{ARC Review & Giveaway} Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz

Title: BREAKING GLASS
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: July 2013
ISBN: 978-1937053383

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Blurb:

On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he’s not sure whether they’re real or if he’s losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.

Wow! What a debut, Mrs. Amowitz! Breaking Glass is a fast-paced, what-the-hell-just-happened, cement truck full of suspense ride. So grab a drink, get comfy, and hold on. 

One thing YA is not overflowing with is an abundance of thrillers, so it's always refreshing to me when I get my hands on one, especially one this well written, with characters who hold my attention. The one thing I do despise; however, is attempting to review them without giving away the entire plot, but I'll do my best. 

The small town I graduated high school from is what came to mind when I first read about Riverton in this novel. A place where nobody escapes, and those who do are eventually drawn back for one reason or another (so far I have escaped this destiny, knock on wood). They still have the same friends, their kids are all friends, heck even their grandkids are friends; and when lineage stretches that far into the past, there are likely to be a few skeletons skulking in the closets. Just ask Jeremy Glass, or Ryan Morgan, or Susannah Durban. 

Jeremy Glass, our narrator and protagonist, finds himself in the epicenter of lies and deceit. It appears people are talking to him from the grave, his best friend might be a murderer, the girl he loves is not only taken but a tad bit psycho and the adults, well, they're even worse. I mean, why would Jeremy want to quit drinking when his mom is dead, his dad is always workingg; Ryan's dad is a freak; and Susannah's mom is just a straight up trip. Come on, you'd drink your life away, too...right? So what happens when he's forced to sober up?

Nothing good.

People disappear, accidents happen, secrets start spilling, and people die. And every. Single. Person. Seems suspicious. 

Slowly, the secrets unravel and the layers peel apart until you're left with the horrible, naked truth - which is much too little, much too late. Those left living are damaged beyond repair, both physically and emotionally. And, as I've already said, others are dead.

I admit I obsessed over how Breaking Glass would end. I'm a little gun-shy with authors lately. Some seem to enjoy torture just a little too much, but  Lisa wrapped the story up in a fitting manner. Not in a happily ever after, because there's just no way to pull that kind of ending off in a thriller, but I wasn't horrified. The only reason I'm not throwing the fifth star in there is because I felt there were so many great things happening in the story, that some of the characters didn't shine as much as I would have liked them to, other than that, perfect.

I highly recommend Breaking Glass, especially if you're looking for something a little bit different. Lisa Amowitz combined excellent writing with that "dark and twisted" imagination referred to in her bio, and created an edgy and captivating story. 

***Besides the sponsored giveaway below the author bio, I'm also giving away 2 paperback copies, just leave a comment and let me know you stopped by to enter. I'll use Random.org to pick a winner on or about August 1st. My dad will be having surgery on July 31st, so if I'm a day or so late, please be patient.***

Author bio:

Lisa Amowitz was born in Queens and raised in the wilds of Long Island, New York where she climbed trees, thought small creatures lived under rocks and studied ant hills. And drew. A lot.

When she hit her teens, she realized that Long Island was too small for her and she needed to escape. So she went to college in Pittsburgh. Go figure.

On leaving college, Lisa became a graphic designer living in New York City. She eventually married her husband of a zillion years, had two lovely children, and was swept away to a fairy tale life in the Bronx, where, unbelievably there are more trees and wilderness than her hometown. She can see the Hudson River from her kitchen window.

Lisa has been a professor of Graphic Design at her beloved Bronx Community College where she has been tormenting and cajoling students for nearly seventeen years. She started writing eight years ago because she wanted something to illustrate, but somehow, instead ended up writing YA. Probably because her mind is too dark and twisted for small children.

BREAKING GLASS which will be released in July, 2013 from Spencer Hill Press, is her first published work. VISION, the first of the Finder series will be released in 2014, along with an unnamed sequel in the following year. LIFE AND BETH will also be released in the near future, along with graphic novel style art.

Giveaway items:

(1) custom pendant like the one pictured on the book cover

(2) signed ARCS

(1) original work of Breaking Glass related art created and signed by the author.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find an illustrated preview of Breaking Glass called Shards below.

Here are a list of Lisa's upcoming events:

July 18th: Book Launch Party; 7PM @ Womrath Book Shop, Bronxville, NY

July 26: Summer Thriller Chiller Event with Barry Lyga, Kate Brian, Elizabeth Kiem, Alan Zadoff and me!  6:30 PM @ The Voracious Reader in Larchmont, NY


August 18: The third anniversary event of the Hudson Valley YA Society: 4PM @Oblong Books in Rhinebeck, NY

{Cover Reveal} Darkness Comes This Way by Pixie Lynn Whitfield

I'm very excited today because I get to showcase my good friend, Pixie's, debut book cover...Darkness Comes This Way.

Isn't it amazing? Be sure to add it to your Goodreads!

Blurb:

Zarah Duncan is a Guardian. It’s an elite job that protects humans and the untainted vampires from the real monsters: those lost to the bloodlust. They’re called Rogues, and they infest the city. Missing humans, unsolved cases…Zarah knows what the real cause is. And she’s been trained since childhood to destroy them.

But she has a haunting past that catches up one day. Zarah was Rogue once, and until her, no one else has ever cured from the poisoned state of mind before. She’s been labeled a miracle, and the mystery only builds. She gets the awful feeling there’s more to it than just a lucky magical come-back. There are deep, dark secrets being kept. Maybe her boss Nathanial knows something?  When she gets paired with a partner, Draven Kinsley, it only adds more difficulty. He hates her and swears that with a single look, she’ll poison him. To make matters worse, her Rogue brother has to show up, and he brings with him a shocking announcement. What Zarah learns from him rocks her entire world upside down. She not only begins to question who and what she is anymore, but it can possibly change the Vampire race forever.

The scary part: someone else knows too…and they’ll do anything to get her special blood, spelling disaster for the humans that Guardians have secretly been protecting for decades.

Darkness Comes This Way is the first book to a high-action Paranormal/Urban Fantasy trilogy by debut author Pixie Lynn Whitfield (publication date: June 1st).

{Author Interview} Natasha Slight - Guardians of the Grimoire

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

I was born and raised in Montreal, where I still live with my husband and two daughters. I’ve moved around a lot, but I always come back to Montreal. The people here are very warm and friendly; just don’t get in their way on the road!

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Guardians of the Grimoire, book one in the Grimoire series, is my debut novel. Although, written for Young Adults, the book has also been well received by adults. It is a Fantasy Adventure packed with action from beginning to end. The concept of the book is based on the idea of multiverses (parallel universes).

Kaël, an evil god, seeks to gain access to the Grimoire. If he succeeds, he can control the four universes. Desperate, the Spirit Mother hides the book on Earth where a goddess and three young girls will help. Kerani, Tiluvia, and Cesca must race to Gaïa's island, while attempting to control their newfound magic. Will the girls reach Gaïa in time? Or will Kaël succeed in finding the Grimoire?

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

Well, actually the idea just popped into my head one day. There’s really no other way to describe it. It was like a movie playing in my head. The longer I sat, thinking about it, the more detailed it became. Before I knew it, I was frantically writing everything down. It took me a few days, where I was completely immersed in the storyline. I still have the very first draft and I shake my head every time I look at it, wondering how I came up with it.

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s).

I have three main characters, all female, which is rare in high-fantasy books. I find this genre very male oriented and I wanted to do something different. I like to think ‘out of the box’, so this was right up my alley.

Kerani: The leader of the group, she is a feisty, strong-willed, sword-wielding princess. She doesn’t take no for an answer and is not afraid to fight.

Tiluvia: Quirky, funny, and always smiling, she’s my comic relief in the book. She is also very sensitive to the moods of others around her. She is the shoulder to cry on and the pillar of the group.

Cesca: She is my brooding dark beauty who is also very shy and quiet. Plagued by inner turmoil, Cesca is someone who has to find and accept herself for who she is. The question is will she succeed?

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I love all three equally...hmm, this sounds like what a parent would say to their children. LOL But it’s true!

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Oh my goodness, yes. The first time I was asked this question, I came to realize that each character embodies a quality from my own personality. For me it felt like the girls’ personalities just naturally evolved, but in hindsight, I see where they evolved from. Today, I can understand when they say an author’s book contains his or her soul in it.

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

After I finish writing this trilogy, I have a novella I’d like to write, followed by another trilogy. I don’t know why, but writing trilogies just seems to come naturally to me. I feel very comfortable with it. This is all in the Young Adult category. Afterwards, I’d like to branch out and write a series for adults, which I’ve already begun to plan. My mind is just bursting with ideas!

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

It took me 2 years and 3 months. I still remember the date I began to write: October 8th, 2009. My official coming out was December 1st, 2011. I would work all day, often times 7 days a week and into the wee hours of the morning. I went through a lot of edits, but I can’t tell you how many, because I lost count after fifty! Since I am self-published this also includes all the social networking I had to set up, the research into indie publishing vs traditional publishing, not to mention all the research I did for my book. It was a major learning curve and one heck of a roller coaster ride.

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everywhere! From books, movies, music, life events, and even dreams.

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

Yes, I do. The first draft of a book is always written by hand. I begin writing in my dining room, because the table gives me space to spread the sheets out in front of me. Once that’s done, then I hibernate in my office rewriting, editing, working with my editor and proofreader until the book is ready to be published...and that can be months! 

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Oh, that’s easy, I’d own a restaurant. My other passion in life is cooking. I’m not afraid to taste new things and I’m always putting my own twist on recipes. 

Kristin:  Independently published, commercially published, or self-published?
I am presently self-published.

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

I have three tips.
1) Read A LOT. By doing this, it will help to develop your own writer’s voice. You’ll discover what genre you like to write in and maybe even what language. I’m bilingual in both French and English, having grown up with both languages, but don’t ask me to write in French! I much prefer to write in English.
2) Write A LOT. Like the expression says, “Practice makes perfect.”
3) Write about something that truly inspires you. If you feel very strong about your idea, and it captures you entirely, then write about it.
4) Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP.

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important you?

I’ve read my whole life, so books have always been very important to me, but writing became important when I allowed myself to try my hand at it. I didn’t reject the idea. Writing is now a passion for me. I don’t see myself doing anything else in life.

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Make sure my latest project is backed up on my USB key. You never know if you’ll survive!

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

My cup of tea, pens and pencils, Webster’s dictionary, a camera, and of course my book.

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Everything that is in the ocean. I melt for seafood, especially lobster.

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Ratatouille! Not only is it about cooking, but it’s in Paris. *sigh* I’ve been there once, and I think I left my heart at the top of the Eiffel Tower. No choice, but to go back and get it.

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Lie To Me.

Kristin: Favorite Song?

La Mer by Charles Trenet

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Adèle

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

I’m someone who is always willing to try new things, and I like to watch Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (one day I’ll get to see what a cricket tastes like), but one thing I would never, never, never want to try are Coconut Grubs. *shudders* I close my eyes when I see them on TV. I would love to post a picture here for you, but I can’t bring myself to Google search for an image. Eew! Eew! Eew!

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Can I be both? LOL I’m usually the health-wise type, after all, I do have two kids, but sometimes momma just wants her chips. I’ll only eat chips if the bag is freshly opened, afterwards, they don’t taste as good, and in my house the bag can stay there for over a week. I put mine in the freezer; they’re better cold, especially when it’s a brand new unopened bag! Crazy, I know.

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Turtle, while I was in the Cayman Islands. They slather it in sauce and it’s really good. Psst, by the way, the sauce is there to hide the fact that the meat is green.

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Day on the beach all the way! I hate the cold and snow and I don’t ski. Imagine, I live in Montreal with minus 40 degrees in winter. Brrrr.

Kristin:  If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

The South of France and it’s not IF, it’s WHEN. I seriously plan on moving there one day. No snow and the beach is close by.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Well, if you’re reading this then you’re already aware of my book, but if you’re into symbolism, I strongly suggest anything written by Dan Brown. My favorite is The Lost Symbol. If you like high-fantasy, then I suggest The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Website │ Twitter  │ Goodreads │Amazon │Barnes and Noble  │Smashwords  Author Facebook │ Grimoire Series Facebook

Thank you for taking this time to let us get to know you. We have enjoyed having you today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and will stop by to see us again soon.

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Synopsis: (Goodreads)

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…
Expected Publication: September 27, 2011

I'm really not a big fan of historical fiction but I am a huge fan of all things Fey. This book just keeps calling out to me...buy me, buy me!