Elemental Hunger by Elana Johnson

File Size: 1954 KB
Print Length: 283 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: AEJ Creative Works (June 9, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00KWF9PLI

The second installment in the Elemental series, a new futuristic fantasy for young adults and new adults, ELEMENTAL HUNGER is a full-length novel.

Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Kilpatrick can shoot fire from her hands, which would be great if she didn’t get blamed for a blazing inferno that kills 17 schoolmates. When Gabby is commanded to Manifest her Element, everyone knows what she is: a genetic abnormality. Not to mention guilty.

So she does two logical things to survive.
1. She runs.
2. She hacks off her hair to assume a new role—that of “Gabe”, because in her world, only boys are Firemakers.

Not only does she have to act like a guy, she has to pretend to know everything a Firemaker should know. When Gabby meets Airmaster Adam Gillman, he believes her act and pledges to serve on “Gabe’s” Council. But Adam has the mark of a sentry and spent years obeying Alex, the Supreme Elemental. And Alex wants Gabby-the-genetic-freak dead and gone before she can gather the magical protection of a full Council.

With Adam’s lies that sound like truths and rumors that Alex isn’t really a Firemaker—or a man—Gabby sets out to charter a Council of her own. In order to uncover the truth, Gabby will have to learn who she can trust, how to control her own power, and most of all, how to lead a Council of Elementals, most of whom have more control over their power than she does. If she can’t, she’ll find herself just like those 17 schoolmates: burned and six feet under.

Look for the third and final installment, ELEMENTAL RELEASE, an Elemental novella, coming on July 2, 2014.

You can purchase Elemental Hunger at the following Retailers:

        

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Book Nerd Spotlight

Elana Johnson is the author of the Possession series, which includes full-length novels POSSESSION, SURRENDER, and ABANDON, and short stories REGRET (ebook only) and RESIST (free). She is also the author of ELEVATED, a young adult contemporary romance novel-in-verse.

Her novella, ELEMENTAL RUSH, began a new futuristic fantasy series. ELEMENTAL HUNGER, a full-length novel, is the second part of the story. The series will conclude with ELEMENTAL RELEASE, the final novella, which will release on July 2, 2014.

Elana wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult novels. She runs a personal blog on publishing and is a founding author of the QueryTracker blog, a regular contributor to The League of Extraordinary Writers, and a co-organizer of WriteOnCon.

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West Sacramento May the Fourth be with You

Date: 05/04/2014
Nerds! Geeks! Star Wars! OH MMYYYYY!!!

Wrong fandom, I know, but just roll with it. The 2nd annual West Sacramento May the Fourth be with you was a huge success! This event raised over $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The organizers kept the convention cozy, focusing on the fans, and keeping it family-friendly. From the cosplay parade at noon to the vendor room, it was a day a lot of young Padawans-in-training (or simply the young at heart) got to express their love for the 30+ year franchise!

From Left to Right: Lord Vader as Brian, MiniBobaFett and Bertha.

The 501st had a wonderful showing of friendly stormtroopers protecting Lord Vader (*gasp* it wouldn’t be a Star Wars party without him!). The Mandalorian Jail was quite full all day with Mandos catching up on their bounties. 

Bounty caught by Cando Pax, MiniBobaFett and Tempest VonMerrik

The Golden Gate Knights were busy showing young Padawans proper lightsaber techniques. There was a Star Wars comedy show, a costume-building panel (put on by my other half, James Burns), and a lovely reading of Shakespeare’s rendition of Star Wars. And who could forget the two-table diorama display of Star Wars toys, courtesy of the Central Valley Garrison 501st’s own Myke Soler?!

Of course, I am a little biased of the event since I sat in on the planning committee. All that aside, it was still wonderfully run by SacGeeks and the West Sacramento Recreation and Parks District.

If you’re in the area, make sure to check out the West Sacramento May 2015 event, which will be morphing into a sci-fi convention. Although I can’t give out too many of the details, let’s just say Klingons may be involved next year. K-L-I-N-G-O-N-S!

Stay tuned to https://www.facebook.com/groups/westsacscifi/ for more information!

Photo Credit: James Vallesteros

Custom Building Panel

From Left to right: Eddie, Jacob and James

Thank you West Sacramento for hosting a successful event!

A Big Shout out to the Mandalorian Mercs.

Nerd Review by Talya!

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{Nerd Blast} VORTEX by S.J. Kincaid

Series: Insignia (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062093037
ISBN-13: 978-0062093035

Praise for VORTEX

“Kincaid lays a lot down, twining her increasingly complex plot and characterizations with Tom’s growing awareness. Action fans, fear not: For all the deep thinking Tom and readers undertake, pace, adventure and fun are not compromised one whit. A surprisingly and satisfyingly rich middle volume.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Elite teen-soldier Tom RainRaines is back in Kincaid’s popular Insignia sci-fi series, still battling the bad guys (aka his corporate bosses). The action again rises and the pace becomes more breathless. Vortex is ultimately a technological, high-concept boarding-school tale.” ―ALA Booklist

“Readers...will enjoy the action of this installment and will eagerly anticipate the next.” ―School Library Journal

Praise for INSIGNIA

“Insignia expertly combines humor with a disarming and highly realistic view of the future. The characters are real, funny, and memorable. You won’t be able to put this book down.” ―Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIVERGENT and INSURGENT

“Hip, high-tech, and hilarious, INSIGNIA made my heart soar and left me with impossible-to-shake questions about technology, reality, and war.” ―Rae Carson, author of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS

“Kincaid combines a Harry Potter-like teen discovering that he has unknown abilities being sent to a special boarding school with the Ender’s Game plotline of humanity’s space battles being fought remotely by juveniles. She adds espionage, corporate skullduggery and multiple mysterious enemies to create a blockbuster of a debut.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

“Fast-paced battles in a variety of virtual worlds will excite gamers of all levels... Insignia [will] make a popular series for readers who enjoy adventures, science fiction, and espionage.” ―Voice of Youth Advocates

“An unlikely teen is selected to attend Hogwarts-at-the-Pentagon. With action, real humor and a likable, complex protagonist, this fast-moving, satisfying adventure also provides some food for thought.” ―Kirkus Reviews

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.

You can purchase VORTEX at the following Retailers:

  

Photo Content from S.J. Kincaid

S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex was released in July of 2013. The final book in the trilogy, Catalyst, came out October 28, 2014. Her standalone novel The Diabolic will be released in fall 2016.

        

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VORTEX by S.J. Kincaid

Series: Insignia (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062093037
ISBN-13: 978-0062093035

Praise for VORTEX

“Kincaid lays a lot down, twining her increasingly complex plot and characterizations with Tom’s growing awareness. Action fans, fear not: For all the deep thinking Tom and readers undertake, pace, adventure and fun are not compromised one whit. A surprisingly and satisfyingly rich middle volume.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Elite teen-soldier Tom RainRaines is back in Kincaid’s popular Insignia sci-fi series, still battling the bad guys (aka his corporate bosses). The action again rises and the pace becomes more breathless. Vortex is ultimately a technological, high-concept boarding-school tale.” ―ALA Booklist

“Readers...will enjoy the action of this installment and will eagerly anticipate the next.” ―School Library Journal

Praise for INSIGNIA

“Insignia expertly combines humor with a disarming and highly realistic view of the future. The characters are real, funny, and memorable. You won’t be able to put this book down.” ―Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIVERGENT and INSURGENT

“Hip, high-tech, and hilarious, INSIGNIA made my heart soar and left me with impossible-to-shake questions about technology, reality, and war.” ―Rae Carson, author of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS

“Kincaid combines a Harry Potter-like teen discovering that he has unknown abilities being sent to a special boarding school with the Ender’s Game plotline of humanity’s space battles being fought remotely by juveniles. She adds espionage, corporate skullduggery and multiple mysterious enemies to create a blockbuster of a debut.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

“Fast-paced battles in a variety of virtual worlds will excite gamers of all levels... Insignia [will] make a popular series for readers who enjoy adventures, science fiction, and espionage.” ―Voice of Youth Advocates

“An unlikely teen is selected to attend Hogwarts-at-the-Pentagon. With action, real humor and a likable, complex protagonist, this fast-moving, satisfying adventure also provides some food for thought.” ―Kirkus Reviews

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.

You can purchase VORTEX at the following Retailers:

Photo Content from S.J. Kincaid

S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex was released in July of 2013. The final book in the trilogy, Catalyst, came out October 28, 2014. Her standalone novel The Diabolic will be released in fall 2016.

        

WEEK ONE 

JULY 2nd WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW

JULY 3rd THURSDAY We Fancy Books TENS LIST

JULY 4th FRIDAY Captivated Reading FAVORITE BOOKS

JULY 5th SATURDAY Blissful Book Reviews REVIEW & RANDOM THINGS

JULY 6th SUNDAY To Read is Divine GUEST POST & EXCERPT

WEEK TWO

JULY 7th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW & EXCERPT

JULY 8th TUESDAY The Solitary Bookworm REVIEW & DREAM CAST

JULY 9th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within a Dream MUSIC PLAYLIST

JULY 10th THURSDAY Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW & EXCERPT

JULY 11th FRIDAY Swoony Boys Podcast REVIEW & INTERVIEW

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Vlog Post with John David Anderson

Photo Content from John David Anderson

John David Anderson writes novels for young people and then, occasionally, gets them published. Besides Minion, he is the author of Sidekicked, and Standard Hero Behavior. He lives with his patient wife and brilliant twins in Indianapolis, Indiana, right next to a State park and a Walmart. He enjoys hiking, reading, chocolate, spending time with his family, playing the piano, chocolate, making board games, chocolate, not putting away his laundry, watching movies, and chocolate. Those aren't his real teeth.

      

MINION by John David Anderson

Published by Walden Pond Press

June 24, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-0062133113

Praise for MINION

“One of the pleasures of superhero stories is guessing what’s coming next, but the joy here is that most of the time readers will guess wrong. Michael is as complex as the best Marvel and DC characters, and his dialogue is just as funny.” ―Kirkus Reviews

"In this companion to Sidekicked, Anderson introduces a fascinating new cast of characters. The real strength lies in the writing, with its humorous, vivid descriptions, and strong, original voice. There are also several mysteries to keep readers intrigued, [and] interesting questions about good and evil and the ethics of coercion are explored. The story has a high-pitched climax, complete with a truly evil supervillain, yet leaves plenty of room for a sequel. This is an engaging, thought-provoking novel for middle-grade superhero fans." ―School Library Journal

TEACHER'S GUIDE 

Michael Morn might be a villain, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy. When you live in New Liberty, the City Without a Hero, you sometimes have to turn to crime to get by. Michael and his Dad do what they have to in order to survive. But then a Super named The Comet comes to town and Michael’s world is thrown into disarray. The Comet could destroy everything Michael and his dad have built. Soon Michael must decide whose side he is on, and how far he is willing to go save the people he cares for most. This coming-of-age story is a companion novel to SIDEKICKED, but is a stand-alone story. The reading level and vocabulary are ideal for grades 5 through 8. Be aware, there are moments of comic-book style violence. The novel also addresses complex issues of morality, family structure, trust, and spirituality.

"If I was a supervillain, my name would be the Influencer or Mr. Manipulative or Dr. Suggestive--though I guess that last one's got more of a late-night cable television ring to it. I would wear an all-black bodysuit with a picture of a skull on the front, except instead of eye sockets there would be those little swirlies that hypnotists and magicians use, the ones that seem to spin forever like a bathtub that won't stop draining. And would also have rocket boots, because why not."

John David Anderson returns to the world he created in Sidekicked with an entirely new cast of characters-this time the villains-in a funny and emotional companion to his first breakout tween novel.

Michael Morn might be a villain, but he's really not a bad guy. When you live in New Liberty, known across the country as the City without a Super, there are only two kinds of people, after all: those who turn to crime and those who suffer. Michael and his adoptive father spend their days building boxes-special devices with mysterious abilities that they sell to the mob at a price. They provide for each other, they look out for each other, and they'd never betray each other. In New Liberty, a city torn apart by the divide between the rich and the poor, the moral and the immoral, this is as much of a family as anyone could ever hope for.

But then a Super comes to town, a mysterious blue streak in the sky known only as the Comet, and Michael's world is thrown into disarray. The Comet could destroy everything Michael and his dad have built, the safe and secure life they've made for themselves in a city where safety and security are scarce. And now Michael and his father face a choice: to hold tight to their life, or to let it unravel.

Michael Marion Magdalene Morn is a normal kid with one big secret. He can control people with his eyes! He lives in the lousy part of New Liberty, their town, in a place owned by a man named Tony Romano. The one person Michael told about his power is his friend Zach, aka Spike, who is called Spike because of the three inch spikes that he can shoot out of his skin. Zach tells his boss, Tony Romano, about Michael's superpower. Michael goes with the Romano clan to see Mickey "Six Fingers" Maloney. Tony and Mickey have a 'chat'. The 'chat' ended in conflict and Michael gets hurt. In the middle of the news the next day a villain appears on the screen of the TV. He will take over the town the next day. Michael tries to save the day by going to the villain's lair and stopping him. However, this does not work out and someone saves Michael. He leaves the scene and runs away. His next job is to save his father. 

I immensely enjoyed Minion, it is a really awesome book because of all the action between characters. Here are a few of my favorite things about it. 1. All of the back story. Minion is a sequel but it is OK if you have not read Sidekicked because this book does a great job filling you in on what you missed. 2. The descriptions are good. Especially the wonderful descriptions of Michael's house, his dad, Zach and the villain's lair. 3. The many conflicts and fights were balanced out between other things. I thought Minion was a very good book and I hope you like it as much as I did.

You can purchase MINION at the following Retailers:

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you JOHN DAVID ANDERSON for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of Minion by John David Anderson.

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