Blog Tour Review: Shutdown by Heather Anastaisu

Today WinterHaven Books is participating in the blog tour for Shutdown by Heather Anastasiu hosted by Itching for Books. We have a very special giveaway to share with you as well so don't forget to check that out!

Shutdown (Glitch #3) by Heather Anastaisu

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The battle is all but over, and hope seems to be lost. Zoe and her fellow Resistance fighters are on the run, having lost their home, their protection, and their leader. They are outnumbered and outmatched by the powerful corporation that controls the world, and the cruel Chancellor is inches away from completing a scheme that would kill most of humanity. Zoe's only remaining option is to chase the impossible dream of upending the Link system, freeing the world from the hardware that controls their thoughts and emotions, and hope it will trigger a revolution.

The plot requires a nearly impossible mission to infiltrate the dangerous Community, and it is a task that Zoe must unfortunately complete alone. With challenges and surprises at every turn, nothing goes according to plan. Adrien's visions of the future now show two possible outcomes: one in which they succeed, and one in which humanity falls. It all lies in Zoe's hands.

Full of romance, high-adrenaline action and shocking twists, Shutdown is a heart-pounding conclusion to an exciting sci-fi adventure trilogy for young adults.

The thrilling conclusion to an action-packed sci-fi trilogy

My Thoughts:
This was a great conclusion to what has become one of my favorite series of all time.  Heather Anastasiu delivers a stunning ending that leaves her readers filled with hope for her characters and the world that she created.

Shutdown takes off almost right where Override left off.  Zoe is now the head of the Rez and nothing is as it was before.  Everything is slowly falling apart and her attempt at a mission that would free the drones fails.  She isn't sure how she will end the war and save the millions of people that need her help.  To go along with this pressure Adrien, her love, has just come back after being rescued from the Chancellor only he isn't who he once was.  After enduring endless torture Adrien has no feelings anymore, he remembers the past but he just has no emotions toward these memories.  That is tough for Zoe since he was the one that taught her how to love. Zoe has to find a way to save her people and make Adrien love her again, not so simple.

I love this authors writing.  With just a few simple words I was completely sucked into the story again and I didn't stop reading until I read the very last word.  This never happens to me.  Typically I put a book down to think, but I just couldn't with this one.  I had to know what was going to happen it was all too important.

Even though I truly did love this book I did feel there were a few storyline points that I wished had been different.  One was the resolution between Zoe and Adrien.  I really wanted more from that conclusion and in the end it all felt a bit rushed. I understand what the point was, but I really wanted more discussion between the two.  Adrien was different and that needed to be addressed more.

Another small point that bothered me was Max and his conclusion.  Now I know these all have to do with the main characters, but in the overall story these things really did seem minor to me.  For Max I really wanted something different for him. I really can't go into what happens to him or really anything about his scenes, but if you read this you will understand.  I think this book felt a little rushed and that is why they endings weren't what I had expected.  Well let me clarify, the endings I guess don't really bother me its just the lead up to those endings.  I wanted more explanations and more interaction that dealt with the relationship problems.  I think if there had been more of those scenes I would have understood the conclusions a little better.

With all of that being said I really did enjoy the story and the writing.  It was a great ending to the overall story and like I said it leaves me with hope and a feeling of closure with the characters.  What they all went through was not easy and what they have to look forward to next won't be easy, but in the end I really couldn't have asked for a better ending.

4 snowflakes

About the Author:

  Heather Anastasiu grew up in Texas and recently moved to Minneapolis with her family. When she's not busy getting lost exploring the new city, she spends most days writing at a café or daydreaming about getting a new tattoo.

Website / Twitter

Other books in the Glitch series:

For this blog tour we are excited to share an amazing tour wide giveaway!  One lucky reader will win all three books in the Glitch series!  Just fill out the rafflecopter form below!
Good luck!

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Review & Giveaway: Winter's Light by M.J. Hearle

Winter's Light by M.J. Hearle
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia 
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Purchase: Fishpond World

Blake is gone.

He sacrificed himself to save Winter, leaving her alone, unprotected... hunted.

An ancient enemy is rising, but Winter is no longer the innocent girl who was fated to die at Pilgrim's Lament. She will not wait to be saved. She will do what she must to survive, even accept an unsavoury alliance with those who destroyed her love.

In the gathering darkness, the enemy of an enemy is not always a friend, and Winter must find the strength to stand alone and fight for the one she loves. For she is the key to unlocking the secrets beyond the veil of shadows.

And she is Blake's only hope.

My Thoughts:

Oh My!  That was the first thing that popped into my head after reading the last page of Winter's Light.  Well that and I NEED the next book NOW!  I don't know if I can explain how amazing this book was but I am going to try.

Urgency that is what I felt while reading this book.  I was beyond glued to the pages and I felt an urgency that I am not sure I have ever felt before while reading.  I was seriously bouncing by the end!  This book takes off where Winter's Shadow left us with Blake gone and Winter trying to move on without him.  This is no easy task and when her lodestone starts glowing what she experiences gives her renewed hope and faith that maybe some things aren't what they seemed.  With the help of Sam, Winter (yep still loving her name) dives head first back into this mysterious and dangerous world to try and save the one she loves.  Not only do we get to see Winter's story but we get a look into how it all began many many years ago starting with Lamara the original Key.  I was totally into her story and I have to admit I was drawn to hers a little more than Winter's but I think that was only because Hearle has created such an amazing world that I was totally drawn to it.  The Dead Lands are twisted and dark and well if you know me you know I love me some creepy!  I would love a series told from this world.  It seems to have many different levels of hierarchy and I can already tell from just the small glimpse we get that any story the author chose to tell would be darkly delicious.  Don't get me wrong Winter's story was amazing as well, I felt for her and her struggles.  She has really grown into a kickarse heroine and I am very excited to see her take on the Dead Lands.  The twist at the end was pure genius too.  I was shocked and very excited to see that I was wrong ha!  I have to also give a shout out to Jasmine.  She is the BFF every girl wishes she had and I give major props to the author for creating an awesome sidekick for Winter.

If you are looking for a phenomenal series then look no further.  This one is definitely at the top of my list for all time favorite and I cannot wait to see what M.J. Hearle has up his sleeve for the next one.

5 Snowflakes

ANDDDD Guess what my little snowflakes??  Since I love this series so much I have decided to giveaway both books!  This giveaway is international and all you gotta do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below!  Good luck everyone!

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Author Spotlight: Paula Weston of Shadows (The Rephaim #1)

We are so very excited to have Paula Weston on the blog today!!  She is by far one of my favorite authors, and I am literally bouncing in my chair right now!!  Paula was gracious enough to answer a few questions I had about her brand new book Shadows.  US and Canada friends pay close attention because Paula has a big announcement in the interview for you!

 

1. Shadows definitely stands out among a long list of Angel/Demon books. How did you come up with the idea for the storyline?

Thank you for the lovely compliment. :)

The storyline started with an idea involving a girl and guy who are attracted to each other, but who have a complicated history only he remembers. And he knows that if he takes advantage of the situation, and she gets her memory back, he'll be in serious trouble. I knew they were part of a larger, fragmented, group, and that there were paranormal elements to their story.

From that set-up, I started working out what it was that caused the past tension between them, and what had caused the rift in their group. I toyed with exploring vampire, werewolf or faerie mythology, but knew I would have to build a complex society to achieve what I wanted with the story, which would involve a lot of work for readers. With angels and demons, the foundation for conflict already exists. When I read the account of Semyaza and the fallen angels in the Book of Enoch, I had a flurry of ideas of how fallen angel lore might work. Regardless of whether or not the account is true, it’s a fascinating premise for a story. Would those fallen angels regret the decision? How would they feel about any offspring from those relationships with human women? What would happen if they got their freedom back? What would be the consequences of being a child of the Fallen? It's the latter question that created the bulk of the plot for the series. (Which is not to say that some of the other questions may not be answered through the series as well...)

2. Gaby and Rafa are two very strong characters that I connected with from the start. Are they based on anybody you know in real life?  Which characters are you closest to?

I'd have to say that Gaby - while certainly not based on me - does have a few of my personality traits. Or at least traits I had when I was younger and less patient. :) We definitely share the same sense of humour. I think it's hard not to put a lot of yourself in a first-person narrative character (particularly as this is the first time I've written in first person-present tense. My other stories - unpublished - were always third person, past tense). So for that reason I'm close to Gaby. Having said that, I really enjoy writing Rafa. Not just because he says whatever he's thinking, but because he has one one of the more interesting character journeys of the series. And no, he's not based on anyone I know. :) 

3. How many books are planned for this series?  
Four.  (I am beyond excited that there will be more than 2 woohoo!!)

4. Can you give us a teaser from the next book in the series, Haze?  
Sure! I can tell you that Gaby learns more about the Outcasts, we find out more about Jude, and Gaby and Rafa continue to work through their volatile and complicated relationship. There's also plenty of action - and we haven't seen the last of the demons. 

5. Shadows and Haze will both be released in the US and Canada (YAY!). Do you have a firm release date yet?
Shadows is scheduled for release in Fall 2013 (US and Canada LOOK HERE =D)

6. Do you have any other projects in mind for the future? 

I have a kernel of an idea for a new story...I've jotted down some notes and put them aside so they're ready when I've got the head space to explore the idea further - which won't happen until the fourth book of the Rephaim series is finished.

Also  for fans of the series and those who would like to take a peak into this awesome world Paula has a little something for you..

There's also some bonus material on the Text Publishing website you might like - Gaby's short story that drew the Rephaim to Pan Beach. :)
http://textpublishing.com.au/books-and-authors/book/shadows/

Thank you thank you thank you Paula for stopping by!  Haze is definitely on my too watch list and I will definitely be first in line when it comes out!

Find the Author:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

     Now let me introduce you to this fantastic book!

  Shadows (The Rephaim #1)

Publisher: Text Publishing

Release Date: July 2, 2012

My Thoughts on Shadows:

Okay listen up, forget everything you think you know about Angels and Demons.  That's right, pack it all up in that box you have in your brain and tape it shut. Now throw it out.  I can assure you that after reading this book you won't need any of that information because this book, Shadows, is by far THE book to read if you are an Angel and Demon lover like myself.  Shadows is beyond explosive with a kick ass heroine, an amazing storyline with incredible mythology, and a romance sure to heat up even the coldest of hearts.

Gabby has been living on her own ever since her brother Jude died.  She moved in with her only friend and works days at an art gallery.  She spends her time trying to get over her brother's death and just living each day as it is.  The only problem is that she has very vivid dreams, dreams that consist of dark hellturds (or creatures if you rather lol), a sexy sword wielding guy, and herself only this girl is swinging her sword better than the hot guy and can definitely hold her own against any dark hellturd that runs into her path.  Having had these dreams for awhile Gabby decides to enter a creative writing contest and uses her dreams as her story.  By doing this she unknowingly brings the past that she has been made to forget knocking on her door.  She finds that not only is the hottie starring in her dreams real but the girl that looks like her in her dreams is actually her. Now Gabby has to find out the truth about her life before the accident and comes to terms with the fact that things she thought she once knew may not be real.

I LOVED this book!!  I cannot say that enough!  This book right here takes my top spot for favorite of the year!  Gabby was such a great character.  She stood up to people and gave as good as she got every time.  I for one can't wait to see her be the big badass that I know is sure to come.  Rafa was a great sparring partner for Gabby.  Their first encounter left me with goosebumps and I have to say I am Team Rafa ALL THE WAY!  He is hot, self assured, and his witty comebacks are just too awesome so really what's not to love?  Oh and he can swing a sword with ease, yeah he captured my heart.  The rest of the cast of characters rounded out this story nicely. Everyone of them had a part to play and they did effortlessly.  I really enjoyed them all.  I will say I still think there is more than was revealed with one in particular but I won't name any names since that big reveal is well HUGE!

So yes if you are looking for the next BIG series you will not be disappointed with this book.  Right now you can only purchase it from Fishpond World (which I have linked above) but like Paula said in her interview these books have been picked up to be published in the US and Canada in 2013! I am so excited for her because she really does deserve to have them published all over and I am excited because more of my friends will be able to read them!!  Again, I can't say it enough - this is by far my favorite book of 2012 and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel Haze!!

                                                              5 Snowflakes