Thursday, May 31, 2012

*ARC Review* A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young

Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is. 

After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose affect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.

Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really?
                                                                             ************
  I wasn't sure how this series was going to continue on and remain as good as the first one and was a little afraid of being let down.  That is so far from the case with this book.  Suzanne Young has taken what started out as a good start to an original series and made it into a  riveting sequel.  I once again found myself being pulled into the world of The Forgotten and Shadows.  In this book you meet Elise who believe's that she lives a normal life but as we learned in the last book nothing is ever as it seems.


  When you wake up disoriented and see yourself in a car mirror and you don't see you what do you do?  Elise feels like she is going crazy.  Seeing other people's lives and seeing another girl completely when she sees her reflection.  Her sister has been going missing at all time of the day and doesn't seem too worried and when she tells her dad (he's a pastor) he sends her to the doctors figuring there is a logical explanation.  However as we have all learned not everything has a logical explanation.


  There are things that were the same in this book but a lot that were different.  You realize early who is  The Forgotten early but the Shadows play a bigger part in this book.  It kind of gives you the feel that everything is not so black and white.  There is a grey area in this book and at times it's hard not to feel drawn to that grey area.  Elise being the daughter of a preacher has moments where the grey area doesn't seem so bad but does mostly what you would expect her to.  Going from Charlotte to Elise is a bit of a change and I will openly admit that I miss Charlotte.  Elise is a wonderful character I just didn't ever feel as close to her as I did Charlotte.


  Harlin is back in this book as well but her does have competition this time.  A little healthy competition is good right?  Well I thought it was especially seeing he seemed so much more withdrawn this time around.  Actually to be honest I can't say that I loved him as much as I did last time either.  Which was hard because he was filled with so much passion last time.  I know he is hurting but seriously... I wish I could say more without ruining it but I can't.


  A Want So Wicked was a wonderfully written novel.  I still can't say that I would call it an angel novel, even if that is kind of how most people will view it.  There are moments where I can see why but for the most part there is so much that is original and not angel that I would have a hard time saying it myself.  Suzanne Young is a talented writer and her compelling novel is bound to mesmerise you.  If you enjoyed A Need So Beautiful the sequel is a must read!! If you haven't started this series, well what are you waiting for?! :)    

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone 2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spineand spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


From Goodreads:
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.


Expected Release Date: November 6, 2012
Published by: Little, Brown & Company
Hardcover: 304 pages




Why am I waiting on this book?  Well besides my shallow love for the cover (we all do it lol)
 I loved thefirst book.  It was original and well written.  I can't wait to see where this one goes. 
 The description alone has left me in some serious wanting!! 
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS


What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link so I can check it out and add
to my massive TBR list :) 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

#YABookChat is BACK!!! Chatting LOVE TRIANGLES! +GIVEAWAY

That's right you heard me!  After some minor issues and a few bumps #YABookChat
is back on track! Tomorrow Wednesday 29 @9pm EST on twitter. What better way to come 
back than to chat something we all love or love to hate... The Love Triangle. 
I figured this picture is probably the most recognized love triangle out there right now.  I 
mean when someone says love triangle people think Bella, Edward and Jacob before all others.  
Depending on who you are you either love or hate it.  Many people got out of reading slumps
 with this series and love it but there are many out there that would argue that it is horrible.  
This is really what it comes down to.  Love it? Hate it?

Love triangles have been around for longer than most people realize.  It's not like Twilight was the
first to do this.  Look back to William Shakespeare and A Midsummer Nights Dream: 
 Hermia loves Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius. Lysander and Demetrius both love Hermia. That's before you throw in where they both decide that they are in love with Helena but 
that isn't really by their own choice. 

What about everyone's favorite series The Mortal Instruments?  That has one of the BIGGEST 
triangles going. Clary falls for Jace. Long time best friend Simon loves Clary, but 
 Clary doesn't see it. Alec has a crush on Jace, who doesn't find out at all. Simon 
has  a crush on Isabelle, Alec's sister. By the end of the first book, Jace has fallen for Clary 
as well.  To be honest I could keep going but I think most of you know the story
or get the point by now.


The difference seems to be in how it is written and who is reading it.  Take me for example, I 
am a SUCKER for love triangles.  I'm not too picky on how they are written for the most part.
However the one thing that gets to me is when the girl/guy changes their mind when the person
is right in front of them and the other is away but switches when the other comes back and so
forth.  I get the being torn between 2 or more guys  for specific reasons but when the only 
reason the decision changes is based on the fact that the person is in front of them or
not, it makes me want to scream!! 


Basically I want to know what makes a triangle for you?
What is your fav triangle?
What one makes you want to scream and maybe throw the book?
How do you deal with them if you don't like them?
Do they make or break the books?


Please spread the word about this chat!! Also I am giving away as a thanks for sticking
with me and celebrate the love triangle with a giveaway!!  I will be giving away a copy
of Kailin Gow's Pulse.  Yes there is a love triangle and the boys are totally swoon
worthy.  The giveaway will run from today until the next book chat.  Extra entries 
will be given to those that attend the chat and also for those that bring more 
people to the chat.  YES it will be INTERNATIONAL as many of you join the 
chat from somewhere that isn't US/CAN and I want to show you how much I 
appreciate you ALL!! 




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Monday, May 28, 2012

Loving Summer by Kailin Gow *Review & Giveaway*

Welcome to the first stop on the Loving Summer by Kailin Gow Blog Tour.
This tour is hosted by Supagurl Tours.  Make sure you stop by all the other awesome
 stops on this tour! Also make sure you stop to enter the giveaway at the 
end of this post and some big news from Kailin.




After not having seen childhood family friends, Rachel and her brothers Nathaniel and Drew in three years, sixteen year old Summer Jones, who has always spent her summers with the Donovans at her Aunt Sookie's Malibu beach house, discovers there is more to her long-time crush on one of the Donovan brothers this summer than meets the eye, especially when Astor Fairway, the handsome television star taking her aunt's acting coaching sessions, notices her. This summer, the summer she is noticed, would be the summer no one could forget.






*I received this book in turn for an honest review.   I was in no way paid.* 

  When I got the email about this blog tour I was all but jumping on the computer to be a part of it.  Kailin Gow is by far one of my favorite authors.  So when I seen this was not only by her but also a contemporary I can't even tell you how excited I was to get started.  With all my excitement and the build up of anticipation I started to become afraid that I would be let down.  That was not the case, actually it is so far from the case I was crazy for even thinking it.

  This story is predominately about Summer but once I sat back and looked at it, it is really so much more.  Summer and the Donovans: Rachel, Drew and Nat haven't seen each other in 3 years.  Even with the promise to keep in touch rather than the odd text between Rachel and Summer there wasn't much contact.  A lot can change in 3 years and the teens find that as familiar as it is to be with each other nothing is ever really the same.  Well some things never change, like how they feel for each other.

  I really appreciated that Summer was not one of those girls that guys lusted over and had no idea what was going on or couldn't understand why a guy would look at her. She wasn't shallow but she knew that she was pretty and realized when she was getting attention from the guys.  Even when the famous and gorgeous Astor shows interest she doesn't go into the entire "why me" monologue type thing.  She still crushes on Nat but somewhere along the line becomes aware of Drews feelings as well. This is where it all becomes complicated.  How do you choose between all of those boys.  I know most of you are thinking love triangle... Well really it's more than 3 so it's not a triangle. Regardless, the way Kailin writes this makes it easy to read and not torturous.  I actually find the way that it is written makes it hard for even the reader to decide who is right for Summer.  There is so much raw emotion from each of the characters that sometimes I am not sure how Summer doesn't go crazy.

  This novel also has much more than just boys and love going on.  There are issues that so many people/family's/teens deal with all of the time.  What seems like a book that is about a girl and her choices between the boys that are pinning for her is so very much more.  It is the novel that shows what the pressures of a parents divorce can have on the kids and the one that has some views into what the pressure a parent puts on their child can do.  There is also the way people deal with illness.  There is so many problems/issues that hide in the background that burst forth and demand the attention.  In the end everyone has to deal with what they have been dealt and still try to remain together.

  This novel was original and had me addicted from the first chapter.  The characters were vivid and so alive you feel that you know them.  Actually I really felt connected to Summer and so much of what she did and her reactions.  Kailin Gow has created yet another series that will draw you in and have you wishing that it didn't end.  Between the fast paced story and the characters you wont want to put the book down from start to finish.  I highly recommend this book to everyone, even if you aren't a big contemporary fan.


About the Author
  Kailin Gow is the author of over 100 books, with the majority of them for young adults. 
Her most popular series are: The Frost Series, PULSE Series, Desire Series, 
Wicked Woods, Steampunk Scarlett Novels, and more. A full-time author, she is also a
 producer, having worked in radio, television, and film. She grew up in Southern California,
 lived in Texas and England, and had traveled extensively around the world.

Links:

7&sr=8-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B002BMAEH4

Kailin would also like to mention that:
 *Included in Loving Summer's Kindle Version, is a full-length Loving
Summer Healthy Summer Recipes Cookbook written by Kailin Gow, which
will also a book that will release and be sold separately, and valued at
$9.99.
Also, for anyone who purchase a copy of Loving Summer from
Amazon.com, they get a chance to win one of my own Gently Used Coach
Bag that is SIGNED by me(Kailin Gow), as well, valued at $500.

Other Stops
May

May 28 - Escaping One Book at a Time *GIVEAWAY #1*
              - Young Adult Book Reviews *Review




 May 31 - FireStarBooks

June


June 5 - My Pathway To Books *Giveaway #2*

June 6 - A Soul Unsung *Guest Post #1*


June 8 - In Which Ems Reviews Books *Review


June 11 - Lovey Dovey Books *GIVEAWAY #3*
June 12 - Books and Beyond
June 13 - Always YA at Heart
June 14 - Itching for Books *Review & Interview

June 18 - Good Choice Reading *Review & Giveaway #4 & Interview 
June 19 - Turning the Pages * Review
June 24 - A Dream Within A Dream *Review & GIVEAWAY*
June 25 - Paperback Princess *Review & GUEST POST*
June 26 - Reviews by Molly *Review & Giveaway #5
June 27 - Book Love 101
June 30 - SupaGurl Books


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E-copy is open INT

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Weekly Repot May 20-26 Awesome Authors & Epic Bloggers

The Weekly Report is my way of sharing not only what I received for books this
week but also what is going on, on the blog!! So you can find my giveaways and also 
what was reviewed/posted this week.

For Books:



I want to say some serious THANK YOU'S to these authors!!
Nancy Straight was awesome and sent me a signed copy of Meeting Destiny!
I seriously enjoyed her book and after chatting with her and the winner from 
my blog giveaway I received this!! THANK YOU!! 
Ada Adams is epically sweet and sent me a signed physical copy of her book as well!!
To be honest there was another book and some swag in the package that she sent me
but it has been sent off to the first reader on the Bastians Babes team!! Ya we are up
and running!!! A post will be put up on Tuesday with an update list!

For Review: Kailin Gow's Loving Summer
If you know me, follow me or just see me around you probably know
that I LOVE Kailin Gow!! I am the first stop on this tour and am 
also hosting an e-book giveaway for this book for the tour!! 
DON'T MISS OUT!! Post goes up on Monday :) 

I bought Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins.
I love the UK covers for these books!! It isn't very often that I choose
anything that is Paperback if there is a Hardback available but I couldn't resist!
I Won The Summer of No Regrets from Tiffany (Love her name ;p) at 
Thank you to Source Books for sending it out to me! I visit this blog daily/bi-daily 
and enjoy the reviews and posts!! Please go and check her out!! 

Bought both of these awesome books!! Well I know Until I Die by 
Amy Plum was on my Weekly Report last week but certain circumstances
lead me to having a 2nd copy delivered.  Meaning the 1st had some bent pages
(which have been fixed mostly) and some small tears in the dust jacket. Giveaway
for that one will be posted on Monday/Tuesday so look out for it!! 
I have already read and reviewed A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young.  The
review link is below and I seriously loved it and am glad that I got a copy of A Want
So Wicked waiting to be read! 

Last but SO FAR from least I got this from the wonderful, amazing
and basically all around EPIC Jessirae from Words, Pages and Books.
I seriously hope that you are following this girl!! If not please head over 
there and follow her/stalk her.  Honestly she will rock your world and 
I love her guts!! lol

Reviewed:
A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young HERE
Angels & Demons {Stoker Sisters book 2} by Kailin Gow HERE
Driven by Lisa Nowak HERE
Cicada by Belle Whittington HERE
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout HERE

Giveaway(s):
Swag Giveaway of Epicness HERE
(Random Winner 1 has been picked: CONGRATS Marla)

Cover Reveals, Meme's, Releases and Random Stuff:
Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn Launch w/ Bonus Content HERE
Waiting on Wednesday HERE
LACRIMOSA Paperback Cover Reveal HERE

PLEASE LEAVE ME A LINK TO WHATEVER KIND OF POST 
YOU WRITE TO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GOT OR DID
THIS WEEK!! I LOVE TO VISIT!!! 

Saturday, May 26, 2012

*REVIEW* A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

***********
  So much to love about this book and so little to complain about.  The story was captivating and original from the start.  I had thought that it sounded like another twist on the angel thing but as I read the book I found myself leaning away from that theory.  What is it about?  The Forgotten...  I know the description says "a kind of angel on earth" but she seems like so much more and so much less at the same time. 


  Charlotte wants to be normal but life isn't always fair.  When she feels "the need" she is basically helpless against it.  It doesn't matter if she wants to do it or not, her body compels her to move and help.  I really don't want to give a lot away about what she does but I can only imagine how hard it is.  Resisting is next to impossible and has horrible consequences.  Throughout the book you can't help but feel for Charlotte for all the stuff she has to do and go through.  Helping people and spreading love and kindness is wonderful but sacrificing everything to do it... Such a hard thing to think about and choose willingly to do.


  The romance between Harlin and Charlotte is nothing short of steamy and true.  The feelings that those two have for each other and the love is honestly one of the most well written and beautiful relationships I have read.  I really wanted more of it to be honest.  The scenes with the two of them aren't long but what you do get is high in intensity.  The way that the author even describes the way he looks at her and how she feels about him will seriously make you melt everytime.


  With all good there is bad.  All the high intensity romance and feelings are balanced out by the overall feeling of dread.  The thought of being forgotten, of leaving everyone and everything that you know behind to go to the unknown.  To be honest with you at times it really pulled at my heart when Charlotte was forced to choose between what she wanted and what she had to do.  In these moments I really wished that I had been given a little more background on who/what the forgotten really were and how they came to be.  One particular moment with her best friend Sarah just about broke my heart.


  This book was nothing short of wonderful to me.  It isn't a long novel but what is packed into the 267 pages is powerful.  I know that 267 pages isn't exactly short but it feels that way when the book is gone in under a day.  There were many moments that I loved but also some that made me want to scream.  That's the best kind of book though right?  The ones that evoke every feeling as you read.  I had moments when I couldn't help but laugh out loud and moments when it was all I could do to hold the tears back.  I strongly recommend this book if you are looking for an original read.

Friday, May 25, 2012

FREE THIS WEEKEND!!

Paul was kind enough to let me know that this weekend (Today through Sunday) his book is
free for Kindle!!! 
A Tormented Boy Embarks on a Profound Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Enlightenment.

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape. After a horrific accident forever alters the course of his life, he travels to the remote Himalayas of India in search of a mystical old wise man alleged to possess supernatural healing power. The man he seeks, however, will not so easily reveal what he truly knows, for he alone knows Joseph's true destiny...and that the secret he is searching for resides within the heart of each and every one of us.

This will be your last chance to pick this book up free until the official launch 
in September!! 
Here's the link:

Want to find him?! You can find him on his new website: 

Now go forth and get free stuff!! 

*REVIEW* The Stoker Sisters: Angels and Hunters book two by Kailin Gow

Torn... Between two sisters...mere rivalry has become deadly. Between two loves...one will be the key to redemption, the other will destroy them. The battle has begun... Angels and Hunters










  




  This book really isn't missing anything!!   It continues right off from where the last one ended and moves right on into more action.  The sisters are as different as they have ever been but now feel that they have a little more in common than originally believed.


  The romance is as twisted and intense as in the last book, if not more and I love every single moment of it.  There is now two guys in the picture but really there always has been hasn't there?  Each guy has his appeal but their intentions are completely different.  Both sisters feel strongly for both of the guys and sometimes it's hard to decide what one I like more.  Sometimes I am not sure who to trust to be honest.


  Sadie is just as sweet and naieve as ever but there is more to her.  With two guys in the picture and both seemingly reaching for her she will have to make a choice between the two.  That is about where my only minor issue.  Sadie's weakness and strength is her kind heart but it is easily swayed.  It seemed that only seeing the guy made her connection stronger and forget about the other.  In moments where she did think of the one she felt she truly wanted I felt like she justified it by being actually physically with the other one.  However her emotions are very human and I know I would be torn between the guys myself so who am I to talk.


  Alexis is changing.  She is still her strong, sexual self in many ways but she has a little more doubt in this book it seems.  So much seems to be going on and even someone as strong as her is bound to break.  Both of the guys she loves seem to be more pulling toward her sister and for someone that always gets the guy it's not easy to watch.  Despite everything I believe that she would do anything for Sadie and I actually grew closer to Alexis in this book.


  This novel was fast paced and I could not get enough of it.  The characters are interesting and the story is original, what more could you want.  From start to finish the book just drew me in.  Kailin has a way of drawing you in and absorbing you right into the story.  This one was no exception.  If you are a lover of Vampires and want something a little different this series is for you! 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

{Blog Tour} Driven by Lisa Nowak *REVIEW*

The last thing on 16-year-old Jess DeLand’s wish list is a boyfriend. She’d have to be crazy to think any guy would look twice at her. Besides, there are more important things to hope for, like a job working on cars and an end to her mom’s drinking. Foster care is a constant threat, and Jess is willing to sacrifice anything to stay out of the system. When luck hands her the chance to work on a race car, she finds herself rushing full throttle into a world of opportunities—including a boy who doesn’t mind the grease under her fingernails. The question is, can a girl who keeps herself locked up tighter than Richard Petty’s racing secrets open up enough to risk friendship and her first romance?






  This book starts just before the last book ends.   We meet Jess and start to get a feel for who she is.  Not the kind of girl to push  to be in the light but mold into the background.   She takes a step into the pits for the first time.  She had paid the extra to be there and didn't plan on being there long but Teri Sue's drawl drew her in.  That's where our story starts but far from what it is really about.


  Jess our protagonist is somewhat of a tom boy.  She lives and breathes to work on cars.  Not that she had ever worked on a race car but she dreams of it.  The one time she takes a chance everything seems to settle right into place for her.  Living the life she has though , she has many worries.  It's hard to keep all your secrets locked up when your employer is as friendly and as straight forward as they come.  When she lands not only 1 but 2 of her dream jobs life seems almost perfect.  Life can never be that perfect though can it. I seriously feel for her so much through out the book.


  "Prob'ly too busy stuffing big engines in little cars," Teri Sue 
said giving me a grin.

  Cody is back in this book as well.  He is not the main but his and all the characters from the last book are a big part of this one as well.  Still dealing with everything that he had to before but now he is trying to catch Jess as well.  The connection that the two of them have is something.... What it is I wont say but there is really a lot that they can relate to and because of that Jess may just find someone that she can trust.  As much as she likes Teri Sue there just isn't that kind of connection there.  I must mention that Cody's shirts also make some appearances in this book.


"Ham and eggs- A days work for the chicken, a lifetime commitment
for the pig."

  I am once again completely in love with Lisa Nowak's novel.  This book isn't just about a tom boy that wants nothing more than to work on cars but so much more.  It's has some down right real life issues that people deal with every day and struggle through themselves.  This novel shows the problems that people have with opening up and getting the help they need.  The most important thing though is that it shows up that there is hope.  No matter what happens there is always someone that cares and there is always hope.  I look forward to reading anything else that Lisa puts out!! 

{Blog Tour} Cicada by Belle Whittington *REVIEW*

Summer time for Blair Reynolds and her friends had always been care free and fun... until the summer they happened upon something that was not human. As they band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human. Something unnatural. And their survival depends entirely upon their ability to keep a secret.












  This book was surprising in so many ways.  I have a very fragile relationship with the entire not human thing.  However Belle Whittington has created a well written and intriguing story.  There wasn't a point where I felt it was too much or got board with the story.  The characters were so realistic and believable and to be honest the story was more about them than anything.  I think that was one of the biggest things for me, that the story wasn't just about "It" but about the secrets and what was going on in their lives.  That's not to say that "It"didn't make the story but more so that it didn't run it.


  "This story takes place in an outwardly unimportant little town.
Looks can be deceiving."

Blair is the baby of the group. She has always hung out with her older brothers friends and this summer everyone is getting ready to say good bye.  That's kind of how everything starts.  Being out on Blair and her brothers grand parents farm when things take an odd turn.  Blair is having nightmares and you only get bits and pieces of what they are but they are a piece of the puzzle that I grasped every time.

"I woke up screaming. Not because of the dream, but because someone
was shaking me and telling me to wake up."

  You can't help but feel a little of what each of the characters feel.  I would like to be like Everett but I think my reaction would be to freak out  like Natalie.  I honestly love that these teens are just regular teens.  They aren't the rich and famous or the popular people, they are just a tight group of friends.  There is a little bit of everything in the group and everyone seems to support one another for the most part.  I would like to say 100% of the time but when you read it you will understand why in certain moments they don't.  The summer leaves them all changed and really there is no way to go back.  

"I've been thinking about something," she checked her makeup in the
mirror.  "I've been wondering which one of us is the real Cicada."

  Biggest thing with this book is that I wanted more at times.  By this I mean I wanted a little more in way of explanations for things.  For the most part I was good but the things that I felt were missing could have changed this into an epic book.  With that said I must mention that I had no desire to put this book down and got irritated when I had to put it down to do things.  I can't wait to get Firefly and continue on with this sci-fi/paranormal/mystery. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Closed Hearts Launch by Susan Kaye Quinn: BONUS CONTENT

Mindjack BONUS CONTENT: Jackertown Slang by Susan Kaye Quinn [Ed. Note: In celebration of the release of my novel Closed Hearts, I've created bonus content that relates to the Mindjack Trilogy. This bonus content arises from the story time between Open Minds (Bk#1) and Closed Hearts (Bk#2) - it's not terribly spoiler-ish, but you'll enjoy it more if you've read Open Minds already.]
Sometimes all that fantastic worldbuilding you do in the course of writing a novel never makes it into the story. Hopefully this happens a lot, because otherwise your story will be padded with worldbuilding that only peripherally relates to the story and bogs it down. In Closed Hearts, I created a slum-like place where displaced mindjackers gathered on the outskirts of Chicago, called Jackertown. It is a society of Clans, in some ways reminiscent of the Camp in Open Minds, and there's a delicate power balance between them. Most are involved in some way in jackwork - the trade of mindjacking favors for cash, often facilitated by a contractor, someone who travels between the two segregated worlds of mindreaders and mindjackers. Jackertown isn't as brutal as the Camp, and is more business-oriented. But that doesn't mean it's a safe place to be. :) Here are some slang terms I created while monkeying around with creating Jackertown. Many of these terms (jackworker, contractor, wetjack) made it into the story, but some did not. (They may or may not be used in Free Souls (Mindjack#3).) When creating slang, I usually come up with several variants for a particular term, only settling on the final one in later drafts.
someone who does mindjacking for hire, usually jacking mindreaders, but potentially up against mindguards or other jackers. (early version: jobber)
someone who facilitates contracts for hiring jackworkers. The contractor "rooks" or passes for a mindreader in the general mindreading society, then dons a mask when traveling to Jackertown, so that his identity is unknown there. (early versions: runners, bonders, jackmailers, bloodrunners - for those who traffic in the deadly jacking arts)
mindjackers who pretend to be mindreaders so that they can hold normal jobs in larger mindreading world.
mindjackers who kill for money, usually through a contractor. (early version: wetjobbers)
a mindreader who pays for jackwork.
a mindreader who still lives in Jackertown, running businesses or convenience stores useful to the jackers. Not directly under mindjacker control, but "owned" by a Clan.
a mindreader who is captured and turned into a slave in Jackertown. (early version: pawn, puppet)
a mindjacker who brings in mice (mindreaders) for trade to jackers - either for ransom (they get a cut) or for a puppet. Trades mice for cash or favors.
the act of kidnapping a mindreader and bringing them to Jackertown for human trafficking.
jackwork, or the contracting to exchange mindjack favors for cash.
a group of jackers working together for particular jackwork jobs.
a more permanent group of jackers, gathered together for protection and support.
I'm sure I'll be crafting new slang for Free Souls. After all, what's the fun, if there's not new stuff to play around with?
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Closed Hearts (Mindjack #2) $2.99 at AmazonBarnes and Noble (ebook and print)
When you control minds, only your heart can be used against you.
Bestselling YA novel Open Minds, Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy, is available on AmazonBarnes and Noble, and iTunes. The sequel Closed Hearts has just been released. Susan Kaye Quinn's business card says "Author and Rocket Scientist," but she mostly plays on TwitterFacebook, and Pinterest.
Mind GamesOpen MindsClosed HeartsIn His EyesLife, Liberty, and PursuitFull Speed Ahead
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