Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Floor 21 Blog Tour: Review


Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Floor 21 Blog Tour!  Make sure to check out everything going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. 

About the Book
Title: Floor 21
Author: Jason Luthor
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia
Purchase: Amazon 
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?

About the Author
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?
   

My Review of Floor 21
Floor 21 is really unlike anything I have read in the past from the way the narrative is written to the plotline of the story itself. I will admit that reading the story in a recording style took a little getting used to as someone use to traditional storytelling, but almost immediately, the plot captured me and held my attention through the whole novel. Jackie has some complying arguments and insatiable curiosity, which is why I loved following her story. As a naturally curious person, I know that if I had grown up in the Tower, I would also be curious as to what was before, and why we as humans were there now. It is almost basic human nature to wonder about the past and the future and how they define us. 

Jackie is a naturally intelligent young woman on the brink of becoming an adult, and wants answers that the Tower Authority is strictly against giving. All she has to go on is old movies and music to get a sense of the life before The Creep took over the tower. She also wants to know how far down the tower goes and if maybe just maybe there are other people in other towers. These questions lead Jackie down a dangerous path that she documents by recording her thoughts on a personal recorder. This is how readers experience the story through those recordings. 

This story has its dark and creepy in way of the mysterious substance known as the Creep that wants to take over the tower and could wipe out the last survivors. This science fiction almost horror element plus the recording narrative makes this book feel like a found footage horror movie almost, except it is not quite so terrifying for the most part. Trust me there are defiantly some creeptastic moments during Floor 21. 

I am glad I had the chance to broaden my reading tastes by reading Floor 21 by Jason Luthor. I will be keeping an eye out to see if he continues his story from Floor 21 or anything else, he decides to write in the future. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**


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Friday, October 30, 2015

Return Once More Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Return Once More Blog Tour!  Make sure to check out everything going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. 

About the Book
Title: Return Once More
Author: Trisha Leigh
Series: The Historians #1
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Genres: Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Young Adult, 
If you could learn the identity of your one true love—even though you will never meet— would you?
Years have passed since refugees from a ruined earth took to space, eventually settling a new system of planets. Science has not only made the leaps necessary to allow time travel, but the process engineered a strange side effect—predicting your one true love.
If you could save your one true love from an untimely death, would you be able to resist?
Sixteen-year-old Kaia Vespasian is an apprentice to the Historians—a group charged with using time travel to document the triumphs and failures of the past—and she can’t resist a peek at her long-dead soul mate in Ancient Egypt. Before she knows it, she’s broken every rule in the book, and the consequences of getting caught could destroy more than just her new romance.
Or would you have the strength to watch him die?
But when Kaia notices a fellow classmate snooping around in a time where he doesn’t belong, she suspects he has a secret of his own—and the conspiracy she uncovers could threaten the entire universe. If her experience has taught her anything, to changing history means facing the consequences. The Historians trained her to observe and record the past, but Kaia never guessed she might have to protect it— in a race across time to save her only chance at a future.

About the Author
Trisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales,
and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies,  reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
   

My Review of Return Once More
As someone who loves History and would give up almost anything to be able to observe historical events as they unfold, Return Once More is my dream novel. Many interesting historical events are discussed or even witnessed during the course of this novel. I loved each of them, but the ones set in Ancient Egypt are my favorite as it is my favorite thing to learn about when it comes to human history. Trisha Leigh did outstanding research when it came to presenting these events in historical detail with accurate depiction even in the middle of a fictional story. 

Usually with Science Fiction especially those involving time travel confuse me or they are overly scoped out with rules and depictions that the reader has to understand to fully relate it to the story. Thankfully, while there are consequences for affecting the past, there is still enough wiggle room for the reader to enjoy each of the observations back in time. Trisha Leigh concentrates more on the story of Kaia and her friends then the science behind everything. 

As a character, I loved Kaia. She was full of risk taking just to see her one true companion, even if it mean the possibility of never having a proper future as an official Historian. When she discovered others are tampering with the past instead of observing, she readily jumps into action to preserve the past to preserve the future. This bravery is what I really loved about her, and I cannot wait to read more of Kaia’s story and see how the future plays out. 

Trisha Leigh has started possibly my newest addiction. I love The Historian series, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next one even if this one leaves on a bit of dramatic cliffhanger (but not a cliffhanger that had me upset enough to want to throw my kindle.) I hope to see another The Historian’s novel from her very soon. This series is a great read for historical and science fiction fans alike. 


**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**



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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday: Until We Meet Again

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Until We Meet Again
Title: Until We Meet Again
Author: Renee Collins
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance
They exist in two different centuries, but their love defies time
Cassandra craves drama and adventure, so the last thing she wants is to spend her summer marooned with her mother and stepfather in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on their private beach claiming it's his own—and that the year is 1925—she is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making.
As she searches for answers in the present, Cassandra discovers a truth that puts their growing love—and Lawrence's life—into jeopardy. Desperate to save him, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever. 
Why am I waiting?
Time Travel and an epic love story that crosses the time barrier. This one sounds very interesting and I like the science fiction twist with the different character being from different times of history. One from the current time and one from the past. I think the cultural and historical differences will play a big part in the relationship, besides the obvious one that they do not actually exist together in the same time period. 

What are you waiting on?
Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Waiting on Wedneday: This Monstrous Thing

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

This Monstrous Thing
Title: This Monstrous Thing
Author: Mackenzi Lee 
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Steampunk, 
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.
His brother, Oliver—dead.
His sweetheart, Mary—gone.
His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.
Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.
But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.
Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…
Why am I waiting?
A retelling of Frankenstein right before Halloween, where do I sign up. I like everything this blurb describes, and I always love when someone takes a story and makes readers see it from another side. I also like that there is a steam-punk element added on to the story as well.
What are you waiting on?
Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Monday, February 9, 2015

Collide Release Day Blitz: Excerpt and Giveaway


Title: Collide 
Author: Melissa West 
Series: The Taking # 3
Publication Date: February 9, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Military legacy Ari Alexander has survived alien spies, WWIV, and a changing world order. But when the new leader of Earth uses Jackson—the only boy she's ever let herself care about— to get to her, Ari has no choice but to surrender.

To free Jackson, she agrees to travel to the national bases to train others to fight. What she discovers is a land riddled with dying people. Ari has the power to heal by turning the fighters into aliens—half-breeds like her. If she succeeds, together, they have a chance at overthrowing the alien leader, Zeus. But if she fails, everyone she holds dear will be wiped away forever.


Once again, everything Ari’s come to believe is thrown into question. In a world of uncertainty, loyalties are tested, lies are uncovered, and no one can be trusted. If Ari and Jackson have any hope at survival and at preserving a life for the future, they must fight the final war with their eyes wide open.



Books in this series:
(covers linked to Goodreads)
 photo gravity_zps96ec702b.jpg 
photo hover_zps0a09d157.jpg

Buy Gravity (Book One):
AmazonB&NKobo Books

Buy Hover (Book Two):
AmazonB&NKobo Books

About the Author
Melissa West writes young adult and new adult novels for Entangled Teen and Embrace and
Penguin/InterMix. She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.
She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange.
Author Links:
   



Excerpt from Collide
Naomi releases a slow breath, and I feel her thoughts hitting my own, one after the other. She’s not as sure as the other Ops back on the West Coast base. She’s more of a follower than a rebel, and I worry that we’ve made a terrible decision coming there. What if she sends a warning to Kelvin and he bombs the West Coast base, killing everyone at once? “I understand your hesitation, Naomi,” I say. “But you’ll likely die if you don’t consider what we’re offering.” She cocks her head. “I would rather die as human than live as an Ancient. I’m a strong fighter. I don’t need xylem in me to survive.” “Naomi...” Myers starts, but I cut him off. “Oh, really?” I lunge forward, sweeping her feet so her head slams hard on the floor, and then I’m over her, my face in her face, my gun pressed into her forehead. “Bang,” I say. 

GIVEAWAY:

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Cover Reveal: Awakening

Awakening by Shannon Duffy
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pre-Order: AmazonBarnes & NobleKobo Books
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, 

A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.

Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.
Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?





About the Author

Author of MG and YA books full of adventure. I grew up on the east coast of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and now live in Ontario. I love writing, reading, fashion, fitness, and traveling.
   


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Friday, November 7, 2014

Book Trailer Reveal: Anomaly

Today I have the Trailer reveal for Anomaly! Check it out below and Let me know what you think!

About the Book
Title: Anomaly
Author: Tonya Kuper
Series:Schrodinger's Consortium #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Reality is only an illusion.
Except for those who can control it…
Worst. Birthday. Ever.
My first boyfriend dumped me—happy birthday, Josie!—my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl’s tonsils. Oh, and I’m officially the same age as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening…
Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.
When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he’s the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead…

About the Author
Tonya Kuper is the author of ANOMALY, the first in the Schrodinger’s Consortium Series, a young adult science fiction trilogy, releasing November 25, 2014 by Entangled Teen. She fell for Young Adult lit while earning her Master’s degree in Reading Education. She's a mom to two awesome boys, an alt music junkie, a Star Wars nerd, and in love with Sherlock.
   

Without Further Ado....The Trailer





Goodreads Book Giveaway

Anomaly by Tonya Kuper

Anomaly

by Tonya Kuper

Giveaway ends November 15, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win


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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Opposition Release Day Launch: Excerpt and Giveaway

Welcome to the Opposition Release Day Celebration!  Today I not only do I have an excerpt for you but there is also a giveaway today!

About the Book
Title: Opposition
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Series: Lux #5
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, 
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

About the Author
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
   

EXCERPT FROM OPPOSITION
Katy
I still stared at Daemon, completely aware that everyone else except him was watching me. Closely. But why wouldn’t he look at me? A razor-sharp panic clawed at my insides. No. This couldn’t be happening. No way. My body was moving before I even knew what I was doing.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Dee shake her head and one of the Luxen males step forward, but I was propelled by an inherent need to prove that my worst fears were not coming true.
After all, he’d healed me, but then I thought of what Dee had said, of how Dee had behaved with me. What if Daemon was like her? Turned into something so foreign and cold? He would’ve healed me just to make sure he was okay.
I still didn’t stop.
 Please, I thought over and over again. Please. Please. Please. On shaky legs, I crossed the long room, and even though Daemon hadn’t seemed to even acknowledge my existence, I walked right up to him, my hands trembling as I placed them on his chest.
 “Daemon?” I whispered, voice thick.

His head whipped around, and he was suddenly staring down at me. Our gazes collided once more, and for a second I saw something so raw, so painful in those beautiful eyes. And then his large hands wrapped around my upper arms. The contact seared through the shirt I wore, branding my skin, and I thought—I expected—that he would pull me against him, that he would embrace me, and even though nothing would be all right, it would be better.
Daemon’s hands spasmed around my arms, and I sucked in an unsteady breath.
His eyes flashed an intense green as he physically lifted me away from him, setting me back down a good foot back.
I stared at him, something deep in my chest cracking. “Daemon?”
He said nothing as he let go, one finger at a time, it seemed, and his hands slid off my arms. He stepped back, returning his attention to the man behind the desk.
“So . . . awkward,” murmured the redhead, smirking.
I was rooted to the spot in which I stood, the sting of rejection burning through my skin, shredding my insides like I was nothing more than papier-mâché.
“I think someone was expecting more of a reunion,” the Luxen male behind the desk said, his voice ringing with amusement. “What do you think, Daemon?”
One shoulder rose in a negligent shrug. “I don’t think anything.”
My mouth opened, but there were no words. His voice, his tone, wasn’t like his sister’s, but like it had been when we first met. He used to speak to me with barely leashed annoyance, where a thin veil of tolerance dripped from every word.The rift in my chest deepened.
 For the hundredth time since the Luxen arrived, Sergeant Dasher’s warning came back to me. What side would Daemon and his family stand on? A shudder worked its way down my spine. I wrapped my arms around myself, unable to truly process what had just happened.
“And you?” the man asked. When no one answered, he tried again. “Katy?”
I was forced to look at him, and I wanted to shrink back from his stare. “What?” I was beyond caring that my voice broke on that one word.
The man smiled as he walked around the desk. My gaze flickered over to Daemon as he shifted, drawing the attention of the beautiful redhead. “Were you expecting a more personal greeting?” he asked. “Perhaps something more intimate?”
I had no idea how to answer. I felt like I’d fallen into the rabbit hole, and warnings were firing off left and right. Something primal inside me recognized that I was surrounded by predators.
Completely.



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