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In Which I Apologize!

1/27/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

Sorry I’ve been so … missing … from my own blog lately. The holidays were pure insanity and even though it’s nearly the end of January, I’m just getting back into a somewhat normal schedule!

Beyond the scheduling, I’m really just trying to immerse myself into drafting/writing/torturing myself with TWO new manuscript. Yes, you heard that right. TWO. How am I doing it? I have no idea. They both include relatively ginormous casts of characters. My only saving grace is one manuscript is in first person and one is in third person, so it helps me to switch gears in that regard.

Anyway. Saw this quote. Had to share. And say I’m sorry, hopefully I’ll be posting more (and sharing good news) soon! 2012 is the year baby :)

Filed Under: Writing

Bookanista Thursday: A Million Suns

1/26/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

This week for Bookanista Thursday I’m talking about A Million Suns by Beth Revis. Being somewhat of a rocket scientist (haven’t read my bio yet?) I raced through both Across the Universe and A Million Suns at a rapid pace, devouring up anything to do with space travel and the future..

And I have to admit, I liked the sequel better!

As a total science and numbers geek, I had a couple of problems with Across the Universe that weren’t quite explained by the novel’s end. I had seen interviews with Beth that said, “Wait! I have explanations! They are coming.” so I waited for the sequel. Somewhat impatiently :)

And guess what? They were explained!

But not only that, what I absolutely LOVED about A Million Suns is that it was it’s own book. It didn’t suffer from sequel-failure that I’ve encountered in so-so-so many series lately. The book didn’t just revolve around a romance falling apart (which is a middle book crutch many series use). No, this had action, and revolting, and … hmm … I wish I could tell you, but I don’t want to spoil it … but it had OHMIGOD REALLY?! factor that reminded me in a small way ofEnder’s Game, which I just read a few weeks ago for the first time.

Both Amy and Elder grow up a little more in this book – and you can definitely relate to their inner and outer struggles. Amy misses her parents and isn’t sure if she should wake them, and she also pushes down here feelings for Elder for fear that they are contrived only because he’s the single male her age on the ship. Elder is dealing with an entire ship in revolt and worried that he’s not meant for his position in power.

Then of course there are the twists and turns that keep you reading up all night … and waiting impatiently for Shades of Earth.

Definitely pick up a copy today!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He’s finally free to enact his vision – no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading

Bookanista Thursday: Under the Never Sky

1/19/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

This week I’m sharing the amazing Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person last week at the San Diego book signing (she was very sweet!) and then devoured the book in less than 24 hours. YES it is THAT good! And I can honestly say I’ve had a hard time getting into any books lately, so that should be a testament to her plot and pacing.

I’ll admit that the premise had me a little leery … dystopian, dual POV, one person in the “saved dome” while the other person is in the “wilds.” Sounds familiar, right?

Except it wasn’t. It SO wasn’t. You may think you know what to expect, but you don’t. Sure the novel touches on growth of technology vs. lack of technology, survival instincts, etc. But Veronica introduces so many new elements (I don’t want to spoil your read by telling you what they are) that I was firmly engrossed by the first chapter.

I also adored both characters. They are both flawed. They are both leery. They are both a little selfish. And even though they are from completely different “worlds” you can identify with each of them. You root for Aria and Perry and want them to succeed, even though their goals are separate and distinct.

Did I mention the pacing was impeccable? Yeah. It was :) Just enough action and twists and turns, coupled with quiet moments to let you sink further into the world and revel in the landscape.

Definitely pick up a copy today!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love – one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading

Bookanista Thursday: Ashfall

1/5/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

This week I’m fangirl gushing over Ashfall by Mike Mullin. I snagged this book after seeing a couple of people chat about it on Twitter. It seemed my kind of dystopian/post-apocalyptic type novel.

Except it wasn’t.

It was today. Modern day. With a supervolcano eruption.

Ashfall is frightening. It is honest and scary and it shows you just how dependent of a society we have become … dependent on our food sources and technology, electricity and communication.

Mike’s characters are smart and resourceful. I fear that I would fail and flounder in this situation. I would be one of the victims. And that is scary. It also kept me reading, wanting to learn, and wanting to make sure these characters survived.

I’m always a sucker for boy POV and Alex was the perfect teen boy with teen boy impulses. And Darla is this strong, independent, amazing character.

This novel is definitely not for the faint of heart. There is fighting. There is rape. There is murder. But none of it feels gratuitous. It feels like civilization dealing with the aftermath of a cataclysmic event.

It is scary.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don’t know it’s there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading
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