Review STORMBRINGER by SHANNON DELANY Shannon_Delany @StMartinsPress

Book Description

Publication Date: January 14, 2014

In the intrigue-filled follow up to Weather Witch, Jordan Astraea, once a young Philadelphia lady of good social standing, is now in the final stages of her brutal training to become a Conductor—the Weather Witch who serves as a living battery to keep the massive airliner Artemesia aloft. Meanwhile, Rowen, determined to rescue her after losing his only other true friend and being wanted for murder, has found himself forced aboard a much different air vessel, this one manned by a dangerous crew and carrying a cargo so treasonous, that, if finding its destination, will herald a storm of revolution for the still young United States.

With a spirit for adventure, romance, fantastic world building and cunning imagination, Shannon Delany delivers the sensational follow up to Weather Witch in Stormbringer, the second book of the trilogy.

amazon

About the Author

Since she was a child SHANNON DELANY has written stories, beginning writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill. Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Delany lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Jordan is now being forced into the role as a conductor on the airship, Artemesia, while Rowen is now aboard a ship that conducts trade, not all of it above board.  The pair, now separated, are both fighting for survival and Rowen has vowed to find Jordan once again and rescue her.  The Artemesia has an assortment of passengers including the Maker, Bran and his daughter.  Bran has been kidnapped by those in opposition to his creations and Wandering Wallace has ulterior motives as well.  That little turn in the plot caught me off guard.  This is one of the better second in a series I have read in a long time.  I thought this really gave the Weather Witch a run for the money. 

Jordan story in this one is almost more heartbreaking than the first.  She does come out a stronger person and it is such a surprise turnaround that it will take you off guard.  I had a few weepy moments as what she endure aboard the ship and her imprisonment comes to light.  Rowen on the other hand, is forced to grow up a bit, which I never expected he needed.  I though he had it pretty well together but when the captain of the ship, Elizabeth, points out the holes in his rescue plan, he does meet the mark.  

I found this installment amazing and heatbreaking at the same time.  What Jordan has been forced to endure will indeed make her a stronger person, but getting there isn't easy or pretty.  There are some wonderful insights to minor characters and they really help move the plot along as well as make me wonder what else they are up to.  Parents:  This is best suited for older teens since there are themes of slavery, abuse, violence and some language.  This series would spark a nice conversation on these subjects that mirror what is happening around the world today.   

Disclosure  I received this book from the publisher at no charge and in no way influenced my review.  If you are considering purchasing this book or anything else from Amazon, please use my link above since I earn a very small percentage of the sale which helps pay for shipping my giveaways!  You can also support the blog by clicking on the ads at the top of the page.  

Review WEATHER WITCH by SAHNNON DELANY @Shannon_Delany @StMartinsPress #WeatherWitch

Book Description

Release date: June 25, 2013

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.


SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Jordan is almost seventeen and at her birthday, her biggest worry is how she will look at her party.  Her best friend, Catrina has been helping her prepare and as they gossip about the boys who will be there, Jordan only has eyes for her childhood sweetheart, Rowen.  Even though Rowen is a few steps under her social status, he would still make an acceptable marriage for her.  In this alternative world of Philadelphia, the only thing in life that matter is where you are on the social ladder.  The higher up the hill, the safer you are from the Merrow creatures in the  water that cause havoc and death to any unfortunate to come close.  This world is powered by witches who can harness the weather and energy around them.  To be a witch is to be of the lowest class.  So when the Council  shows up at Jordan's birthday party, they are certain to find a witch among the attendees.  When it turns out Jordan is the one they seek, her whole world falls apart.

Jordan is immediately carted off to Holgate, a place where people are pretty much tortured to transform them into witches that control the weather and conduct their magical power into electricity.  When she meets the Maker, Bran, she declares over and over that she is not a witch. Finding inner strength that she didn't know she had, she makes friends with her prisoner roommates while she waits for Rowen to save her.  As time goes on, she realizes that she is the only who can save her.  Bran has his own dark, secret past that I can wait to get more detail about his background.   The story switches back from these characters points of view and really adds to the story.

The story is full of intrigue, evil versus good, and the wonderful possibility of romance all built around magical elements with a bit of steampunk delicately woven in.  I finished this rather quickly and there was no way I could put it down until I was finished.  It left me breathless and wanting more.  I haven't read anything this compelling in a long time!  Now, the long wait for the next installment.  If you enjoy Cassandra Clare, Jana Oliver, JK Rowling, you are going to adore this new series.   Parents:  This is pretty safe for even the youngest of teens and I bet even mature middle grade students would enjoy it.



About the Author
(from Goodreads)
Shannon Delany's newest novel, WEATHER WITCH (St. Martin's Press) is already available for pre-order (which both stuns and delights Delany)!

Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com .

Shannon was thrilled when St. Martin’s Press offered her a contract for a series about her 13 to Life characters. She expanded on the cell phone novel version, adding the subplots and characters she didn’t have time to during the contest. As paranormal as werewolves seem, the grief Shannon used to build Jess’s character is something she personally experienced with the loss of her own mother. Focusing on Jess and Pietr’s story of loss, love and dramatic and dangerous changes, Shannon came to better grips with her own struggle. The resulting novel has earned her blurbs from authors she respects most.

The first novel in Shannon’s YA paranormal series, 13 to Life, debuted June 22, 2010, and was followed by Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, Destiny and Deception, and the Rivals and Retribution (August 2012).

Find Shannon 

Goodreads *  Twitter  * Website  * Weather Witch on Facebook * Facebook

Product Details Reading level: Ages 12 and up Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 25, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 125001851X ISBN-13: 978-1250018519

Disclosure I received this book from the publisher at no charge and in no way influenced my review.  If you are considering purchasing this book or anything else from Amazon, please use my link above since I earn a very small percentage of the sale which helps pay for shipping my giveaways!  

Book Trailer Tuesday WEATHER WITCH by SHANNON DELANY @Shannon_Delany @StMartinsPress

Book Description

Release date: June 25, 2013

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.









About the Author
(from Goodreads)
Shannon Delany's newest novel, WEATHER WITCH (St. Martin's Press) is already available for pre-order (which both stuns and delights Delany)!

Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com .

Shannon was thrilled when St. Martin’s Press offered her a contract for a series about her 13 to Life characters. She expanded on the cell phone novel version, adding the subplots and characters she didn’t have time to during the contest. As paranormal as werewolves seem, the grief Shannon used to build Jess’s character is something she personally experienced with the loss of her own mother. Focusing on Jess and Pietr’s story of loss, love and dramatic and dangerous changes, Shannon came to better grips with her own struggle. The resulting novel has earned her blurbs from authors she respects most.

The first novel in Shannon’s YA paranormal series, 13 to Life, debuted June 22, 2010, and was followed by Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, Destiny and Deception, and the Rivals and Retribution (August 2012).

Find Shannon 

Goodreads *  Twitter  * Website  * Weather Witch on Facebook * Facebook

Product Details Reading level: Ages 12 and up Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 25, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 125001851X ISBN-13: 978-1250018519

Giveaway Interview WEATHER WITCH by SHANNON DELANEY @Shannon_Delany @StMartinsPress #BlogTour

Book Description

Release date: June 25, 2013

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.

You can read my review on June 24.  I adored this book and I can't wait to make all of you read it!  

Product Details Reading level: Ages 12 and up Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 25, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 125001851X ISBN-13: 978-1250018519

About the Author

Shannon Delany is a speaker, author, farmer, mother and wife. She frequently should look busier than she does, but luckily she writes very quickly and many of her farm animals are mostly self-sustaining. She is often plagued by new story ideas (which she loves) and ideas for new art projects she fully intends to do between everything else. She loves to travel, has no respect for bullies, and briefly managed a talented musician as a result of her love of music. She is a lifelong learner and is happy to talk to nearly everyone and darn near anything! She has recently become a radio host for Authors on the Air where she interviews talented writers, publishers, and agents and generally has a good time!

Find Shannon 

Goodreads *  Twitter  * Website  * Weather Witch on Facebook * Facebook * Pinterest

PLEASE WELCOME SHANNON TO BOOKHOUNDS 

1. What is the first book you remember reading by yourself as a child?

I like to remember reading The Velveteen Rabbit first, although I'm certain I read a bunch of Dr. Seuss books and The Giving Tree before graduating to that. I loved The Giving Tree--it's one of my favorite books of all time.

2. What are you reading right now?

I'm reading an ARC by a bestselling author making her move to middle grade novels. If I like it enough to blurb it you'll hear a lot more about it!

3. How does your garden grow?

With a lot of hard work, time, and sheep to trim around it.

4. What is the last thing you Googled?

The last thing I Googled was "popular songs 1840s" I needed to check a few things for the third book in the Weather Witch series since I'm including so much music in the series.

5. What makes you cringe?

So many things make me cringe--the fear of displeasing people is a major one, though. Well, that and spiders. *shivers*

Want to win?

• a signed mini poster
• a signed postcard and more story-related goodies 

Just leave a comment with a way to contact you.  This giveaway is open internationally.

Be sure to check out the other stops on this tour for more chances to win!

Tour Schedule:

June 15: a GREAT read (Guest Post)

June 16: BookHounds Ya (Interview)

June 17: The Loyal Book (Interview)

June 19: Book Nerds Anonymous (Spotlight)

June 18: Morgan Wylie Author (Guest Post)

June 20: Book O'Clock (Spotlight)

June 21: Paranormal Reads (Interview)

June 22: The library Haunt (Spotlight)

June 23: DJ's Life in Fiction (Guest Post)

June 24: Overflowing Shelf (Interview)

June 25: From the Shadows (Guest Post)

June 26: Jennzah.net (Guest Post)

June 27: My Reading Obsession (Spotlight)

June 28: Read My Mind (Guest Post)

June 29: A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner (Spotlight & Review)

June 30: Pen and Muse (Guest Posst)

July 1: Litterbox Blog (Guest Post)

July 2: Crazy Book Reader (Interview)

July 3: Intoxicated by Books (Spotlight)

July 4: Chicks Love Lit (Spotlight)

July 5: The Cover Contessa (Interview & Review)

July 6: Simply Infatuated (Guest Post)

July 7: YA Book Nerd (Guest Post)

July 8: What the Cat Read (Interview)

July 9: Sabrina's Paranormal Palace (Interview)

July 10: Reading Between the Wines (Guest Post)

July 11: Where Fantasy and Love Take Flight (Guest Post)

July 12: Cocktails and Books (Spotlight)

July 13: The Top Shelf (Guest Post)

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Shannon Delaney will be giving away the following to lucky winners:

• a signed copy of Weather Witch
• a Weather Witch coffee mug with special goodies (all connected to the story)
• signed copies of 13 to Life and Secrets and Shadows
• a handcrafted mask
• a special metal and crystal bookmark
• a mini top hat
• a silhouette of their own profile cut and matted by me (it'll take a few weeks after getting their profile before I can get it to them, of course).  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BookHounds YA WOW: WEATHER WITCH by SHANNON DELANEY @FierceReads @StMartinsPress @MacKidsBooks

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

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

Book Description

Release date: June 25, 2013

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.

Product Details Reading level: Ages 12 and up Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 25, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 125001851X ISBN-13: 978-1250018519

Waiting on Wednesday: Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delaney

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

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

Description

Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn’t dare tell Jessie about. Because the deal Pietr’s made could mean the death of far more than his tenuous relationship with the girl he loves.

About the Author

Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock in upstate New York, Shannon Delany has always been fascinated by history, myths, legends and paranormal research. Learn more about her at www.ShannonDelany.com. Explore the world of Junction at www.13toLifeSeries.com.

Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312609167
• ISBN-13: 978-0312609160

 Another wonderful series!

 

AND THE WINNER IS: 13 to Life by Shannon Delaney

Maria Smith/Maria (prounounced Mariah) I blame my mother...  -- mmafsmith

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
The notification email will come from Bookhounds@hotmail, so check your spam folder!

Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

REVIEW: Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life #2) by Shannon Delaney

Description

Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. With Jess' realization that the Rusakovas' mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group's choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite to free their mother - and those who Jess thought to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more...

About the Author

Since she was a child Shannon Delany has written stories, beginning writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com. Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Shannon lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (February 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312609159
• ISBN-13: 978-0312609153

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

 MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

**slight spoilers**

The story picks right up after 13 to Life ends and answers a few questions about the cliffhanger ending.  It took me about 100 pages to really become interested in the story in this one as well since I had the same issues with the first book.  The last two-thirds of the book was a page turner.  Of course this one ends with a cliffhanger as well, so be prepared to wait another a year (fingers crossed, maybe later this year?) to read the next installment. 

Jess, Cat and Pietr are trying to work together now that they have located the Rusakova's mother.  As Jess acts as an intermediary between the CIA and the family, they find themselves still being trailed by the Mafia.  A little more light is shed on the gang's interest in the family.  Pietr and Jess are no closer to becoming attached, although Derek shows his true colors and now we are left wondering what his real story is as well.  There are lots of twists and turns in the plot.  Oh, and Sarah is getting her memory back!  There is some sexual tension, alcohol use and of course, bad words, even though Jess struggles valiantly against them.

REVIEW: 13 to Life by Shannon Delaney

Description

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

About the Author

Since she was a child Shannon Delany has written stories, beginning writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com. Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Shannon lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1 edition (June 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312609140
• ISBN-13: 978-0312609146

SOURCE:  Purchased

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

**slight spoilers**

Like all first books in a series, this one deals with a lot of set up, getting to know the characters and setting the scene.  It took about a hundred pages and then it clicked.  Jessie (don't call her Jessica) is trying to be the all around good girl by befriending Sarah, the girl who caused her mother's death by driving without a license.  Before her mother dies, she tells Jessie to save the girl's life.  For some reason, this little plot point stuck with me and the fact that Sarah was the resident "mean girl" before the accident took the meanness away.

Jess has another friend, Amy who tries to keep her grounded and less involved with Sarah.  And then the new boy arrives on the scene.  Pietr has a past and when Jess is required to show him around school, her crush on Derek, the star football player becomes questionable.  A love triangle ensues between Sarah, Pietr and Jess when Jess pushes him to "help" Sarah recover from her brain injury that occurred during the accident that killed her mother.  Also, Jess realizes that there is something not right with Pietr and it is not just the Russian Mafia that is tracking him down. 

This is a nice paranormal romance will probably need several books to complete the story.  I was intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series.  There is normal romantic teen high jinx, some kissing, some alcohol and a few cuss words.  This is probably better suited to older teens and adults.

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK? GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 1.17.11 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 1.18.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one book is available.This is my gently read copy.

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Book Trailer Tuesday: 13 to Life by Shannon Delany