Immortal Circus Blog Tour: Review, Teaser and Giveaway ::Week One::

I'm so psyched to be representing the Summer Court with Fiktshun as a part of the Immortal Circus Blog Tour! 

Stop by every Wednesday for the next ten weeks for Immortal Circus fun! There will be reviews, guest posts, teasers and of course an incredible giveaway! We're competing with the Winter Court, and whoever has the most comments wins! You can show your support for the Summer Court by entering in the contest here or on Fiktshun's site and leaving us a comment. 

Also, feel free to grab the Summer Court button from the right sidebar and put it on your blog or wherever else you want to show your support! 

Before I jump into this week's goodies, which include my review of the 1st Episode and a teaser, here's more about The Immortal Circus and about the author!

About the Book

Publisher: 47 North

Publication Date: December 4, 2012

Format: Kindle eBook

Murdered contortionists aren't exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded - especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend...and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly courts. 

Aided by her friends Kingston - a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart - and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past - and future - than she bargains for. 

The show's just beginning.

Step right up...

Find the book:

BOOK WEBSITE :: FACEBOOK :: GOODREADS :: AMAZON

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About A.R. Kahler

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn't just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.

In the past six years he's toured and trained across America and Europe. He's performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He's constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He's a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS is his first New Adult novel, and is being released exclusively through the Amazon Kindle e-Serials program by 47North. It will be available in print and audio when the episodes are complete.

MARTYR the first book in his post-apocalyptic fantasy, will be published by Spencer Hill Press in October 2014.

Find him:

TWITTER :: @ARKahler TWITTER :: @ImmortalCircus WEBSITE :: http://www.arkahler.com

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My Review of Episode One:

When I started reading, I don't think I fully realized exactly what it would mean to read this book serially. I mean, I get the basics. I get a few chapters to read every week, over a span of 10 weeks, and get the story piece by piece. But now I realize that I've signed on for agonizing for a week to find out what happens next. And with this crazy beginning, I'm pretty sure it can only get more intense as the weeks go on.
I have to say that this was not what I expected. Although, I'm not sure what exactly I was picturing with faeries mixed with the circus. I should have known. But this is much darker and twisted than I imagined it would be. The thing is - the murdered circus performer, who is described in haunting detail, is just the icing on the disturbing cake. There is a party that Vivienne goes to that gives me chills just thinking about it. It's dark, but it's thrilling too.
The first episode has already subverted my expectations and I'm anxious to get going on the next episode. Oh, and just before I wrap up my commentary on this epsisode, I must say....Kingston? Well done, A.R. Kahler. Well done. He's a delicious, mysterious guy that will keep you hanging on week after week.
I already have so many things I need to know about when it comes to this story, but until next week...

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Teaser:

"We're called The Immortal Circus for a reason," Kingston says... "So long as we're under contract, no one and no thing can hurt us."

"So how was Sabina killed?" I ask. Because if that's the case, murder is a pretty huge breach of contract.

"That," he says, lifting the bird to the top of his head, "would be the million-dollar question..."

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Week One Tour Schedule:

Monday, Dec. 10: Summer – Fiktshun – GUEST POST

Tuesday, Dec. 11: Winter – The Bookish Brunette – GUEST POST

Wednesday, Dec. 12: Summer – In the Best Worlds – REVIEW & TEASER– Episode 1

Thursday, Dec. 13: Winter – The Non-Reluctant Reader – REVIEW & TEASER – Episode 1

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Giveaway:

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS Prize Pack Giveaway will be for a signed copy of the book, illustrated trading cards and circus-y goodies.

The giveaway will run for the length of the tour and will end on Friday, February 15th.

the giveaway is US-only. 

There are FOUR prize packs up for giveaway.

There are extra entries for tweeting daily. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meant to Be - Lauren Morrill

Synopsis: It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").
But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be. (From Goodreads)

Sometimes books tear out your heart and then reach into your soul and start punching. When that happens, read this book next. With the different ways a book can tear you up and send you into spiraling depression, this one will put you back together and lift you up.

One night I started Slammed by Colleen Hoover. I was up until 4AM sobbing, much to the concern of my poor roommate. The next morning I woke up pretty depressed, of course. And there was Meant to Be on my shelf all full of colors and it pretty much just beckoned to me. It was incredibly successful in bringing me from the -nothing is every going to be okay again - spectrum all the way to the other side -life is amazing and all I want to do is be happy forever!

So let's start with the London part. Put an awkward, shy girl on a plane to anywhere but here and it's so my life. I was Julia in high school - minus some of the organizational skills. It still doesn't fail to amaze me how much traveling can change a person. Being able to adjust, learn, and thrive in a new environment is strengthening, Even if it's hard to see the difference from when you leave and when you come back, it's there. Julia is still herself by the end of the book, but she has those small differences. And of course the actual - being in London - part was fabulous. The sights and the culture were all there, vivid and beckoning (someone get me a plane ticket now please).

Then there's the Jason. He is such a high school boy. I could have walked back into my memories, plucked a guy from my class and put him in this situation and he would have behaved the exact same way. I'm talking about the fact that he sneaks out, disregards rules and acts like an idiot in public places. He's a big kid. And he owns it, which also makes him pretty endearing.

Also, the whole Julia has a crush on Mark who is this perfect shining example of what a boy should be, but he doesn't know she exists thing. Yeah, count me in on another reason I relate, and why so many readers will relate, to Julia. It was kind of fun for me to watch my Mark fall from his pedastal. And so when I saw that Mark was going down (pretty early on the book, Julie doesn't catch on for awhile, but Mark is obviously a tool) I got pretty excited.

I currently have a handful of books that I go back to for re-reads when I'm in a slump or when I just need something familiar - mainly Harry Potter, Wanderlove, and the Stephanie Perkins book. But I'm adding this book to my re-read list. I know I'm going to be coming back when I need to be picked up or put back together. Because this book is powerful - it hits you with happiness and fun.

Mystic City - Theo Lawrence

Synopsis: Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.  (From Goodreads)

This book should be held up as an incredible example of how to build a world in a book, a world layered over our own, one that is unique but familiar. Aria's version of Manhattan was so vivid, but I don't remember it ever being explained to me. I saw the waterways and the lights, the underground, and the grid. I could have easily walked off into the pages of the book and I feel it would all be there waiting for me. That is great world building and I'm still a little in awe of this particular view of the future.

Where the world building was incredible, the character development was lacking. It's not something I questioned while I was reading, but afterwardsit's hard to remember what made them special. There is a lot going on in this world, something that's almost bigger than thte individual. Aria is someone to grasp on to, but the people around her are kind of flat. I'm still a little fuzzy on Thomas and Aria's parents, what exactly made them tick and where they came from. One of Hunter's best friends seemed great, and I wanted to get to know him better, but he seems almost thrown in. Hunter gets little page time for how important of a character he is. However, I do think his time to shine will come in the second book.

Despite all this I was completely sucked into this story. I thought I saw everything that was coming, but man alive was I wrong. I also really loved the way Aria's memory loss was handled. Sometimes the memory loss thing can get a bit old, but it served a purpose larger than introducing the reader to the character's world. Also, the mix of dystopia and paranormal was perfect. The mystics and their history, their power were so fascinating. Actually, the way this society is set up is similar to Elizabeth Richard's Black City, where those with powers are registered, controlled and segregated.

I'm very excited for the next book in this series, Renegade Heart. This book was amazing, and I believe the second will have the power to demonstrate how a teenager can change the world. And that's always pretty inspiring - plus it makes for a great story.

Guest Post : Faye from A Daydreamer's Thoughts

I'm so excited to have Faye on the blog today! She's up for a PAID blogging job and I'm so happy to help her get there - because that's the dream! Faye is a great blogger friend of mine - she's always armed with book recommendations and she's always lovely to talk to. She's written a post about romance in novels here today. At the end is her video, where she talks about why we blog (You should watch it, even if it's just to listen to her talk! Love her accent!). Watch it, spread the word, and help her out. She deserves it. 
There's my spiel. Now onto Faye's thoughts: 

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What I like about Romance in Novels

Hey Guys,I would like to start this post by first thanking Hannah for hosting me on her fabulous blog! Today I will be telling you all about what I love about romance in novels and will then be sharing a very important vlog with you! Here's hoping you enjoy, thanks for reading and watching. 

There are so many different reasons why people pick up a book. Some people are looking for adventure that they can escape to, some wish to feel their heart race as monsters appear around every corner, some want to feel a spark of magic, and some are looking to read a heart-pounding, totally adorable, soul-completing romance novel. And then there are the large proportions of us who want as many of those things combined in one singular book.

I am the kind of person that likes to have a little bit of everything – obviously I am greedy. I like the stories that reel me in, that take me somewhere new, let me fight in battles, and whirl my wand around like my life depends on it... but I do love it when these stories have the most romantic, loveable and mind-crushing couples in them. For me, having romance in a novel completes the book, as though it would be merely unfinished without it. It is an added bonus that makes the rest of the story more exciting and interesting because these people are not alone, they have someone to live for.

But, just as there are many different types of genres in books, there are also lots of different types of romance. There is the insta-love; the “I fell in love from the first moment I saw you.”; “we were destined to be together.”; “I can’t get enough of you.” kind of love. This love is all-encompassing, soul-destroying, powerful love that the characters are unable to avoid. They become obsessed with their partners, can’t stand to be a part from them and yet have only known each other for a short period of time.

Then there is the love that develops throughout novels. The love that the readers spot early on in the book, but the characters take a while to realise it themselves. They show how their relationships grow from friendship to something more. There’s tension, there’s teasing, and then there’s that most tantalising first kiss that has every characters heart thumping. It is also the kind of love that once it fully kicks off, the reader literally squees with happiness because it finally happened!

There are the love triangles. The best friend who never had a chance to say “I love you,” before someone else comes along and steals their heart. The character who meets two people in a quick succession and has to suddenly decide who they should pursue, who they like more. Yet, no matter the combination, love triangles exist when two people love one person, someone always misses out. These have a tendency to be irritating but they can also be heart-pounding, blood-racing because the reader needs the character to choose their favourite character. They’re interesting because who will the character finally settle with?

There are many more types of romance, such as the forbidden kind, and the friendship teetering on the verge kind, the accidental kind, or even the love/hate kind.

The reason for all these different types of romance is for the same reason that books are placed into different genres. Because everyone likes different things. While one person may love to read about those forbidden romances, another person may hate that type of romance with an outrageous passion. So, to avoid ruining the reading experience for more than half of the population, authors write different types of romances, hoping that their books will at least be enjoyed by someone.

Personally, I like the kind of romances that we get to see blossoming. I like understanding why the protagonist is falling in love, I like to see it because I truly enjoy being able to squee in delight when they finally share their first kiss and get things going. It is these types of romances that make me pick up book after book. But this romance is always even more exciting when it is simply a subplot to everything else going on. Because if you can fall in love when you’re in the middle of a war, middle of a deathly game, or in the middle of a flight to safety, then your love will probably last – and it gives us all hope that we should be able to find love in our boring ordinary lives.

But what type of romance do you like to see in your stories? Are you an insta-love shipper? Are you a love triangle supporter? I’d love to know!

Did you like this blog post? Would you like to see more posts like it? If the answer to that question is yes, then I need your help!

If you have just one minute to spare, I would love it if you could watch this video. If I get the most-watches, I may win my chance to blog for Mira INK, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

If you like the video and wish to comment, like or share it, I would be truly appreciative!

At the end of the competition on Dec 11^th, I will be choosing one lucky commenter or sharer and they will win themselves a Christmas Surprise! So what are you waiting for?

About Faye: I'm just a twenty-two year old girl who has a passion for everything related to books, films and writing. I'm a part-time librarian, sharing my love of books and films with the world. I'm from the UK and love everything about the country.
And don't forget to check out her blog: A Daydreamer's Thoughts!

2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt

Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with the knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check it out here for more info. And be sure to read the rules! 

Without further ado, today's questions come from Dreamless by Josephine Angelini.

Easy: Who is the new male main character that could travel to the Underworld with Helen?

Medium: Who saves Helen and Orion from dying in the Underworld by yodeling?

Hard: Why does Hades initially exile Helen from the Underworld?

Enter your answers in the form below!

Top Ten Tuesday - Dear Santa

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is: Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Me

Here's my Christmas wish list:

What I want more than ANYTHING ELSE:
The John Green Limited Edition Box Set (Autographed)

The other books I really want:

Black Heart by Holly Black
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield
Starling by Leslie Livingston
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick

and also
The Beautiful Creatures Box Set (apparently I have a thing for box sets this year...)

November Top 5

November was a crazy month you guys. A lot of things changed and my life got way busier. Which sadly left less time for reading. I'm actually going to be pulling back on the blog a little bit. I used to post 5 times a week and now I'm shooting for 2-3 times. Anyways, I still read some awesome books and here are the top five from November.

1. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

I'm just going to describe this for you the same way I described it to my friend: It has a crazy surgeon, a remote island, and lots of improper behavior for 1890. Watch out for this one you guys! It's different and it's awesome. Don't miss it. 

2. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Michelle Hodkin wins again. Noah love forever. 

3. Slammed by Colleen Hoover

This book punched me in the soul. I was finishing it at 4 AM and my poor roommate had to ask if I was okay because I was sobbing so hard. 

4. Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

I read this the day after Slammed. This book is the exact opposite of Slammed. It's light and cheery. And it's in London. Traveling is happiness. 

5. Find You in the Dark by M. Meredith Walters

I don't think I breathed through this book. It had me constantly on the edge waiting for something to blow up. And that ending. Whoa. Watch out for this author. 

What were your top reads in November?