Blitz + 2 #Giveaways: Impervious by @HLetto2

Impervious by Heather Letto

(Ascension #1)

Publication date: April 29th 2014

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

The residents of Impervious are the remnant, the
survivors of the war of Annihilation. And though the
city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in the corners, haunting the residents with its presence. The Beast, a mysterious and terminal illness killed off most of Generations One, Two, and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage, a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death incites a cultural rage. But Fran lives counter-culture, off the grid in true rebel fashion. With a life far from opulent, she scurries through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals with Pete while ditching the holographic security team. To her, it's a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can't steal her sliver of hope, a belief that she'll see The Epoch arrive before The Beast can pull her into its Fetid embrace.

[Add Impervious to Goodreads]
Purchase:

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Hey there! Thank you, so much, for including me on your blog today and getting the word out about the re-release of Impervious. (Book 1 of The Ascension Series.)

You said re-release? Tell us about the Impervious journey.
Impervious first launched last year (almost to the day… wow!), by Bookfish Books. (Waving to friends at Bookfish!) They were a great team, and I’m so grateful for the springboard they lent me last year. However, we did part company in the fall of 2014 when we realized we were heading in different directions with The Ascension Series. So, after kicking around the idea for a bit, I decided… “What the heck..let’s go indie!”

Indie, huh? What do you think of independent publishing.
Although Indie publishing wasn’t originally on my bucket list, I can now say I’m happy to have gone down this path. The experience wasn’t as technically challenging as I feared it might be, and to be honest, learning to manage the ‘guts’ of the biz has given me extra nugget of satisfaction in my book.
One thing, I must admit, however… Sailing the immense Literature Ocean in a tiny self-made boat is a bit daunting (and lonely?) Therefore my advice to anyone seeking this path would be surround yourself with professionals and pick their brains… a lot!

Be honest… is there any Heather Letto in your main character?
Sighhhhh. Yes. Fran is snark. And being that I’m all grown up, I probably should have surpassed this particular quirk. However, I must admit, snarkdom is in my bones. I want to be nice, really I do…
But in all seriousness, Fran’s journey of discovery from Impervious to the Open Air was very similar to my own Christian journey. Whether you call Impervious an allegory (Like Narnia) or perhaps my testimony, both Fran and I have walked (or crawled?) a similar path.

What’s next?
Well, God-willing, the sequel to Impervious (Implanted—Book 2 in The Ascension Series) will be on the shelves June 1st! (Just in time for that poolside read). I’m hoping to have the final book in the series available for a spring 2016 release.

Last but not least, we need some dirt on you… Give us something weird!
Okay, weird or not, I’ll let you decide, but here’s a secret: My husband and I have run away from home! Seriously. Last year, we packed up our house (well, more like gave away half our belongings and stored the other half), and became full time RV’ers! Therefore, we live in a constant state of flux (and we love it!!) We call ourselves Gypsy Nerds. (He programs software, I write books… total nerds!). (If you care to follow along in our travels, feel free at www.lettotravels.wordpress.com)
So there you have it!

 

I’m a book-writing, selfie-taking, latte-drinking, social media gal. I’m living a good life on the road as a full-fledged Bedouin (Well, except, my tent is actually a fully-equipped RV.) Me and my partner-in-crime (Benj) tend to hunker down wherever the skies are clear and the temps stay in the 70’s. We call ourselves Gypsy Nerds because we aimlessly wander the U.S. with glasses perched upon our noses and faces jammed into computer screens (for the first half the day... The second half of the day is typically devoted to playing because we’re also somewhat immature.)

Like most authors, the characters I create are my extended family. And like most readers, when the story ends, I get a little sad. In real life, I have two handsome, hardworking, grown-up boys who know how to make their Mama proud! *Waves to Joey and Mike!*

The Ascension Series is my debut into the world of YA fiction.

I’m living what I love and loving what I live!

[Website | Twitter]

There are two giveaways for this blitz.

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Review: Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

(Vivian Apple #1)

Genres: Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble]

Seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in
the evangelical Church of America, unlike her
recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed "Rapture," all that’s left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country roadtrip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.

Dear Universe, I say. Make me less meek, make me less afraid.

Dear Universe, make me the hero of my own story.

  Holy crap. Vivian Apple rocked my world! I read this book in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down. One of the things that really stood out to me and drove my need to devour this book was that it could really happen. With most dystopians and post-apocalyptic novels, I can go to bed knowing that society is still far from breaking down to that length. But with Vivian Apple at the End of the World, it could happen. A religious cult catering to America's thirst for everything patriotic and religious? Half-way there right now.

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  The road trip aspect to this story was really appealing. The mash-up of so many great things--road trip, religious cult, end of the world, coming into your own skin, and a strong friendship--are what made this book so great. It's the quintessential Young Adult novel. While it has all of these things, I never felt like they over-powered each other. Everything co-existed harmoniously and were woven together in such a way that only made the book that much more amazing.

It doesn't actually matter where we came from, or where we're going, or when. The only thing that matters is what we have to do while we're here and how well we do it.

  Vivian Apple was such a great character. The way that Katie Coyle writes her is so great. Her growth is fluid and admirable, and I have so much love for her. She's strong and determined without being a Mary Sue. That's so rare in YA, y'all. The other characters are all really wonderful, too! I want to know more from Harp, Vivian's best friend. She was such a rich character, and I enjoyed her so much. There's even a hint of romance to make my sappy heart happy!

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  Katie Coyle has managed to put nearly everything I love about Young Adult in this book and tied it up with a neat little bow. It was an amazing read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I need more Vivian Apple in my life! 

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

All quotations were taken from an Advanced Reader's Copy and may not be the same in the final version.

Review: Asylum by Shana Festa

Asylum by Shana Festa

Time of Death Book Two

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo]

Surviving the journey is just the beginning.

The last two months have brought nothing but death and destruction for Emma Rossi. She survived the initial zombie outbreak with her husband, Jake, and their dog, Daphne, but the cost was steep: Sanibel has fallen.

In a world where the only constant is change, the group is pushed to their limits before reaching the gates of Asylum, a coastal stronghold in Sarasota, Florida.

Once again, Emma must navigate an apocalyptic wasteland filled with relentless hordes of the undead and other menacing horrors that threaten her survival.

Only thing is certain. No one is safe from what lurks on either side of Asylum's gates. Asylum may offer more than just safety.

Sanity will be tested; and many won't live to tell the tale.

  Wow! Shana Festa has totally outdone herself with Asylum! I loved Induction, but Asylum blew me away. Just in the span of two books, I'm absolutely sold--hook, line, and sinker-- on Shana Festa's writing. This book picks up exactly where the last one left off and doesn't give the reader a moment to catch their breath before they're thrown back into the action. It is jam packed with nail biting moments that will haunt you the entire time you're reading!

  One of the few things that bothered me with the first book was Emma herself. But that totally turned around during Asylum. I adore her and her snark. There are a lot of changes during Asylum. Some of them come on slowly and others just crash into you with no warning. It was really interesting to see how these changes played out with different characters. I was not expecting some of the things that transpired in more ways than one! There are new characters introduced in this book, too. Shana does a good job of making each of her characters their own person that are interesting to get to know.

  As soon as I finished Asylum, I tried to figure out when the next book will be here. It was so fast paced and action packed that I flew through it. At times I wanted to slow down and soak it in more, but I just had to know what was going to happen next! There's not a single reason why zomb-fic fans shouldn't pick up Asylum. It's holycrapbbqsauce AMAZING.

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

Review & Giveaway: Are We Dead Yet? by Hannah Trank

Are We Dead Yet? by Hannah Trank

(Til Death Book One)

Genre: Post-apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon]

It's been a year since the infection started. Ariel and
her small group have been working their way up the
Oregon coast line ever since. It was a fairly straight routine, scavenge, kill, and sleep. Until Finn shows up bringing along with him a whole new mess of problems, proving that zombies aren't always the worst thing out there and when you combine them with what is, you get a chaotic mess of death, betrayal, and hopelessness.

***Due to violence and mild language, this book is not recommended for readers under 15.

  Y'all, I just cannot get enough zombie reads. I blame my obsession on Tracey Ward, and she's how I found out about Hannah Trank's Are We Dead Yet?. And wow! I adored this book. Trank's writing quickly put me in the mind of Tracey's Survival Series but she was able to put her own spin on things that made me so happy to have found yet another zombie author to count on!

  Ariel was a character that I really enjoyed. From the very first moment that she was introduced, I knew I'd be rooting for her. She's a strong character and I love how the author writes her. There's hints of romance, and I like the way they are woven into the story. They never outshine the other parts; everything fits together in a realistic and intriguing way.

  There is a cliffhanger and I gave my Kindle major side-eye whenever I got to it! But I'm already chomping at the bit for the next book in this series! Hannah Trank is a refreshing breath of fresh air and I cannot wait to see more from her. She has so much promise, and I cannot wait to continue this series. Fans of zombies will love this new edition to the genre! 

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

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Review: Into the Darkness by Kira Adams

Happy Book Birthday, Into the Darkness!!!

Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon]

It was supposed to be a way to end the devastation in the Middle East, but

instead a darkness is unleashed unlike anything the world has ever seen before.

Ike Glass is well versed in chaos, but even he is unprepared for what the world will become after the outbreak. Ace Cullen has been loyal to his country ever since he was brought to the states as a young boy, but it’s difficult to stand by a country that can’t even take responsibility for their own actions. Phoenix Blue just wants a night of mindless sex… is that too much to ask? Always a black sheep, she shocks everyone as she finds the strength inside herself to protect the ones she cares about, and fight to see another day. They were strangers when the virus took over, but tragedy will bring them together in ways they never thought possible as they descend into the darkness.

  Holy Batman, ZOMBIES! I've loved all of Kira Adams' book, but whenever she told me about this book I was over the moon excited. Zombies and I go way back. It's just my thing, y'all. And let me tell you, Kira doesn't disappoint with Into the Darkness! She's able to put a whole lot of awesome into this book!

  At first, I was torn about Phoenix. She definitely has an attitude. But she's real. I cannot imagine going through what she experiences without having some sort of mood disruption. There are so many impossible situations that she faces head on without even blinking. And Cullen? Shew. It look a minute for me to fall for him, but once I did, I fell hard and fast. Who can say no to a British accent anyways?!

  This book truly is amazing. There's everything you could want. A main character that isn't a pansy, a swoon-worthy British man, zombies!, and twists and turns that you'll never see coming! If you're a post-apocalyptic fan, you will surely love Into the Darkness. I know I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

Review: Induction by Shana Festa

Induction by Shana Festa

(Time of Death #1)

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble]

When no one or nowhere is safe, where do you go to
escape the monsters?

In a few short days, 37 year old Emma Rossi’s hard work will finally pay off. She will don her cap and gown and graduate with a degree in nursing, but not before she loses her first patient and is confronted with a new reality. In Cape Coral, Florida, a storm approaches. The dead are coming back to life.

And they’re hungry.

Infection ravages the Eastern Seaboard with alarming speed while attempts to contain the spread of infection fail. Within days, a small pocket of panicked survivors are all that remain of civilization. Fighting to survive the zombie apocalypse alongside her husband Jake and their dog Daphne, Emma comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare.
Relying on snarky wit and sheer determination, she is forced to commit atrocious acts to protect her family and avoid joining the ranks of the undead.

Time of Death is author Shana Festa's full-length novel debut.

  The zombie books I normally read aren't what you'd expect. They're not the norm for zombies. I've never watched The Walking Dead. Basically, I'm the worst zombie fan in the traditional sense. This is why I was nervous about reading Shana Festa's Induction. I was afraid I was going to be a good audience for it. And I felt a bit intimidated by reading a traditional zombie novel.

  But you know what? All of those worries were unfounded. I found myself lost in the pages of Induction quickly. Shana Festa is such a talented writer that I felt surrounded by her world within a few chapters. I was on the edge of my seat as I read this book. Festa was able to incite a very real feeling of fear when it comes to her take on a zombie apocalypse.

  The inclusion of Daphne, Emma's beloved dog, was such a sweet touch. At times, I doubted Emma. She wasn't the easiest character to like. But her resolve and utter badassness redeemed her. The relationship she had with her dog solidified my like of her. She was rather fearless when it was needed. Her lack of mercy was a refreshing break that I enjoyed because it was absolutely warranted.

  The one thing that always stood out to me was Shana Festa's ability to kill off a character in any way at any time. A lot of readers will enjoy this. It makes for a more edge of the seat, gripping read. But I think this is where reading predominately Young Adult literature has ruined me. I felt like the deaths sometimes overshadowed the rest of the story. The feeling of hope was missing and it stood out to me. But like I said, a lot of readers will enjoy the more realistic aspect.

  Shana Festa definitely has something promising with the Time of Death series. With this debut, she has shown a strong handle of storytelling with a fluid grace. I will definitely be tuning in for the rest of this series. And if you're a zombie fan, you're missing out until you pick up Induction!

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

Review: Dead Over Heels by Alison Kemper

Dead Over Heels by Alison Kemper

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic

[Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo]

The end of the world just might be their perfect
beginning…

Glenview, North Carolina. Also known―at least to sixteen-year-old Ava Pegg―as the Land of Incredibly Boring Vacations. What exactly were her parents thinking when they bought a summer home here? Then the cute-but-really-annoying boy next door shows up at her place in a panic…hollering something about flesh-eating zombies attacking the town.

At first, Ava’s certain that Cole spent a little too much time with his head in the moonshine barrel. But when someone―or something―rotted and terrifying emerges from behind the woodpile, Ava realizes this is no hooch hallucination. The undead are walking in Glenview, and they are hungry. Panicked, Ava and Cole flee into the national forest. No supplies, no weapons. Just two teenagers who don’t even like each other fighting for their lives. But that’s the funny thing about the Zombpocalypse. You never know when you’ll meet your undead end. Or when you’ll fall dead over heels for a boy…

  I'm next door neighbors with North Carolina. Whenever I'm lying in bed, I can look out our deck doors and see North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains. And let me tell you, I felt like I was right at home whenever I read Dead Over Heels. Alison Kemper was able to capture the essence of my home and it only added even more to this incredible story. I instantly warmed to Cole and his southern ways.

  I'm always a fan of a good zombie book. Though I can admit that a lot of them start to blend together at times. That's the thing with Dead Over Heels that I loved. There were some different aspects of this book that surprised me. I really appreciated Alison Kemper's deviation from the norm.

  The romance in this book is sweet and not overbearing. It fits seamlessly into the story, and I enjoyed it immensely. Like I mentioned before, Cole was instantly a favorite of mine. It took a little longer with Ava, but she's a solid heroine. She is full of courage despite of setbacks that are out her control and scary enough without zombies involved.

 If you're a fan of the less gory types of zombie fiction or Tracey Ward, I really think you'll enjoy Dead Over Heels. Not only did it have zombies, but it also had the perfect amount of wit and romance.

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

Pretty Little Indies: Claudia Brevis

  This week I got mixed up with my dates, so this post is coming a day late! Eep! My brain isn't working this week. Let's give a huge Pretty Little Indies welcome to Claudia Brevis, author of the dystopian tale A Gazillion Little Bits. Keep reading for my review and a giveaway!

A Gazillion Little Bits by Claudia Brevis

Genres: Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian

[Goodreads | Amazon]

New York City. 2256.

Isolated by shifting lands, fire and beasts, fewer than thirteen thousand people live in the ruins and rubble of Manhattan without technology, government or any connection to the world from which they’ve descended...

Until the mysterious whispers arrive, followed by a stranger who holds what may be the key to the city’s ultimate survival.

  This is not your normal young adult dystopian story. There are no rose tinted glasses for the world that this story is set in. It's absolutely gritty and raw and real. A Gazillion Little Bits is a quickly paced, edge of your seat read and I loved it!

  There are plenty of characters to experience this story through. At times, it does get confusing. But I was able to stay invested and engaged without any struggle. The author gives rich details of the wasteland that is now Manhattan. I've visited many times and it was so gripping to envision a place that I love ravaged like so.

  Claudia Brevis has crafted a very unique and stand-out book with A Gazillion Little Bits. Every element seems to have been added with care and attention to detail. There are no wasted or dead parts to this story. Everything has a purpose in this story and all fits together so wonderfully. 

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

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CLAUDIA BREVIS is an author, songwriter, playwright & genealogist living with her husband, Skip, in NYC.

[Goodreads | Twitter | Website]

Release Blitz: In Between Seasons by Cassandra Giovanni

Show n'ot Tell Publishing Presents:

NEW ADULT POST - APOCALYPTIC ROMANCE SERIES

In 2021 the world as we know it changed. The government collapsed, and the worst characteristics of human nature were shown as the world fell into ruins. Years after The Fall, the Tribes that were established are still at war. They still fight to keep what they pillaged, and most of all, they fight to keep their lies a secret. In a world filled with deception, nothing is as it seems.
I was born into this world.
Hunter Marks was molded into this world; a General— a person cold and harsh. A person meant to kill me.
We were told to just believe.
We were taught to never question.
We’re supposed to be robots, and accept our roles in this altered society.
Too bad Hunter and I don’t follow the rules.
And we’re a hell of a lot stronger than they ever thought possible.
They’ve been searching for the world’s deadliest weapon.
It’s me.
And I’m not following the leader any more.

I would have given him everything.
I would have melded every part of me into him.
My breath caught in my throat.
I already had.
Love hadn’t existed in this world. Only hate, deceit and lies, but by letting him in I’d let all of that crumble. By letting me in he’d done the same, and now we were engaged in an even deadlier game than before.
We weren’t enemies as we had been born to be.
We weren’t friends as we had come to be.
Then what were we? I let my hands run through my hair as I clasped my eyes shut even tighter.
We were cursed.

Release Special Ebook- Just $1.99 for a limited time!

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Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England their dogs, Bubski and Kanga. Cassandra Giovanni is published by Show n’ot Tell Publishing based out of Connecticut, USA.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~Goodread

Cover Design: Gio Design Studios

Photography: Alex Kotlov via iStock

Branded Blog Tour [Review | Excerpt]

Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

A Sinners Series

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and
murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the
seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

 The Good

• Intriguing plot
• Great start
• Zues

The Bad

• Certain parts are boring and drag.
• Insta-love

The Gif

  I love dystopians. That's my "thing". Don't get me wrong. I never want to live in the worlds portrayed in my favorite dystopians. But I think that is what makes me love them. The concept behind Branded blew my mind. This novel did have a bit of a drag during certain parts. I don't think it would have been that noticeable. But the beginning of the book was like BAM amazing. So it was hard to follow that, I think.

  Before I even read it, I knew I would love it. After reading it? I love like it. A lot. This book is undeniably a debut novel by independent authors. You can definitely tell that. But I feel like the story is so great that I can give them leniency. They have a good thing going with this book, and I'm not going to rain on that parade. Branded is a refreshing story, and I enjoyed it.

  One of my biggest pet peeves if insta-love. Not just insta-love, but I'm so in love with you after two minutes that I'm just going to lose my own identity. I feel like Lexi flirted that line with Cole. It was never enough to make me stop reading entirely, but it was definitely enough to ping my radar. That aside, I did find myself liking Lexi. I was invested in her.

  Are you a fan of dystopian? Do you hum the line "we found love in a hopeless place" to yourself? Do you like Indie authors? Then Branded is most definitely for you!

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the authors and Mark My Words Book Publicity.

I turn on the faucet for a long while only to discover ice-cold water rushing out. The water never warms and I begin to understand. The Commander thinks he can wash away my soul by freezing me to death. He thinks he can destroy me by stripping away my possessions. But he can’t and I won’t let him take my memories, my ambition, and my pride.

He thinks I’m so easily broken.

The Commander doesn’t know anything about me, what I grew up with, what I endured—the father I lost, the mother I hate, the brother who walked out of my life, and the stepfather I was forced to accept. He thinks since I was rich, making me poor will cause me to give up. What he doesn’t understand is that, after my father passed away, I grew up behind walls of hatred. I had nothing, but had everything at the same time. I owned expensive clothes, enjoyed good schooling, and lived in a nice home. But my body was just a shell protecting an empty, desperate heart. My life was a colorful façade.

I had so much time to sit and think. I spent the majority of my life between four walls. I was abandoned, neglected, starved, betrayed, and abused. I’ve already been treated like the scum of the earth, so the Hole is nothing new. He wants to erase every sign of my existence on this earth, but I won’t let that happen. He can strip me naked, but he’ll never reach my soul.

It’s personal, completely personal.

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Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Abi's Goodreads / Missy's Goodreads