Book Blitz: Alive?

Alive? (The Alive? Series, #1) By Melissa Woods
Publication date: October 30, 2018
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Zombies
Summary: 

Everyone knows the first rule of the zombie apocalypse: Don’t. Get. Bitten.
Too bad Violet has never been great at following the rules. 

Walking home after a night of partying, she manages to let one of the Dead take a chunk out of her only hours after they’ve begun walking again. Fortunately for Violet, she doesn’t die. Unfortunately for Violet—she’s not exactly alive, either. 

Violet’s body is undergoing changes, and suddenly the taste of human flesh is not as revolting as it once sounded. 

Controlling her new urges will be hard. Living with survivors who have no idea will be even harder. And the real zombies? They still want to eat her, too… 

Surviving the zompocalypse is tricky when you play for both teams.
New from author Melissa Woods, Alive? is a heart-pounding adventure with suspenseful plot twists, complex characters, and a dash of dark humor. Gritty and raw, Alive? is sure to keep you guessing, and will delight zombie apocalypse fans everywhere.

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EXCERPT:

A creak of floorboards. Violet opened her eyes just in time to see a woman lunge. She was wearing a white lace nightie, offset slightly by the gaping wound in her stomach. Violet held out her arms, pushing back with all her strength.

She barely had any left, but it was just enough to keep the zombie at bay. The woman’s eyes were almost white, and her teeth snapped in Violet’s face. Though she had no idea what caused this or why it was happening, she knew this thing wanted to kill her.

Book Blitz: Common Ground

Common Ground by Alice Rachel
Release Date: October 2017

Buy Link: Amazon

Genre: Upper YA Dystopian Romance
Summary: 

When Taylor Jones moved into the neighborhood, he didn't expect to fall for the feisty girl next door. His life was already complicated enough as it was. 

Between his difficult relationship with his father and his sister's wedding lurking on the horizon, Taylor had a lot on his mind. But his attraction to Kayla wasn't something he could resist, no matter the consequences.

Karen Jones had no desire to marry the man who had forced his way into her life. She had always liked girls, and pretending to be straight was never an option. But Jeff wasn't about to ignore his bruised ego and let her go that easily.

Kayla Haynes refused to fall for the handsome man next door. Her previous relationship had been a disaster, and she was done catering to men's needs. But soon, falling for Taylor would be the least of her concerns.

Excerpt:

"But you are not talking to the neighbor," she warned.

"And why not?" Rose creased her forehead.

"Because he's a stranger. And what's the rule with strangers?"

Her sister straightened her back, her expression dead serious. "Don't talk to a strange man, ever. And if he insists, run and run and scream at the top of your lungs." 

"Good girl," Kayla said and headed toward the door. 

GIVEAWAY: PNR, Urban Fantasy & Dystopian Party

Welcome to the PNR, Urban Fantasy & Dystopian Party!

This giveaway is brought to you by 22 fabulous Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Dystopian authors!In this giveaway, EVERYONE who enters will win TWENTY-TWO FREE – EXCLUSIVE – ebooks by the sponsoring authors (to be delivered at the conclusion of the giveaway), and one GRAND PRIZE winner will also receive a $1000 Amazon Gift Card! The Winner will be announced on April 1st at our Facebook Event. The winner will also receive an email directly.

There will ALSO be other prizes and giveaways happening at that event between now and our Grand Prize announcement! So make sure you mark yourself as attending so you don’t miss those great opportunities to win more prizes and snag more freebies!

♥ ♥ ♥

Here's a sneak peek from one of the sponsors:

Discern - an award-winning and bestselling urban fantasy novel by Andrea Pearson

Nicole put her things down, not wanting anything to be in her hands when she picked up the disgusting book. She reached for it, but hesitated. Already, she could sense warmth coming from the leather cover, and she wasn’t even touching it. Its magical pulses were different from the other items—they seemed to drip off the book like sweat.

Nicole hesitated, but wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t as if something bad would happen, right? She took a deep breath and placed her hands on the book. It shivered under her touch and she cringed, pulling back. The sensation of warm leather made her flesh crawl, and she rubbed her hands and arms on her jeans, trying to get the feeling to go away.

Book Blitz: Obsidian Sky (Dark Sky #3)

Obsidian Sky (Dark Sky #3) By Amy Braun
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

The final struggle against the Hellions has arrived. A trapped engineer and a desperate marauder scramble to fight an enemy with unspeakable power on its side. Time is running out, and one world will be destroyed… 

After sacrificing herself to save the lives of her friends and family, Claire Abernathy struggles to outwit her Hellion captors. 

They torment and terrify her into working on a weapon with the sole purpose of obliterating the world, friends, and love she has struggled to save. 

If Claire has any chance of saving those she loves, she must delve deeper into the Hellion world, and witness nightmares she could never imagine. 

In Westraven, Sawyer Kendric is desperate to find the woman he loves. To do so, he must finally embrace his family’s atrocious past and heal the wounds it has caused. He will be forced to make new allies, uncover secrets that change all he knows, and find the courage to lead a ragtag crew into the darkest, deadliest battle of their lives.
Claire and Sawyer fight to save their broken world in the final installment of the epic DARK SKY trilogy.

♥ ♥ ♥

Previous books in the series:

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Book Blitz: Sulan, Episode 3: The Dome

Sulan, Episode 3: The Dome by Camille Picott
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Cyberpunk, Dystopian,
Release Date: January 15, 2017
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

After escaping the League, Sulan and her friends are granted entrance into the Dome, a utopian biodome in the wilderness of Alaska. 

Sulan soon finds herself a pawn in Global Arms’s political maneuvers to secure the national mercenary contract. Forced to put on a public persona that makes her skin crawl, she must charm Vex media moguls to further the cause of Global. 

Should she fail to embrace her new role as company spokesperson, the consequences will be deadly to everyone she loves. 

Meanwhile, the League unleashes a new deadly threat on the United States. 

When Sulan and her friends stumble on the trail of a League mole within the Dome, they set out to track him down. Will they be safe in their new home, or will they find themselves trapped among enemies?

♥ ♥ ♥

Previous books in the series:

Grab book 1 for FREE on Smashwords!

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EXCERPT:

With nothing but two hundred yards of grass between us and the nearest row of houses, there’s no way we can escape without being seen. At least they won’t catch us with the brining salt. Now we just need to come up with a good excuse for being out here together. In the middle of the night. I wonder if they’d believe we were just stealing chocolate from the kitchen?

Taro turns to me, dark eyes intense. “Do you trust me?” he asks.

“Of course,” I answer without thought.

Before I know what’s happening, one of his arms wraps firmly around my waist. Taro draws me toward him in a rush, his other arm wrapping around my shoulders.

My boot catches on a rock and I stumble into his chest. My cheek hits his sternum, right against his heart. It pounds against my jaw in a rapid rhythm.

Book Blitz: Blue Tide

Blue Tide By Jenna-Lynne Duncan
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: January 9, 2017
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

An award-winning YA adventure-packed romance steeped in Middle Eastern culture and set in the Asian Pacific amongst dangerous oceans and tropical islands. 

Seventeen-year-old refugee Lux plots her escape from the island where her family is stranded, denying that her home was lost in the Floods. Lux is determined to get her old life back by any means possible. 

But before her feet even leave the sand, she’s taken hostage by a vengeance-driven pirate nearly as young as she is. 

Her capture is the key to his freedom…
Captain Draven’s scarf veils more than his face. Underneath, he struggles between morality and survival. 

When Lux sees deeper into his motivations, she’s torn. She can commit mutiny to escape to a home that may no longer exist, or she can try to help Draven escape the clutches of the person responsible for the deaths of half the world. Staying would mean entrusting her life to a pirate. Helping Draven would mean losing her heart to one.

♥ ♥ ♥

—

EXCERPT:

“You will help him, if it’s the last thing you do.”

He had to be bluffing. Lifting my chin, I met his icy gaze straight on. “You can threaten my life, but there is nothing more you can take from me that you haven’t already.”

“Oh, really?”

He stepped forward, towering over me. Wow, he was tall. I resisted every instinct to cower or curl into a small ball. His hand shot out so quickly, I hardly felt the pull around my neck. My hands flew to my chest. My necklace!

The captain held up the chain, his eyes wide with victory. It was clear he was waiting for a reaction, but, except for that first jolt of surprise, I was paralyzed.

Everything fell silent except the slap of waves against the hull and the drum of his boots as he walked to the railing. I clutched my arms to my chest. My heart sped up so fast I couldn’t tell if it was still beating. He held his hand over the side of the ship. The back of my throat ached with a pain so great I thought it would tear out.

“Stop!” One hand still clutched my chest, the other reached out toward the necklace.

GIVEAWAY: 62 Paperback!!!

Welcome to the #PNR and #UF Giveaway Party!

Who’s ready for a giveaway you can get your hands on? A bunch of authors got together to bring your this Big Box of Paperbacks Giveaway! One lucky winner is going to win SIXTY-TWO (62) Paperback Books! How’s that for an epic Book-Lover’s Prize?! If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, Dystopian Fiction, or Paranormal/SciFi Romance, you’re going to want to get in on this! The best part is that even if you don’t win, you’ll be subscribed to the sponsoring authors newsletters for a chance to grab some freebies, snag some special offers, and enter more giveaways!

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Here are a couple of sneak peeks!

Excerpt from Foxblood: A Brush with the Moon by Raquel Lyon

The funeral was a typically sombre affair, alive with soggy tissues and streaky make-up. I stood at the back, letting the vicar’s voice wash over me, and spent the whole time staring at the flower-laden coffin, wondering if the lid would suddenly flip up and a fanged monster would escape to reap its vengeance on the congregation.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t happen, and as the mourners dispersed in the direction of the pub, I quietly snuck off home. I wasn’t in the mood for crowds and needed time to think, time to try to make sense of at least something, but as I turned to close the door, it was obstructed by a perfectly polished black shoe that belonged to…

“Sebastian?”

“Seb, please,” he said, easing his way through. “Only my father calls me Sebastian.” He checked down the backstreet and closed the door securely. His eyes scanned the flat. “Nice place.”

“I like it.”

“It doesn’t bother you? Living over a funeral parlour?” he asked.

“Why would it? The neighbours are quiet.”

He didn’t laugh at my joke; neither did he comment. He simply stood silently, staring. It was very unnerving and made my legs go all wobbly. Perhaps if I turned away from him, he’d disappear again? It was worth a shot. I forced my jelly legs over to the front window and stared out at nothing in particular. The light was subdued, and the sky had darkened to an air force grey. A low mist was beginning to carpet the distant fields, and I wondered if snow had been forecast.

Book Blitz: Catalyst (The Deception Game, #1)

Catalyst (The Deception Game, #1) By Kristin Smith
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: November 21, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary: 

Too pretty.
Too smart.
Too perfect. 

In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. 

As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teenagers, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she’s ever known and loved changes in an instant. 

With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. 

When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait. 

In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most. 

Catalyst is a thrilling adventure of danger, romance, intrigue, and deception.

♥ ♥ ♥

—

EXCERPT:

“You need to learn a little hand-to-hand combat.” Trey puts his fists up by his face. “Always protect your soft spots—your face being numero uno.” He glances at my bandaged arm. “You right-handed?”

It’s after breakfast and we’re in the training facility, a large, gym-type room with thick mats, punching bags, weights, and a long wall of mirrors.

The smell of sweat and stinky feet assault my nose as I stand across from him on the pile of black mats used to create a “ring”. We have the gym to ourselves. Most likely because everyone else is too smart to work out right after a meal.

I nod and flex my right hand, the one that’s not bandaged.

Book Blitz: Dawn of the Vie (Immortal Aliens, #1)

Dawn of the Vie (Immortal Aliens, #1) By Laura Diamond
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: October 3, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary: 

Since their Arrival less than 30 years ago, immortal Vie rule the planet like the super-predators they are. Enslaved humans are their servants…their entertainment…and their food. 

Anemies—humans with various types of anemia—are simply exterminated. Their nutritionally deficient blood is useless to the Vie. 

Or so it’s thought…
_________ 

Alex, an Elite Vie, is a bit of a Renaissance Alien. Part scientist, part Raid Specialist, part drug addict, he knows Anemie blood is valuable. Rather than blindly carrying out his boss’s kill order, he convinces some colleagues to spare a few Anemies, not only for study, but also to reserve a secret stock. 

The more Anemie blood Alex drinks, the more he slips into delusion, and the more his double life threatens to crumble. But quitting Anemie blood is not an option. Every Anemie has their own personal flavor. Each gives a unique high. 

When Alex takes a hit of Justin’s blood, his hallucinations bleed into reality…
_________ 

Anemie Justin knows his little sister, Sammie, and he are living past their expiration dates. It becomes a guarantee when they’re bitten by a Vie named Alex during a raid. (The bite is fatal, thanks to a toxin carried in Vie saliva.) Alex adds insult to injury by promising Justin a second chance—an antidote in exchange for agreeing to be a lab rat.
And a mule…of his own blood. 

When Justin says no, Alex takes off with Sammie. 

All Justin has to do is find them, beat Alex, and cure himself and Sammie. All he has is a stake and serious lack of self-preservation.
No problem.
_________ 

Alex wants Justin’s blood.
Justin wants his sister back.
GAME ON.

 ♥ ♥ ♥

—

EXCERPT:

I hated afternoons the most. Soon after came darkness—the time when a raiding squad could snatch you out of bed and drain all the blood from your body. It was amazing that any Anemies survived with the extermination campaign ridding the world of us red blood cell-deficient freaks.

Book Blitz: The Surrendered

The Surrendered by Case Maynard
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

After a financial collapse devastates the United States, the new government imposes a tax on the nation’s most valuable resource—the children. 

Surrendered at age ten—after her parents could no longer afford her exorbitant fees—Vee Delancourt has spent six hard years at the Mills, alongside her twin, Oliver. 

With just a year to freedom, they do what they can to stay off the Master’s radar. But when Vee discovers unspeakable things happening to the younger girls in service, she has no choice but to take a stand—a decision that lands her on the run and outside the fence for the first time since the System robbed her of her liberty. 

Vee knows the Master will stop at nothing to prove he holds ultimate authority over the Surrendered. But when he makes a threat that goes beyond what even she considers possible, she accepts the aid of an unlikely group of allies. 

Problem is, with opposing factions gunning for the one thing that might save them all, Vee must find a way to turn oppression and desperation into hope and determination—or risk failing all the children and the brother she left behind.

♥ ♥ ♥

—

EXCERPT:

A sinking feeling washes over me. “We’re going to Meadowood.”

He responds without opening his eyes, “I want answers.”

I start to argue that this will be a fool’s errand, but in truth, I want the same answers he does. “Do you think the man who rescued Oliver was with the Southies?”

“I don’t know who else it could’ve been.” He sits up and stretches. “It must’ve been them, and I want to know why they changed the plan without informing us. The Master and his Regulators got to the rooftop very quickly after I fired that shot. I have to wonder if someone told them we were there.”

“You think the Southies took Oliver to get the combination and then set the Regulators on us? Why would they do that?”

He rubs his face. “It doesn’t make any sense. But something’s not adding up.”

Book Blitz: Defective (Outcast, #1)

Defective (Outcast, #1) by B. Austin
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: August 13, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

In a society where rebels are unwanted, the Outcasts have their own underground world.
What type of society applies the word Defective to healthy young humans? 

IT IS ALMOST A PERFECT WORLD. One government rules earth—the Commonwealth and one people—the Commoners. The pure society of the Commonwealth has but one contamination, the 1%, the Outcasts—rebellious kids and young adults who for some puzzling reason cannot or will not conform. 

When Dante’s girlfriend vanishes like thousands of other Outcasts before her, he enlists the aid of friends to find her. 

They discover the shocking secret of what extreme the Commonwealth of Earth will go to ensure that Outcasts reform and obey the rules!

♥ ♥ ♥

—

EXCERPT:

The lights are out in the Brooklyn Underground since the birthday party is supposed to be a surprise for my girlfriend, Kiara. The only thing visible are 324 glow-in-the-dark red No circles on our clothing marking all of us as Outcasts like the way the Nazis marked the Jews with a yellow Star of David before gassing them 131 years ago.

Only our Outcast symbols are more in-your face, bold red circles with a red diagonal down the center. The Commonwealth is sending Outcasts a blatant message by forcing us to wear the symbol as if marking us as illegal, broken, untouchable, and unwanted.

The Commonwealth longs to be known as The Republic of Free Will. Their rules allow us to wear what we want but if our clothing is not the required silver jumpsuit for our age group, and then we must wear the Outcast No symbol. There is no cheating the system either. Like dogs, the Commonwealth has shot every Outcast through our necks with scanning ids.

Our scanning ids propagate throughout our bloodstreams so there is no beating the scanners. In fact, Scanner Droids are equipped with image processing and a camera eye. Scanners roam the Commonwealth. Scanners are magnetic and if a Scanner catches an Outcast being out of compliance, the Scanner will latch onto him or her and hold the Outcast in place against the closest magnetic field until the FRE (Fanatic Rule Enforcers) arrive. Scanners are like giant refrigerator magnets. It really pisses me off to see Outcasts dangling from walls of buildings, which are all equipped with magnetic holding places.

Review by Melissa: "Floor 21"

 Floor 21 by Jason Luthor
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: June 2nd, 2015
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ Barnes and Noble

Book Description:

As humanity lives out the remainder of its existence at the top of an isolated apartment tower, young Jackie dares to question Tower Authority and their ban on traveling into the tower's depths. Intelligent and unyielding, Jackie ventures into the shadows of the floors below. But will her strong will and refusal to be quiet—in a society whose greatest pride is hiding the past—bring understanding of how humanity became trapped in the tower she has always called home, or will it simply be her undoing?

♥ ♥ ♥

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I agreed to read and review Jason Luthor's "Floor 21". I was drawn in, as I usually am, by a dystopian young adult book, and I was hoping that I wouldn't be let down. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book and its premise more than I thought I would.

The Story takes place in a tower where only the top floors are inhabited, because the lower levels have been infested by this substance that they call "Creep". No one is sure how it got there or when, they just know to not ask a lot of questions and to follow the rules that were set by the Tower Authority. Of course, following the rules would make a bad and boring book, so "Floor 21" is what happens when one girl starts questioning their existence in the Tower and starts to look for answers.

What was cool about "Floor 21" was that it was different. The story was told in a first person narrative, as the characters recorded their story on voice recorders. I liked this idea, because it was a great way to show off the characters' unique voices in a way that is not commonly done.

The recordings, in my opinion, also added more suspense to what was happening. Since the characters are going through their own stories, they aren't able to speak knowingly on what else is going on, or why it's going on. Instead, the reader finds out more information along with the characters on the voice recorder, and everything has a stronger sense of immediacy.

 

I would recommend "Floor 21" to anyone who enjoys dystopian stories as much as I do. I read the whole book in about a day and a half (and that was even with me going out with friends and having a life for a change!), because I wanted to find answers. It seems like Luthor is setting up for another book to follow, and if that is true, I would love to continue reading and learning more about the Tower and the Creep.

♥ ♥ ♥

Author Bio:

Jason Luthor has spent a long life writing for sports outlets, media companies and universities. His earliest writing years came during his coverage of the San Antonio Spurs as an affiliate with the Spurs Report and its media partner, WOAI Radio. He would later enjoy a moderate relationship with Blizzard Entertainment, writing lore and stories for potential use in future games. At the academic level he has spent several years pursuing a PhD in American History at the University of Houston, with a special emphasis on Native American history.

His inspirations include some of the obvious; The Lord of the Rings and Chronciles of Narnia are some of the most cited fantasy series in history. However, his favorite reads include the Earthsea Cycle, the Chronicles of Prydain, as well as science fiction hits such as Starship Troopers and Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep?

Website ♥ Goodreads

Book Blitz: Embers (Wings of War #1)

Embers (Wings of War #1) by Karen Ann Hopkins
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: March 15th 2015
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

There are descendants of angels walking among us. Ember is one of them.
Embers is an epic paranormal adventure/romance about a seventeen year old girl who discovers that she’s immune to fire and any other injury when she’s in a horrific car crash that kills her parents. 

Following a violent episode with her aunt’s boyfriend, Ember flees Ohio to live with an old relative in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Ember’s exuberance at escaping a bad home life soon turns to trepidation when she learns that she’s a Watcher, a descendant of angels. 

While Ember is instructed about her heritage and the powers that go along with it, she strikes up friendships with two teenagers who live in a frightening walled compound in the forest. 

Inexplicitly drawn to one of the young men in particular, an impossible romance develops. But it’s cut short when Ember discovers that her new friends are fighting on the opposite side of a war that’s been raging between two factions of Watchers for thousands of years. When the compound’s inhabitants threaten the townspeople, Ember takes action, sealing her fate in the ancient battle of good versus evil, and the grayness in between. 

Ember is up to the challenge, until she realizes that she isn’t only fighting for the lives of the locals and the souls of her new friends. She may be one of the few champions willing to make a stand for all of mankind as the rapture approaches and the end of days begin.
Embers is the first novel in the dark and gritty YA paranormal romance series, The Wings of War.

♥ ♥ ♥

The complete series:

EMBERS EXCERPT:

Sawyer sobered quickly. The obvious hurt on his face made me regret my words.

“You’re right. I’m a monster. I won’t argue on that account. But your kind isn’t squeaky clean either. Just because your ancestors were arch angels doesn’t give you the right to police the world.” His eyes narrowed. “Do you know how many humans have died from wars that Watchers caused?”

Book Blitz: In Danger's Embrace (Cimmerian Moon #3)

In Danger's Embrace (Cimmerian Moon #3) by A.M. Griffin
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Release date: June 7, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon ♥ B&N
Summary:

In many ways, my life is complete, or as complete as it can be with aliens roaming Earth, killing and enslaving humans. 

Jason, my love, is by my side, and my friendship with Wade is back on track. Even better, it seems the threats of annihilation from the aliens have turned out to be nothing but hot air.

Yet, despite the peace of our Arrowwood refuge, there is still a war waging outside, something I’ve tried not to think too much about. 

Just as I’ve ignored the fact that a sanctuary can also be a prison, or a tomb, we are forced to step out of safety and live or die, in danger’s embrace.

Book One:

Against the Darkness (Cimmerian Moon #1) by A.M. Griffin

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Dystopian

Release date: June 4, 2014

Buy Link: Amazon ♥ B&N

Summary:

This one time, at band camp…aliens invaded earth. Sounds like a bad riff on an old joke, doesn’t it? Unfortunately for me and my friends, it’s all too true. I thought a mess like this only happened in the movies but, as I watch the alien ships hovering over the major cities, I suddenly realize I’m a thousand miles away from my Mom. From home. From safety.

Darkness may have fallen over the world, but I won’t let it claim me. I’ll do anything I have to get back to Michigan. Yet nothing could prepare me for what we find on our trek north from Tallahassee. There’s hardly anything the aliens haven’t bombed. 

Survival, at any cost, is the name of the game for the few people who haven’t been killed or captured. As if trying to stay free and alive isn’t enough, I think I just met the love of my life. And he’s just the kind of bad boy who’ll tear down the walls I’ve built around my heart—then break it.

Book Two:

Ashes That Remain (Cimmerian Moon #2) by A.M. Griffin

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Dystopian

Release date: August 6, 2014

Buy Link: Amazon ♥ B&N

Summary:

We’re at war against the aliens that have invaded Earth, fighting the only way we can—by surviving. I have more than most people do, but although I know it’s stupid to hold on, I can’t let go of what might have been—can’t help dreaming of something more. 

No matter how I tell myself it would be easier to do what everyone else wants me to, there’s a part of me that can’t give in.

Making the best of the situation is one thing. Settling, even to make other people happy, is something else.

Then we hear the alien mother ships have disappeared. Of course we have to go and investigate. What we find lands us in a huge mess that we somehow have to clean up and, as our little enclave is rocked to the core with even more changes, I’m learning a hard lesson.

The more things change—for the better or the worse—there’s no fighting human nature, and building on the ashes that remain will take everything we have. And maybe more.

♥ ♥ ♥

Excerpt:

Brook’s whimpering sounds through the darkness. My eyes have adjusted to the night and I can make out who everyone is and the layout of the room.

“Shh,” Rocky coaxes. “We’re going to be fine. We’ll all be fine.”

I hear her mumbling cries about how scared she is, probably talking more to herself than to her dad.

“Everyone get some rest,” Rocky says in a whisper. “We’ll be here for another twenty-four hours, might as well use this time to rejuvenate.”

“Twenty-four hours?” my mom asks. “Shouldn’t we try to leave as soon as the bombs stop?”

Book Blitz: Alone

Alone by Kate L. Mary
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: March 29, 2016
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

A zombie novel.

For the past two years, Jules has floated through life.

When the virus was released it changed everything about the world. Jules lost her mom and her home, forcing her to live with the father she barely knows. Now, even as society works to rebuild, Jules still feels like she doesn’t quite fit in.

Then she meets Roman.

Even before the zombies, he only had himself to depend on. Brooding and rebellious, Roman isn’t anyone Jules would have pictured herself with before the zombies came. But now she finds herself willing to give up everything to be with him.

The attraction is too strong for either one of them to ignore, but Roman and Jules soon discover that the uncertainty of their new world extends much farther than just the zombies. When disaster strikes, Roman must race against the most terrifying clock imaginable to save Jules, or once again end up alone.

♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

I’m still grinning when we step outside. The wooden porch sags beneath my feet, feeling a little less than sturdy, but that isn’t what makes my heart almost stop. My smile melts away and my feet stop moving, and within seconds I’m shaking like a leaf.

There are three zombies in the yard. Three of them. I haven’t come this close to one since the first few months of the outbreak, and now there are three.

Roman steps in front of me and shoves the shoebox into my hands as he pulls his knife out, all in one fluid movement. “It’s okay.” It doesn’t feel okay. It feels the complete opposite of okay.

Roman steps off the porch, and one of the zombies spots him right away. The thing groans and moves toward him, chomping his mouth. Gray skin stretches across his face, and the deep gashes that cut across the decaying flesh ooze with black goo. Thankfully, the other two creatures are facing the other way and haven’t caught wind of us yet.

Book Blitz: The Letting (The Letting #1)

The Letting (The Letting #1) by Cathrine Goldstein
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: December 15, 2014
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

What if the Devil doesn’t know he’s the Devil?

This is the question Veronica “Ronnie” Billings poses to Phoenix, her sworn enemy, the leader of the Peaceful Revolution, and the one she loves.

Kidnapped by Phoenix’s rebels, Ronnie learns how wrong she has been. She had no idea that her patriotism was wasted on a corrupt government. 

Ronnie was proud to be a Leader; taking hundreds of harvested girls to the Letting facility. After all, she was saving them from future Couplings and bringing them to the safety of the New World. Or so she thought…

Confused, Ronnie realizes the only way to discover the truth is to trust her heart. Together, Phoenix and Ronnie devise a plan to stop their corrupt government and preempt the dangerous rebel coup which is approaching. But when their plan goes awry, will Ronnie be strong enough to save Phoenix, her country, and herself?

♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

"What if the Devil doesn't know he's the Devil?" I ask.

Phoenix shakes his head, confused. "What?"

"Why? Why does the bad I've done have to define me?"

"Because you're a murdering sadist," he snaps back at me.

"No, I am not." I clench my teeth, standing my ground. I am tired of these labels I am suddenly wearing. "I never, I mean never knew what happened to those girls I led to the Lettings. I am so very sorry I played any role in this vile enterprise in which we exist, but I was clueless.

Book Blitz: Almana

Almana by Julayn Adams
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

In the aftermath of World War III, the world has become a dangerous place. 

The ruthless dictator, Equis, and his army, Armageddon, are quickly taking over major metropolitan areas on the west coast. The end of humanity is eminent. 

Their one hope lies in the hands of a 17 year old girl, Alexa. When Almana volunteers to leave Heaven to guide Alexa, she never thought that her own destiny would include falling in love with a human. 

Now, cursed to remain on Earth forever, Almana finds that her task is much more than she bargained for.


♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,

I alone beweep my outcast state

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,

Book Blitz: Kahayatle (Apocalypsis #1)

Kahayatle (Apocalypsis #1) by Elle Casey
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia, Science Fiction
Release Date: June 22, 2012
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

KAHAYATLE. My name’s Bryn Mathis. I’m seventeen years old, and I live in a neighborhood outside of Orlando, Florida. I live alone because my dad died almost a year ago, along with all the other adults in the world.

I’m almost out of food and the gangs of kids that roam around my town are getting more vicious by the day. It’s time for me to leave and find another place to live … a place where I can find food and shelter … a place where they won’t be able to find me.

Alone, it might have been possible, but now I’ve got company. I’m worried that I don’t have what it takes to get from here to my final destination, and I have no idea what might be waiting for me when I get there.

Content Warning: Mild violence and some foul language. Meant for older Young Adult readers (age 15+). This book is in the Dark Science Fiction / Horror / Post-Apocalyptic genres, featuring teen characters only.


♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

I had eaten all the rations that were left in my house, except for five cans of baked beans and two bags of noodles. It’s all I’d been eating for a week, and if I had to have another bite of starch I was going to puke. I didn’t like the idea of going through my neighbors’ houses to find food, but the choice was being made for me now. I was desperate.

Morning would be the best time for me to make my move. I’d heard the sounds of other people - teens like me - moving around in the daytime; but usually it was in the afternoon or at night. Groups of them had gotten together, looking for stuff in the houses that didn’t have kids in them. None of the houses had adults in them anymore.

I needed to move without being seen. Leaving my house unprotected would be a very bad idea. I knew that these gangs were soon going to stop showing respect to the houses with kids in them like me. It was only a matter of time before the resources left in these neighborhoods dwindled down to an amount so small, it would no longer be enough to support the number of growling stomachs that roamed the streets; not without the hungry breaking into the occupied places too.

Book Blitz: Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One

Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: December 16, 2015
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

The earth’s core overheats. The sovereign leader vanishes. A young girl is the survivors’ only hope …

What little land is habitable is patrolled by cutthroat gangs of escaped subversives, but that’s not the greatest threat facing sixteen-year-old Derry Connelly, her brother Owen, and a ragged band of Preppers holed up in a bunker in the Sawtooth Mountains. Mysterious hoverships operated by clones are targeting adolescents for extraction.

Owen, is one of the first to disappear. To save him, Derry must strike a deal with the murderous subversives, and risk a daring raid to infiltrate the heart of the extraction operation.

But will the rookie leader falter when forced to choose between her brother and a clone who ignites something inside her she didn’t know was possible?

♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

I trace the trigger housing on my gun and count the remaining clones congregated around the room. We’re grossly outnumbered. And Owen is weaponless. This can’t end well if we don’t comply.

“You have thirty seconds to accept my terms,” Lyong says, a nettled edge to his voice.

I shiver, picturing his one-eyed tic appraising me in a monitor somewhere as he talks, his papery skin rippling with the effort of speech. I can’t see a way out of the situation that gives me any chance of saving Owen, other than to negotiate. Hesitantly, I raise my arms and step forward.

“My brother’s injured,” I yell. “If you give us your word you’ll help him, we’ll turn over our weapons.”