Today I welcome Jen Greyson, author of a fascinating new book called Lightning Rider.  She is here to tell us about this new genre that I see all the time with book review requests but was afraid to ask!  So on with Jen’s post!

A huge thank you to Leslie here at StoreyBook Reviews for letting me come visit. Today I wanted to talk about this new genre popping up everywhere, new adult.

What the Heck Is New Adult?

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the newest genre to hit the shelves, but it’s leaving some readers confused as to what new adult really means. Is it YA with sex? Is it YA with old people?

New adult is a little bit of both, and a lot of neither. NA is to YA what YA is to MG (GAH! Jr. high math!)

New adult is similar to young adult in that the characters are still dealing with firsts. YA characters are dealing with first kisses, first cars, first jobs, first betrayals. In NA the stakes are higher because the characters are older. NA characters are now dealing with life during or after college, first place, first “real” relationship, first step toward a career. Now the repercussions of choices are bigger, the stakes are larger. Skipping a day of work holds more weight than skipping a day of school. Sex does show up in NA books, but it’s not the focus. Characters are maturing, they’ve moved out of puberty and realize they’re on the cusp of adulthood. One of my favorite parts of writing and reading new adult is that these characters have the world at their feet. Life is full of endless possibilities and they’re no longer hampered by the restraints of high school and parents. Most of them have “left the nest” for the first time and they’re now responsible for their own choices. Sometimes they make good choices, a lot of times they make bad ones..and now those bad ones have serious repercussions.

Young adult characters are usually between the ages of 12-18, but are classified more by the issues they’re dealing with, same goes for NA. The NA characters are usually older—18-26, but some YA books can cross-over into NA based on what, and more importantly, how, the characters are dealing with issues.

To learn more about NA and find some amazing reads, there are a couple of great resources. Goodreads has a New Adult Book Club and NA Alley is a great site to find some fantastic reads as well.

My new adult fantasy, Lightning Rider, released May 31 and features a Latina who had her life all figured out until she claimed her birthright as a time traveler. Now she’s battling the repercussions of her future-altering power as it affects her business, her family, and your future.

You can find more Lightning Rider on Goodreads or The Writer’s Coffeshop

Available everywhere on May 31, 2013

Kobo * iTunes * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About Jen:

From the moment she decided on a degree in Equestrian Studies, Jen Greyson’s life has been one unscripted adventure after another. Leaving the cowboy state of Wyoming to train show horses in France, Switzerland, and Germany, she’s lived life without much of a plan, but always a book in her suitcase. Now a wife and mom to two young boys, she relies on her adventurous, passionate characters to be the risk- takers.

Jen also writes university courses and corporate training material when she’s not enjoying the wilds of the west via wakeboard or snowmobile. Her new adult fantasy, Lightning Rider, comes out May 31 and features a Latina heroine with some serious superpowers.

You can find Jen here:

Twitter * Goodreads * Facebook * Blog

About Lightning Rider:

Heiress to a time-traveling dynasty, Evy Rivera is finally claiming her birthright as a lightning rider. Problem is, she’s forced to learn it alongside Constantine, a prickly, obstinate Roman warrior who constantly challenges her to be the woman he sees in her.

Thrown back into ancient Spain, Evy must rely on guts and instinct to wield her lightning as a weapon and outsmart Ilif, her quasi-mentor who believes time traveling should be left to the Rivera men.

During her training, Evy and Constantine battle the push-pull of their explosive relationship, aware the 2,000-year span between their lives is an unavoidable hurdle.

Caught between a centuries-old battle rife with secrets, Evy must learn whom to trust before she risks everything and the wrong history repeats itself. When the heritage her parents have suppressed mingles with the past, Evy must find answers . . .

Which history is the right one? And who is she becoming?

Tour Schedule

Title: The Golden Couple

Author: Stephanie Karpinske

Release date: February 23, 2013

Genre:  Science Fiction/Romance/Thriller

Age Group: Young Adult

Buy the book:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

In this action-packed second installment of The Samantha Project series, Samantha and Erik go on a search to find a way to save themselves from the genetic time bomb ticking away in their cells. Along the way, they discover a shocking secret–one they wish they were never told!

Although Samantha’s boyfriend, Colin, is back now, her feelings for Erik are getting stronger by the minute. When yet another secret is revealed, Samantha finally learns the real reason why she can’t resist Erik. But only after she’s gone too far with him! So far that Colin may never forgive her.

GlobalLife Genetics continues to pursue Samantha and they’ll stop at nothing to get her. Sam still doesn’t understand what GlobalLife’s plan is for her but she knows it’s something big. And she knows it isn’t good.

Review:

First off, if you haven’t read book 1, The Samantha Project, READ THIS FIRST!!!  The Golden Couple picks up right where this left off and while you could potentially read the book without having read the first book, I think you would be missing a lot of information.  Plus when I looked online, it was only $0.99 or you can sign up to win the book below.

WOW is about all I can say!  I loved the premise of this series, about people created in a lab with altered DNA and the conspiracy of a global company and their plans to rule the world….isn’t that how all companies are?!  But does everyone that works for GlobalLife really believe in what they are doing?  Or perhaps are they out to help protect the sanctity of life?  Now there are times where I wanted to shake Samantha and tell her to get real, but overall I really enjoyed this book and am going to have to get the third book in this series, A Chosen Destiny.

We give it 4 1/2 paws

About the Author:

A former editor for a publishing company, Stephanie Karpinske has worked on several bestselling nonfiction books. Now she freelances full-time, writing for a variety of books and national magazines. The Samantha Project is her debut YA novel and is the first in The Samantha Project series. Stephanie lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

Twitter * Goodreads

The Giveaway:

The author is very, very generously giving away a huge number of books for this tour.  Up for grabs are four (4) ecopies of The Golden Couple and a whopping twenty-four (24) ecopies of The Samantha Project (Book #1).  Please note: only mobi and ePub formats are available.  The giveaway is open internationally.

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Starseed

Author: Liz Gruder

ISBN: 978-1937178291

Publisher: WiDo Publishing

Published: February 2013

SUMMARY

Kaila Guidry has always known she is different. When she meets Jordyn Stryker at school, she finds out just how different.

Jordyn was born and raised far from Earth, a starseed, one of six new students sent to Louisiana’s Bush High to learn human ways. But Jordyn didn’t count on meeting someone like Kaila.

When Kaila is pushed to her limit by high school bullying and cruelty, Jordyn awakens her to a new reality—and to love. But to prove herself, Kaila must look the other way as the real purposes of the starseeds unfold.

As the horrific plan behind the starseed visit to Earth moves inexorably forward, Kaila and Jordan, caught in an impossible love, must determine where their true loyalties lie.

Praise

“You know from the opening paragraph that something very strange is going on… We see Kaila try to live the life of a normal teen, and we see her “otherness” pull her back into an increasingly tangled web of questions, deceit, and hidden intentions. Liz really shines as a writer, lining the closets and drawers of everyday life with spine-chilling suspense that springs out at you when you least expect it. Starseed is an entertaining read. I highly recommend.”

–Patricia B. Smith. Author “What the Animals Tell Me” and “Fifty Shades of Santa” (clean romance fiction)

“Liz Gruder’s characters come alive through youthful, spunky narrative, and her headstrong heroine, Kaila Guidry, elicits a reader’s encouragement from the first page. Fans of Amanda Hocking will find themselves similarly transported into Gruder’s exploration of the dark sides of faith, love, higher dimensions, and, of course, high school.” –Jadie Jones, young-adult fantasy author

Author Liz Gruder

As a youth, Liz Gruder saw a series of UFOs with her best friend while riding bikes. Ever since, she’s held a fascination for the stars. An avid reader, she used to hide under her covers and read with a flashlight. She has degrees in English and Psychology from Tulane University, a nursing license and a yoga certification. After going through Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Liz realized how short life is and is now slowly fulfilling her bucket list: she’s been to the Egyptian pyramids (totally awesome and thought provoking) and is now teaching yoga and writing speculative fiction. Starseed is her debut novel.

Tour Schedule

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Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/7/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud

Max has anger management issues. But she has a secret, too. She can make things happen. Like magic. She almost killed a loser skate punk and nearly used it on her stuck up older sister. The question is, can she do anything other than blow things up? Can she learn to control it? And is it really possible that an obscure teenage girl is the key to keeping all of humanity safe?

Philip just got his ring back. He got it taken away for messing with his teacher’s mind so he can cheat on a test. Now that he has his ring, he thinks he should be able to use his power to make his life better. A lot better. The problem is that people want him to be responsible. But if you could do magic, wouldn’t you use it to escape work in any way possible?

Aaron wants to be a soldier. He knows there are lots of people who would try to take over, and he’s determined to stop them. The problem is that there’s this new girl. And she might be not be on the right side of things. She’s really talented and pretty, but she might be able to destroy everything he believes in. Whatever the case, he knows he needs to learn to be world class with the magic sword while he figures out what to do.

Brynn never gets out. Her grandfather won’t permit it. Her only access to the outside world are high fashion magazines, so she has an unusual idea what she should wear. She’s dying to get out and travel. And adopt animals. Any kind of animal. Is she a lonely future granny with cats or are her ridiculous clothes actually the next fashion craze? What possible role could she play in the destiny of the world?

Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is a fast-paced fantasy adventure for all ages (10 and up) and is the first of a planned trilogy. Fans of magic, swordplay, secret agents, and conspiracies set in a modern everyday world will not be able to put the book down. Jon Thomason is a debut author and paints a vivid world of magic right under our noses and delivers rapid-fire action that keeps the pages turning.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise

“Impressively inventive and enjoyable…vivid storytelling and exceptional characterization…Max’s personality is layered and complex…conveyed flawlessly…keeping readers intrigued and engaged…writing style is smooth, and a subtle sense of humor comes through…narrative tension builds at a good pace and easily flows toward a satisfying and exciting conclusion…parents are likely to both approve of the story and enjoy reading it themselves…talented writer…sure to find an appreciative audience that will eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.” — ForeWord Clarion Review

“Thomason shines in his heroine’s characterization…magical” –blueink Review

 

Download a FREE Copy!

Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is FREE from March 7th to 11th on AMAZON.

 

Author Jon Thomason
Jon Thomason lives with his family in San Diego, after many years living in the beautiful Seattle area. He has a successful career in high tech where he’s been fortunate enough to participate in many big-name industry releases.

Storytelling permeates everything he does. In the moments when Jon is not helping build the story of the tech world, he can almost always be found working on a project: writing, photography, videography, graphics design, or 3D art.

And he’s always careful to conceal his jinni magic abilities, though perhaps might slip one day and be discovered…

 

 

Links

Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads * Twitter

 

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$75 Amazon.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash (International)

Apple EarPods (US only)

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Title: The Samantha Project

Author: Stephanie Karpinske

Release date: November 15, 2012

Genre:  Science Fiction/Romance/Thriller

Age Group: Young Adult

Buy Links:   Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Andrews has a seemingly perfect life; great parents, early admission to Stanford, and a boyfriend who just happens to be the hottest guy in school. But a dark secret from her past turns her world upside down. Sam discovers she’s part of a global corporation’s genetic enhancement project. And just as she’s learning what these enhanced genes can do, the corporation decides they want her, and the technology inside her, back!

During a heart-pounding race to flee from her pursuers, she encounters another person who was part of the experimental project. He’s tall, blond, tan and completely irresistible! And he can read her thoughts!! Together, they’re both in danger and a rogue scientist discovers yet another secret lies inside them.

Excerpt

“I heard you were going to the dance. That’s a first.” I looked up to find Caitlyn Morgan staring down at me, her eyes barely visible behind the bright blond hair that was always falling on her face. Her short cheerleading skirt showed off her fake tan, which looked orange in the fluorescent lighting of the cafeteria.

“I’ll be there,” I muttered, keeping my eyes on my book.

“You don’t have to go, you know. Colin would be fine going on his own. Caitlyn can keep him company.” This time it was Stacey talking, twisting her dark brown hair around her finger as she talked. She also wore a cheerleader uniform and had the same orange glow as Caitlyn. They must have gone to the same tanning place.

“I’m sure he would love that,” I said, “if he loved brainless cheerleaders whose only goal in life is to get laid by the entire football team.”

I regretted saying it as soon the words came out. Caitlyn had a way of bringing out the worst in me. I had never liked her, but then when she and Colin dated, I grew to hate her, even though I knew that wasn’t a good reason to hate someone. After all, Colin had a part in the two of them dating and I didn’t hate him.

I never understood what Colin was thinking dating her. Sure, it was years ago, but really? Caitlyn? He couldn’t have picked someone else? Anyone? I looked back to find Colin still waiting in line. What was taking him so long?

“You’re so jealous of us, Sam. It’s really pathetic,” Caitlyn said, sweeping her long hair out of her face. “And in case you forgot, I’ve already had Colin. Maybe it’s time to take him back. I only left him alone because I felt sorry for you and what a loser you are. But now that you’re technically graduating in a few weeks, I think it’s time for some competition. What do you think, Stacey?”

“Definitely. I love competition, especially when it involves Colin. Go Caitlyn!” Stacey did a little mock cheer, waving some fake pompoms in the air.

I could feel my face heating up but didn’t want to give them the satisfaction that they were getting to me. “Well, good luck with that.”

“It’s like you always say, Sam. A girl’s gotta have goals.” She straightened up to stick her chest out as she looked behind me. “And here he comes now. Hi, Colin. You look really hot today. I love that shirt.”

Caitlyn walked past him, brushing her chest on his arm as she turned. Stacey followed close behind. I felt sick, remembering why I wanted to graduate early.

About the Author

A former editor for a publishing company, Stephanie Karpinske has worked on several bestselling nonfiction books. Now she freelances full-time, writing for a variety of books and national magazines. The Samantha Project is her debut YA novel and is the first in The Samantha Project series. Stephanie lives in Des Moines, Iowa.  You can find her on Twitter or on Goodreads.

Red Madrassa by Terah Edun
A magical accident threw them together. But when Fate holds all the cards, it can be impossible to tell the difference between pure chance and Destiny…

The Madrassa, a magical school for mage practitioners, is the stuff of legend. With selective entrance exams and quotas for only the most advanced of mage children, it’s almost impossible to attend.

When Allorna, a guardian trainee for the royal family, ends up on the doorstep of the citadel on the eve of the final day of a recruitment ceremony, she decides it must be fate.

She was sure she knew the path her life would take before she enrolled. But sometimes life has a way of throwing in magical curveballs and strange friends, just to see if you’ll trip up.

Oh, and one of those friends is a mage accused of murder, another is a slightly psychotic dragon, the third a healer facing an existential crisis, and the last is a female storm-caller with more hidden secrets than a thief lord.

Do they all belong at the new school they call home?

Author Terah Edun
Terah Edun is a young adult  fantasy writer born and raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area, who transplanted to the Northeast region for college, and now lives in South Sudan. She writes the stories that she always loved to read as a young girl.

She prefers tales of adventure, magic, fellowship and courtship – in other words high fantasy. But she’s not adverse to the occasional contemporary fantasy coming her way. Sometimes you’ll see cloaks, daggers, independent and strong girls, independent and strong guys, sweet and soft spoken girls, sweet and soft spoken guys, markets, cute guys, sparkly magic and irritatingly know-it-all boys. The book she’s currently working on is SWORN TO RAISE,  the first in the Courtlight series.

Outside of writing, she’s a international development professional with a penchant for Starbucks.

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/28/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Title: The Crimson Hunt (Book One: Eldaen Light Chronicles)

Author: Victoria H. Smith

Release date: November 7, 2012

Genre: Science Fiction Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Buy Links:  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Print

Book Description:

College junior Ariel Richmond is working on year three of Project Normalcy.

Her house reeks of keggers past and her bestie is just a slight bit vulgar. But the thing is—they both aid in making life refreshingly uneventful.

So much for hard-earned mediocrity when Luca Grinaldi appears on the scene.

Luca’s sudden presence on campus is hard to ignore. Those bright eyes act like a beacon to unsuspecting females, and with features like his, he’s got to be moonlighting for GQ. Luca hopelessly captivates Ariel with his confidence and charisma, but the mysteries surrounding him make him nearly untouchable. And just when Ariel grows close enough to unlock his secrets, a tragic event sends her life in a downward spiral.

That steady life is no longer an option and allies quickly become scarce. The mysterious Luca seems to be the only one willing to help her—but with that trust comes the burden of his secrets. He has a dark mission of otherworldly proportions, and is willing to sacrifice as many lives as it takes to see it completed.

Gone are the days of simply maintaining normalcy, and if Ariel isn’t cautious with her trust, so soon may be her future.

Giveaway:
(1) eBook copy of The Crimson Hunt (Book One: Eldaen Light Chronicles). Open Internationally. eBooks will be in mobi, epub, and pdf formats gifted from Smashwords.

Want to win?  Fill out the form at the bottom of this post and a winner will be chosen on January 19th.

About the Author

Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the twenty-something characters she writes give her an earful about it.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, blogging, reading, and sending off a few tweets on Twitter when she can. She writes new adult fiction romance in the sub-genres of science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary, but really, anywhere her pen takes her she goes.

Author social media links: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Excerpt:

I continued my rigorous review of the material. But as the night went on, I didn’t gain much ground. There were about fifteen chapters in the first half of the semester’s lectures. I was only up to chapter eight. There’d never be enough time for me to get them down pat before the midterm tomorrow. I wanted to cry at the thought. Laying my head in my textbook, I hoped the words would materialize into my brain.

“I think the book works better if you are actually reading it.” A gentle laugh accompanied the words.

I jolted, startled by Luca’s sudden appearance. I quickly raised my head, hoping to God there weren’t any page marks indented into my face. I rubbed my eyes, and Luca’s beautiful face appeared before me. “Don’t be so mean. I’m stressing out here. The midterm is tomorrow.” I said this though I didn’t really mind that he poked fun at me. It was really cute to see him joke.

I couldn’t help but notice how hot he looked tonight with his strong build lining his t-shirt. He should never cover his beauty with clothes and such things. He also wore a heather-gray carpenter jacket. I hoped my cardigan was enough for the weather when I left tonight.

“I was not trying to be cruel. I was just stating a fact.” He laughed again and sat on the edge of the table.

I smiled, his laugher bringing my anxiety down a bit.

“What are you caught up on? May I be of any use?”

There were a lot of things he could help me with at this point, but none of them had to do with Zoology.

Ready Player One by author Ernest Cline was chosen by my book club as the November read.  This book was published in 2011 and there was a big contest that went along with it where the author gave away a DeLorean car (think Back to the Future and the flux capacitor!)

Synopsis:

The year is 2044 and the world is in near-ruins. The Great Recession has taken its toll on the world’s economy, and resources are scarce. The Internet and gaming culture have evolved into a creation known as OASIS, a massive multiplayer online simulation game created by James Halliday and Ogden Morrow of Gregarious Simulation Systems (GSS), formerly known as Gregarious Games. Halliday, with no heirs or other living family, dies suddenly and leaves a video will to those in OASIS and a book that was dubbed Anorak’s Almanac, which purports to be a volume written by James Halliday’s avatar Anorak in OASIS. The video says that whoever can collect three keys (Copper, Jade, and Crystal) that are hidden throughout the universe of OASIS and pass through the matching gates will receive his fortune and controlling stake in GSS. This becomes known as the Hunt and people immediately begin the search for Halliday’s Easter Egg. Those searching for the Egg are referred to as “gunters,” a truncation of “egg hunters.” Gunters devote an enormous amount of time to studying 1980s pop culture, the decade Halliday grew up in and was perpetually obsessed with, in the hope it will assist them with locating and solving the puzzles involved with the egg.

Thoughts:

Normally I am not a huge science fiction fan…but WOW was this book good!  I don’t know if it was all of the 80’s references and tech speak or what, but I could not put this book down.  I was up until midnight finishing the book because I had to know how it ended.  I had a suspicion (when you read a lot of books some things become somewhat predictable, but not how they get to that ending!) but was still surprised and some of the things that were revealed.

I definitely recommend this book, I don’t think you will be disappointed.  I give it 4 1/2 paws