll have a great time celebrating Cassie’s books and her characters!

Friday, April 28, 2017

THE SKY THRONE by Chris Ledbetter / Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway #TheSkyThrone


Welcome to the last stop in THE SKY THRONE blog tour, hosted by Month9Books. Today's stop features my review for debut author Chris Ledbetter's first book in what will be a fantastic series, as well as a giveaway! First, here's a little bit about the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK




By: Chris Ledbetter
Published by: Month9Books
Released on: April 18, 2017
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N | TBD | iBooks
Add it to: Goodreads
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: e-book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review

Duality dwells at every turn, and an adolescent Zeus will learn that all too well when Hyperion attacks his family on Crete.


When the dust settles, his mother is unconscious and his best friend left for dead.


Stacking epic insult upon fatal injury, Zeus discovers the woman who raised him is not his biological mother. But to ensure her safety while she recovers, a heavy-hearted Zeus leaves her behind to seek answers at Mount Olympus Preparatory Academia.


Zeus embarks on a quest to discover who ordered the attack on his home, avenge the death of his friend, and find his birth mother. When some of his new schoolmates vanish, Zeus's quest is turned upside down, and the only way to make things right is to access the power of The Sky Throne, confront a most dangerous enemy, and take his life back.


On his way to becoming king of the Greek gods, Zeus will learn to seize power, neutralize his enemies, and fall in love.


PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"Destined to have a sequel or two, young teens will appreciate the story, and teachers will appreciate that it instructs readers about the pantheon of gods."--Kevin Beach, VOYA Magazine


MY REVIEW

Zeus's coming of age story is one both Greek Mythology fans and non fans alike will enjoy. Trust me, I like Greek Mythology to an extent, but often find myself getting board in stories. Not this one! This story is full of adventure, rich story telling, as well as vivid world building, and a mythology that I was addicted to.



There are so many details about this book that I really enjoyed. Ledbetter definitely doesn't rush his storytelling, and I really admire that. Instead, he allows his story to flow as it should. Same with his characters. They naturally grow into the characters they're destined for. I really enjoyed getting to see a different side to Zeus. I loved how vulnerable he is, and the strong, fierce character he becomes. 

What makes this story so engaging is Ledbetter's story telling. It's flawless. He has created a story rich in storytelling, backed with flawed characters who you can't help but enjoy getting to know, as they discover more about who they are, and whom they're meant to be. The story's mystery, and awesome character chemistry add a lot to the excitement of the story. It's hard to believe this book is a debut, it's so well written. 

This story is one that had me wishing I had a physical book in hand, because I felt like I couldn't turn the e-book pages fast enough. There was no shortage of well crafted characters, exciting twists, and a story that got better and better with each page. If this is Ledbetter's debut, I can hardly wait to read this book's sequel. 

You don't need to be a fan of Greek Mythology to enjoy this story. However, if you are, you're in a for a real treat! 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he promptly “walked-on” to the best drum line in the conference without any prior percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his back is not very happy about now.

After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion University and earned his degree in Business Administration. He’s worked in various managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. He taught high school for six years in Culpeper, VA, and also coached football.


He has walked the streets of Los Angeles and New York City, waded in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and climbed Diamond Head crater on Hawaii and rang in the New Year in Tokyo, Japan. But he dreams of one day visiting Greece and Italy.

ENTER TO WIN

1 winner will receive a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate, US Only.

THE TOUR
4/17/2017- Rockin' Book ReviewsGuest Post
4/17/2017- Reading for the Stars and MoonReview
4/18/2017- LILbooKloversInterview
4/18/2017- Sophie RiggsbyReview
4/19/2017- Don't Judge, ReadInterview
4/19/2017- Book Review BeccaReview
4/20/2017- Month9BooksExcerpt
4/20/2017- Zach's YA ReviewsReview
4/21/2017- YA and WineInterview
4/21/2017- Kim Harnes, AuthorReview
4/24/2017- Jennifer EatonGuest Post
4/25/2018- So Few BooksInterview
4/26/2018- Never Too Many To ReadGuest Post
4/27/2018- Two Chicks on BooksInterview
4/27/2018- I am not a bookworm!Review
4/28/2018- Mundie MomsReview

FORKS, WA To Unveil Their FOREVER TWILIGHT IN FORKS COLLECTION in May 2017 #Twilight

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH MEMORABILIA  FROM THE TWILIGHT SERIES IN FORKS, WA! 

FORKS, WA ANNOUNCES THEIR UPCOMING FOREVER TWILIGHT IN FORKS COLLECTION OPENING IN MAY
Twilight fans, mark your calendars! May 20th, 2017 The Forks, WA Chamber of Commerce will unveil the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection. The collection is a must see for fans of both the Twilight book series, as well as the Twilight movie saga. Trust me, if you've not had a chance to visit both Forks and La Push, do so. It's an absolutely beautiful area to visit. 
The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection will open at the Rainforest Arts Center in Forks, and will feature a collection of screen worn costumes, and props from the movie, and much more. I hear there will also be a view surprises as well. 
Check out the full press release below: 


PRESS RELEASE 
[FORKS, WA] APRIL 17, 2017 -- The Forks Chamber of Commerce is excited to unveil the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection, viewable only in Forks, Washington. The Collection will open at the Rainforest Arts Center at noon on May 20, 2017 to VIPs, members of the press and fans of Twilight and movie memorabilia. Throughout the year, the gallery will be open to visitors and will feature a volunteer Docent Program for fans.

At the gallery, view screen-worn costumes and actual props used by Twilight Sagaactors. This gallery features a blend of book, movie and unique Forks-centric pieces, including authentic movie props and costumes, The Twilight Series novels from all over the world, an art piece made of The Twilight Series books, a backdrop for photo-ops and other interesting memorabilia right in the heart of downtown Forks, Washington at the Rainforest Arts Center – located at the town’s only traffic light! Entry to the gallery is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

Lissy Andros, the Forks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director shares,
“As Twilight fans ourselves, we are so happy to have these amazing pieces to share with the public and our fandom family. This phenomenon has been the most interesting, fun experience, and we look forward to what the future holds!”
Highlights from the Collection include: Jacob Black’s motorcycle, costumes worn by actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, Jacob’s letter to Bella, Sam Uley’s Jorts, props from Bella and Edward’s wedding, plus so much more and some very special surprises!

The City of Forks, Washington and the story of Twilight will be forever connected: on screen, in the stories, in the minds of fans and within the pop culture lexicon. To celebrate and honor this connection, Forks is proud to open the doors of their Forever Twilight in Forks Collection to the world. 
ABOUT FORKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Forks Chamber of Commerce is a voice and advocate for the business community and other organizations of the West End of the Olympic Peninsula. The chamber is the primary promoter of tourism in the area. The Chamber promotes activities include operating the year-round Visitor Information Center in Forks; creating guides for: lodging, shopping, fishing, activities and dining; and sponsoring the free Logging and Mill Tours, that run May through September. For more information about Forks, WA, The Forks Chamber of Commerce and Forever Twilight in Forks, please contact Method Agency and visit ForksWA.com.
ABOUT THE FOREVER TWILIGHT IN FORKS COLLECTION

The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection thanks the many individuals and groups who assisted greatly with financial, prop, costume, set dec, and in-kind donations.  Benefactors include Jack Morrissey, the Lloyd J. Allen Charitable Trust, the City of Forks, the West Olympic Peninsula Betterment Association, Forks True Value, Forks Outfitters and Twilighters for Forks. ForksWA.com/ftfcollection.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

RT TEEN DAY 2017 - Author Interview w/ Jennifer L. Armentrout #RTTeenDay


Who's ready for this year's Romance Times's TEEN DAY? It's just around the corner.... next week! Every year RT has an amazing line up on YA authors. Geared towards teens, and open to everyone, Teen Day is the chance for YA readers to attend panels with their favorite YA authors, as well as a signing, and so much more. Find out more about this year's RT Teen Day line up, here and follow them on Facebook, here

Thank you to RT Teen Day, I'm thrilled to share an interview with one of this year's YA authors, Jennifer L. Armentrout!




Why are you excited to attend RT Teen Day?  

Chatting and hanging out with readers, of course! 


Who doesn't love a good romance? Whether it's the driving force of the story or snuck off to the side, I'm always up for it! What appeals to you about including romance in your stories? 

To me, romance symbolizes hope. That no matter what is going on in the story, if there are battles between aliens or an evil government, romance is the hope of a story. It is proof that everyone deserves a happily ever after.  

What are some of your favorite romance tropes? For example, I love the enemies to lovers trope! 

Enemies to lovers is so much fun. I also love best friends to lovers.  

Who are some of your all time favorite fictional couples? Books, movies, comics... whatever! 

Feyre and Rhysand, Ella and Reed, Scully and Mulder  

Obviously I think Young Adult books are simply incredible. I love the variety and the quality. What's you're favorite part of being an author of young adult books? 

YA deals with a lot of firsts -- first love, first hate, first kiss, first lust, first heartbreak and grief. There's something magical about getting to experience those firsts over and over.  

If you could spend a day inside the world of any book, which would you choose and why? 

Black Dagger Brotherhood. That's not a YA series, but I'd love to hang out with the vampire brothers. 

What have you been reading or recommending lately?  

I was lucky enough to read A Court of Wings and Ruin (comes out 5/2), the final book in the ACOTAR series, and if you haven't read those books yet, DO IT. It's the perfect blend of fantasy and romance.  


ABOUT THE BOOK

Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend, Sebastian, know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be one of opportunities and chances. 
Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything. 
Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian could never forgive her for what happened. 
For what she let happen.
With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?
Jennifer's newest YA release, IF THERE'S NO TOMORROW will be released on September 5th, 2017 from Harlequin Teen. 

You can pre-order the book from Amazon and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads. Read an excerpt from it on EW, here


ABOUT JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT


#1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.  

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.  

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write. 

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.  

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins. 

Visit Jennifer via her Website | Goodreads 


* All author Q&A's provided by RT Teen Day 

BANG by Barry Lyga / Spotlight: Author Guest Post


Last week Little Brown released Barry Lyga's newest YA book, Bang. Today I'm thrilled to spotlight Barry, and his newest release. Below you'll find a find facts list from Barry, praise for Bang, as well as a list of a few blogs you can visit to read excerpts from Bang. First, here's a little bit about the book.

ABOUT BANG


By: Barry Lyga
Published by: Little Brown
Released on: April 18th, 2017
Purchase from: Little Brown | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

A chunk of old memory, adrift in a pool of blood.

Sebastian Cody did something horrible, something no one--not even Sebastian himself--can forgive. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his infant sister with his father's gun.

Now, ten years later, Sebastian has lived with the guilt and horror for his entire life. With his best friend away for the summer, Sebastian has only a new friend--Aneesa--to distract him from his darkest thoughts. But even this relationship cannot blunt the pain of his past. Because Sebastian knows exactly how to rectify his childhood crime and sanctify his past. It took a gun to get him into this.

Now he needs a gun to get out.

Unflinching and honest, Bang is the story of one boy and one moment in time that cannot be reclaimed, as true and as relevant as tomorrow's headlines. Readers of This is Where It EndsThe Hate List, and Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock will appreciate this extraordinary novel.


FUN FACTS FROM BARRY LYGA


Here are some "fast facts" about the novel's author, Barry Lyga!*
  • Barry has written across numerous genres, from contemporary fiction, to horror to suspense
  • Barry's books have been --- or will be --- published in more than a dozen languages
  • Barry's latest novel Bang has received starred reviews in a number of publications, including Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Kirkus
  • Bang was recently reviewed in The New York Times!
  • In addition to his novels, Barry has written essays, short stories, and a short film
  • Prior to writing novels, Barry worked in the comic book industry
  • Barry graduated from Yale with a degree in English
Visit Barry online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr 


PRIASE FOR BANG

''Heartbreaking and brutally compelling.'' --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

''[A] raw exploration of persistent social stigmas, a beautiful study of forgiveness, and an unflinching portrait of a parent's worst nightmare.'' -Publishers Weekly, starred review

''Lyga tackles a number of relevant issues in this heartbreaking novel, including gun control, suicide, and religious and racial prejudice. The pain and anguish Sebastian feels every day are raw and chafing, and the chemistry between Sebastian and Aneesa is tender and realistic.'' -School Library Journal, starred review

''Lyga manages his intensely emotional material well, creating in Sebastian a highly empathetic character....'' -Booklist


Visit these blogs to some excerpts from Bang!


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

THE LAST MAGICIAN by Lisa Maxwell / Blog Tour / Scavenger Hunt: Excerpt & Giveaway #TheLastMagician


Welcome to the stop in the, THE LAST MAGICIAN scavenger hunt. We're so thrilled to celebrate the upcoming release of Lisa Maxwell's newest book. I am so excited about this book's release! 

For the last three weeks you've found a variety of posts, from a variety of bloggers. Each blogger was part of a team, Team Spy, Team Mastermind, Team Assassin, Team Thief. I've been apart of TEAM SPY

Over the next three weeks, I've enjoyed sharing a post per week that featured a quiz, and character profile. For the final week, I've got an excerpt for you to read, which you can find below.

Also included in the posts is a giveaway, info on how to join the street team  aka The Devil's Own, and more. Be sure to check out everything in the post below, and don't forget to enter to win! Be sure to visit each of the other blogger's posts this week too. 


READ AN EXCERPT

Excerpt 2:
Harte Darrigan cursed himself ten times over as he pushed his way through the crowd of The Devil’s Own, a smoke-filled boxing saloon on the Lower East Side named for the gang that ran it. The sound of bones crunching as fist met face caused the crowd to surge with an eagerness that made Harte’s pulse race and turned his resolve to mush.
The dive was filled with the type of people Harte had done everything he could to avoid becoming. They represented the most dangerous parts of humanity—if you could even call it that—south of Houston Street, the wide avenue that divided the haves from the have-nots and probably-never-wills. Harte himself might have been a liar and a con man, but at least he was an honest one. Or so he told himself. He’d risked everything to get out of Paul Kelly’s gang three years ago, and he didn’t want the life he’d managed to build for himself since to get muddied by the never-ending war between the different factions that ruled lower Manhattan.
Yet there he was.
He shouldn’t have come. He was an idiot for agreeing to this meeting, a complete idiot to let Dolph Saunders goad him into being drawn back into this world with an impossible promise—freedom. A way out of the city. It was fool’s dream.
He must be a fool, because he knew what Dolph Saunders was capable of and Harte had still agreed to meet him. He’d seen Dolph’s cruelty with his own eyes, and if Harte were smarter, he’d turn tail and leave before it was too late…
But then a familiar voice was calling his name over the crowd, and he knew his chance had passed.
The kid approaching him was probably the skinniest, shortest guy in the room. He wore a pair of spectacles on the tip of his straight nose, and unlike most of the crowd that populated The Devil’s Own, he wasn’t dressed in the bright colors or flamboyant style that characterized the swells of the Bowery. Instead, the kid wore suspenders over a simple shirtwaist that made him look like an overgrown newsboy. Unlike the barrel-chested men that curled themselves around their drinks after a long day of hard labor, Nibsy Lorcan had the air of someone who spent most of his time indoors pouring over books.
“Harte Darrigan,” Nibsy said, giving a sharp nod of his head in greeting. “It’s good to see you again.”
“I wish I could say the same, Nibs.”
The kid tucked his hands into his pockets. “We were beginning to think you wouldn’t show.”
“Your boss made it sound like I’d be an idiot not to come and at least listen to what he had to say.”
Nibsy smiled genially. “No one could take you for an idiot, Darrigan.”
“Not sure I agree with you, Nibs, seeing as I’m here and all. Where’s Dolph anyway? Or did he send you to do his dirty work for him like usual?”  
“He’s in back, waiting.” Nibsy’s eyes flickered over the barroom. “You know how he is.”
“Yeah,” Harte said. “I know exactly how he is. Just like I should have known better than to come here.”
He turned to go, but Nibs caught him by the arm. “You’re already here. Might as well listen to what he has to say.” He gave an aw-shucks shrug that Harte didn’t buy. “At least have a drink. Can’t argue with a free drink now, can you?”
He glanced at the door at the back of the barroom.
Harte might have been an idiot, but he was a curious idiot. He couldn’t imagine what would have made Dolph desperate enough to ask for his help after the falling out they’d had. And he wanted to know what would possess Dolph—a man much more likely to hold his secrets close—to make such wild promises.

“I’ll listen to what he has to say, but I don’t want any drink.”


ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Lisa Maxwell
Published by: Simon Pulse
To Be Released: July 18, 2017
Pre-Order it from: Amazon | B&N | iBooks
Add it to: Goodreads 

Stop the Magician.
Steal the book.
Save the future.
In modern day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives.
Esta is a talented thief, and she's been raised to steal magical artifacts from the sinister Order that created the Brink. With her innate ability to manipulate time, Esta can pilfer from the past, collecting these artifacts before the Order even realizes she’s there. And all of Esta's training has been for one final job: traveling back to 1902 to steal an ancient book containing the secrets of the Order—and the Brink—before the Magician can destroy it and doom the Mageus to a hopeless future.
But Old New York is a dangerous world ruled by ruthless gangs and secret societies, a world where the very air crackles with magic. Nothing is as it seems, including the Magician himself. And for Esta to save her future, she may have to betray everyone in the past.

JOIN THE DEVIL'S OWN STREET TEAM!

Are you are a reader or blogger interested in being a part of The Devil's Own, a group of readers who will compete with one another to win exclusive swag and prizes as we spread the word about THE LAST MAGICIAN?
If you're interested in being contacted in April, fill out the form, below! 
https://goo.gl/forms/EiKRMrqchgWyFnwV2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Maxwell is the author of Sweet Unrest, Gathering Deep, Unhooked, & The Last Magician (Simon Pulse, Spring 2017). When she's not writing books, she's an English professor at a local college. She lives near DC with her very patient husband and two not-so patient boys.

Find Lisa: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram

ENTER TO WIN
2 winners will receive a signed/personalized ARC’s of THE LAST MAGICIAN, US Only.

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