Posts Categorized: simon schuster

BIR2010 YA Prize Pack #1

10 Dec, 2010 by in simon schuster 11 comments

We are so excited with the response we’ve had for out Best I’ve Read 2010 Giveaways. Welcome to all of our new followers and readers! Be sure to click on BIR right sidebar button to be routed to our main contest page. Giveways are going daily until December 15th on 8 other blogs as well!

Our Prize Pack today is for two YA books: Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry and Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry.

Secondhand Charm
By Julie Berry
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published October 12th 2010
by Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
http://bookgargoyle.blogspot.com/

Summary: In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy’s charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason’s apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king’s carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Berry’s debut novel garnered glowing reviews and strong sales—and now she’s done it again with a beautifully woven tale to keep all readers, young and old, absolutely charmed.


Rot & Ruin
By Jonathan Maberry
Published by Simon & Schuster
Released: October 5, 2010
http://jonathanmaberry.com/

Summary: In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn’t want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.

Win both books, open to ship to the US only by entering below. Giveaway ends December 15, 2010.

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Sarah Rees Brennan Giveaway

08 Dec, 2010 by in sarah rees brennan, simon schuster 9 comments

The Demon’s Covenant
By Sarah Rees Brennan
Published by Margaret K. McElderry
(Simon & Schuster)
Released on May 18th, 2010
http://sarahreesbrennan.com/

Summary: Mae Crawford’s always thought of herself as in control, but in the last few weeks her life has changed. Her younger brother, Jamie, suddenly has magical powers, and she’s even more unsettled when she realizes that Gerald, the new leader of the Obsidian Circle, is trying to persuade Jamie to join the magicians. Even worse? Jamie hasn’t told Mae a thing about any of it. Mae turns to brothers Nick and Alan to help her rescue Jamie, but they are in danger from Gerald themselves because he wants to steal Nick’s powers. Will Mae be able to find a way to save everyone she cares about from the power-hungry magician’s carefully laid trap? (quoted from goodreads).

Sarah has donated one copy of The Demon’s Covenant for BIR2010. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends December 15, 2010. Fill out this form to enter

Cassandra Clare Teaser Giveaway

08 Dec, 2010 by in simon schuster, YA fiction 6 comments

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster
Release Date: August 2010
http://cassandraclare.com/cms/home

Book Summary (from Simon & Schuster): Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

See our Cassandra Clare inspired jewelry and journals on Etsy here.

We have two copies of Clockwork Angel for our US blog readers donated for BIR2010 by Cassandra Clare and Simon Schuster. To enter please fill out this form.

Mom’s Monday: Candy Fairies Series

15 Nov, 2010 by in simon schuster 3 comments

We picked up our first book in the Candy Fairies series a couple of weeks ago for my second grader and she is hooked. The “magically delicious” books are easy to read and contain various fairy adventures. I’m adding the entire set to our Christmas Wish List. Published by Simon and and Schuster, they make a perfect chapter book gift for ages 5-9. Five stars from mom and a thumbs up from my toughest critic.


About the Author “Helen Perelman enjoys candy from all parts of Sugar Valley, but jellybeans, red licorice, and gummy fish are her favorites. She worked in a children’s bookstore, and was a children’s book editor…but sadly she never worked in a candy store. She now writes full time in New York City where she lives with her husband and two daughters.” Visit her at http://www.helenperelman.com/.

Review & Giveaway- Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

19 Oct, 2010 by in simon schuster 49 comments

Hardcover, 427 pages
Published October 19th 2010
by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
series Hush, Hush #2
5 stars

Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can’t figure out if it’s for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father’s death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn’t answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

First of all I have to thank FallenArchangel.com for giving me a sneak peek at the ARC of Crescendo….Which may I say was incredible! I stayed up way past my bedtime with my little night light the same day I got it in the mail and read the 400+pages in less than 24 hours. It’s one of those series you will not be able to put down once you start, and then you’ll be hooked on Patch like the rest of us.

The book picks up right after the last scene in Hush, Hush and Patch has been assigned as Nora’s guardian Angel. Their relationship is full-speed ahead. Enter visions of the murder of Nora’s father, Marcie Millar her arch nemesis and a childhood friend gone bad Scott Parnell. Things are about to get complicated. Suddenly Patch is hanging out with Marcie way more than normal, Nora is plagued by dreams of the past and her best friend Vee is dating Patch’s best friend Rixon.

What I love about Becca Fitzpatrick is that she adds so many twists and turns to the plot you have no idea who is good and who is bad. Crescendo fleshes out more of the history behind Nora’s family and the archangels. Readers spend the whole time trying to help unravel the mystery behind what really killed Nora’s dad and what in the world is going on! The ending is a literal roller coaster, action packed thrill ride. And when the dust settles and you think all is peaceful…think again.

GO GET THIS BOOK NOW! 5 stars to a heart stopping adventure with plenty of surprises. Happy Book Birthday Becca Fitzpatrick! Be sure to stop by The Story Siren today to see Becca reading a cookie leading up to her favorite scene.



Comment below for a chance to win one of 18 handmade Hush Hush/ Crescendo inspired items out of our etsy store. Click to view then pick your poison! Contest ends November 14, 2010 and is open internationally.

Chasing Brooklyn By Lisa Schroeder

09 Jul, 2010 by in simon schuster 1 comment

book data Chasing Brooklyn
published January 5th 2010 by Simon and Schuster
details Hardcover, 412 pages
literary awards YALSA Best Fiction Nominee for Young Adults (2010)
isbn 1416991689
4 stars
Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe’s ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn’t Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they’re being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

Lisa Schroeder is an amazing and inspiring author that I discovered in January when I picked up “Far From You” off of our local library shelves. It was one of my very favorites so far and I was thrilled she had more books out there. Chasing Brooklyn is written in her signature style of poetic verse which makes for a short and emotional read. I am amazed at how deeply one can connect to the story in so few words. Truly each of Lisa’s books are a masterpiece.
This one was a bit more creepy and eery with a paranormal element. Brooklyn and Nico’s alternate writing journal entries about their joint loss of Lucca. Both are haunted by their dead friends and each has a journey of healing from the loss. You will sympathize with their grief and deep longing to resolve nightmares and the sense of being haunted. Schroder writes in a way that teens will understand. The voice is resoundingly one of healing and endurance. She teaches that thick in the midst of loss there is hope through love, through learning to trust again.
What I like:
  • the musical references in the book
  • the picnic scene and description of how Nicco and Brooklyn feel towards each other as feelings start to develop. The kiss!
  • That the two main characters are training for a triathlon together. They have something they are working toward and they are strong, each in their own way.
  • Nicco is an incredible person. He does his best to pull Brooklyn out of her depression while holding onto himself. It’s admirable that neither one of the main characters jumps into love quickly. It is a slow going process of getting to know each other and supporting one another.
Would love to have seen more of:
  • an ending. I was so disappointed when I turned to the last page. I wanted to know more about Brooklyn, Nico and Lucca and less about Gabe. He was just a little too creepy for me. In short, once you’ve started this story, you can’t get enough! Truly hoping Lisa writes another companion novel to complete what was started with “I Love you. You Haunt Me.” If you haven’t picked up any of Lisa Schroeder’s books, you must! They are a guaranteed good read.

Mom’s Monday Book Giveaway

24 May, 2010 by in scholastic, simon schuster, spiderwick chronicles 31 comments

For Mom’s Monday we are giving away a prize pack of four fabulous books:

Troll Trouble Spiderwick Chronicles Special Edition by Holly Black
The SpiderWick Chronicles Number 2 The Seeing Stone by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
The 39 Clues #3 The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis

Simply leave your name and email address in a comment below to enter
Contest ends June 24, 2010

In My Mailbox

26 Mar, 2010 by in simon schuster, utah authors 3 comments

Spiderwick Chronicles #2,4-bought used for my kiddos
Fablehaven boxed set-Won from Simon Schuster
So Yesterday by Scott Westerfield-bought used
Sweep by Kate Tiernan– bought used
Vampire Diaries by L.H. Smith-bought used
This Lullabye by Sarah Dessen -Giving Away, stay tuned!
Missing by Utah author Sandra Gibb Hinrichson-in the mail to review
Love Your Body by Brooke Parker PHD- in the mail to review
Zan-Gah books- in the mail to review
Shakepeare picture books- bought used
Bedtime at the Swamp, Cool Daddy Rat and The Middle Child Blues
by Utah author Kristyn Crow-in the mail to review

Waiting on Wednesday "Crescendo"

10 Feb, 2010 by in simon schuster 3 comments

CRESCENDO by Becca Fitzpatrick
Synopsis From Goodreads …to be released
September 30th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children’s (first published 2010)

details Hardcover, 416 pages

url http://beccafitzpatrick.com/index.html

description: Nora should know better than to think her life can return to normal after falling in love with a fallen angel. And Nora’s life isn’t normal – her dad was murdered, and the facts about his death just don’t add up. Now Nora’s own life is in imminent danger. Are she and Patch strong enough for the battle ahead?

Hush, Hush is one of my favorite reads of last year and really, who doesn’t love bad boy Patch? I can;t wait to hear what happens from here! In the meantime enjoy YouTube videos, the playlist, Becca’s website. The official Hush, Hush fan site, Fallen Archangel is having a Valentine’s Giveaway right now. Go on over and Enter to win some of our Patch inspired jewelry!

Photobucket

Playlist to Crescendo http://beccafitzpatrick.com/playlistwhitehot.html

Mom’s Monday-Alice in Wonderland Pop Up

01 Feb, 2010 by in robert sabuda, simon schuster Leave a comment

Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s;
New edition edition (3 Nov 2003)
ISBN-10: 0689837593
4 stars
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is Robert Sabuda’s most amazing creation ever, featuring stunning pop-ups illustrated in John Tenniel’s classic style. The text is faithful to Lewis Carroll’s original story, and special effects like a Victorian peep show, multifaceted foil, and tactile elements make this a pop-up to read and admire again and again.
My father gave this to my children for Christmas because our family adores pop up books. My kids would spend hours looking through all of the surprises in here. There are even little books placed within the book to pull out and read. You will feel like you are right in the forest as green trees burst from the first scene. The cover is sturdy, but the pages are very fragile and not for young children! A great gift for fans of the classic Lewis Carroll tale!