Train Shots by Vanessa Blakeslee

  My thoughts are extremely conflicted when it comes to this series of short stories. Naturally, I love short stories. They always seem to get the point across and leave a huge impression on their readers without becoming dry and dull.
  So, with that being said, I picked up Vanessa Blakeslee's Train Shots with interest.
  Each story caught my attention, and each kept me intrigued enough to read on. Even now, a few weeks after I've finished the book, I find myself thinking back to Ms Blakeslee's stories.
  "What book did I read where (insert plot here)? Oh, that's right! It was Train Shots."
  As I said before, each story caught my attention, but as I read on, they didn't quite feel finished. In fact, this actually may be a rare occasion where each story should have been longer. Long enough to exceed the limit of a short story word count.
  I thought about trying to summarize Train Shots' stories into a specific genre, or trying to explain a theme to the book, but I honestly can't. Each tale is different from the next.
  I wouldn't say I was absolutely head-over-heels crazy about these stories (which may be the opposite for you, if you pick up Train Shots), but I would say they left a decent-sized impression on me.
  Each story's ending had a powerful message of different sorts, but I have to say, some missed the mark for me. I didn't feel completely satisfied when I was done.
  There were some stories that really caught my attention and had me clicking the next page for more, but it always ended the same way. I felt almost incomplete. I wanted a more satisfying ending for my favorite stories, and I personally didn't get that.
  That doesn't mean that everyone will feel the same way. 90% of the population may pick up Train Shots and LOVE it, which I think Vanessa Blakeslee deserves. I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with it, but I did enjoy my time with her stories and characters.

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The Blackout by Stephanie Erickson

  Stephanie Erickson takes the "what ifs" of the storytelling world, and makes them a reality. Every plot that I read of hers is positively mind-blowing, and I've even told her this.
  How in the heck does she do it??
  The Blackout was just as amazing as the first book I read by Stephanie Erickson, The Cure. If anything, The Blackout will appeal to even more literary lovers than The Cure, because The Blackout affects humankind as much, or possibly even more so than the lethal disease in The Cure...
  Imagine you're spending your day as you would any other day. You spend your morning at home, possibly cleaning. Or you go to work, and see the coworkers you see every day. You take lunch, perhaps pick up your children from school on your way home from work, and everything is going as planned.
  Until the power goes out.
  But it's not just the power. Everything just...stops. Phones stop working, cars stop driving, light, power, electric, water in the pipes--everything.
  Now, this may not be the worst thing that can happen on earth (although, to some who are overly attached to their phones, it is entirely possible that this truly IS the worst case scenario). But when your husband is on the opposite side of the country for business, and you're home alone as scavengers come and start terrorizing the community, The Blackout may just be the end of you.
  This story is told in two perspectives; Molly's, who is in Florida fighting for her life, and Gary's who's in Pennsylvania, desperately trying to find a way to get back home to his wife...even if it means dying along the way.
  This book had my attention the whole way through. At no point did I ever feel that it was dull and lacking interesting scenes. It had me until the very end.
  Now that I've read two of Stephanie Erickson's books, and LOVED them, I cannot wait to start her latest and greatest novel, Unseen!

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The Cure by Stephanie Erickson

  The Cure by Stephanie Erickson starts out like all dystopian society books out there. Something has flipped North America upside down, and turned it into a twisted society with rules and regulations that can only be described as cruel.
  But that's where the similarities stopped.
  In The Cure, a deadly disease has spread throughout North America, and nearly wiped out everyone in its path. Although, thanks to this new society's founding fathers, the disease has eventually slowed down with frequent testing on those who sacrifice themselves for the greater good. (Which means, all those who have not been wiped out by the disease are forced to sacrifice themselves to find a cure.)
  Now, finding a cure for the horrible sickness may sound good at first...but will you be willing to risk your life, and your family's lives for the cause?
  This is where we meet Macey Holsinger. Macey's date is rapidly approaching. This is the day where Macey finds out when she will officially be tested for the first time to try and help to find a cure. Macey would be excited to hear this news, if it weren't for the fact that most of the population doesn't survive the government's "tests" to find a cure.
  Will Macey survive her testing? Or will she find a way to avoid her imminent demise?
  I loved this book. I love, love, LOVED this book!
  It had the same ingredients to make the perfect Young Adult, dystopian society novel, but it had an extra spice in there to make it incredible.
  Ms Erickson's writing and way of describing characters, scenery, scenes, etc., made it easy to read, enjoy, and understand. She didn't go over the top with details to bore you, and most of all, her main character was LIKABLE. There are too many books I read with female main characters, even popular ones that I've rated five stars, that make me want to toss the book across the room and kick it out the door. But The Cure didn't have that. I fell in love with Macey the day she painted the forbidden American flag in art class. (Don't ask, just read the book.)
  As I write this, I have just finished The Blackout (by the same author), and I can say now, with gusto, that Stephanie Erickson's stories are completely irresistible.
  The Cure is amazing. That's all I can say about it. And without spoiling things, I will say that part of the reason why I loved this book so much, was because I absolutely adored its ending. It is unlike any other.
  Between you and me (and, well, all of the other people who are probably reading this), I loved this book much more than I loved some New York Times Bestselling series in the same genre. I could easily see The Cure making it to that list, and bypassing some popular series along the way.

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Always Magnolia by Dianna Dann

  Bobby Jack Beaumont has lost his memory. Everything he's ever known, completely gone.
  After an accident that leaves Jack's memory entirely blank, Magnolia decides she must take it upon herself to remind him of who he used to be. Jack. Her friend, her confidant, her boyfriend...the love of her life.
  Magnolia and Jack have had their troubles in the past...but this is the present. Jack is an entirely new person now, and Maggie loves him.
  Maggie must bring his memories back, even if it's painful for him to hear what he's done in the past. She's hoping something will spur his memory to come back...but Jack has to learn that sometimes you can't believe everything you hear.
  I have to tell you, Always Magnolia is not for the faint of heart. This book is the ultimate puzzle. It will keep you guessing the whole way through its chapters.
  At first, I was a bit lost in this book's twists and turns, but soon enough, I became emotionally invested in the outcome of this story. It has a slow beginning, but believe me, the end will leave you speechless.
  Just as I felt with Camelia, I believe Dianna Dann has written a winner.
  Dianna Dann has an irresistible and different writing style that will capture the heart of each and every reader that picks up one of her stories.
  At least, that has happened with me.
  Although it took me a while to get into Always Magnolia's story, once I was in, I was done for. I thoroughly enjoyed it throughout the rest of the book, and I was extremely tempted to start over again and reread it as soon as I was finished with the last page.
  This book is dark, mysterious, mind-boggling, and completely irresistible.

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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

  Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close probably has to be one of the most difficult books I have ever had to read. Well, I didn't have to read it--I wanted to.
  I felt like I really needed to read this book due to its subject matter. It's something most everyone in this day and age has to come to terms with eventually: 9/11.
  This book wasn't difficult to read because of the writing, or because of the fact that it was told through the eyes of a young boy (who, I'm almost certain, has a form of Asperger Syndrome). This novel was most certainly difficult to read because it took place during and right after a world tragedy (because face it, this day affected everyone, not just Americans), told by someone who was directly affected by the horror of that day.
  This book tells the story of Oskar Schell.
  At the very beginning of our story, Oskar finds a mysterious key at the bottom of a broken vase. We don't know what it goes to, what it unlocks, or who has owned it. All Oskar knows is that it was found in his late father's closet.
  Oskar becomes obsessed with this key. Perhaps in some way, if he were to find what it goes to, he could be at peace with his father's death. Or perhaps he will find out whatever happened to The Sixth Borough of New York City. Or why this person named "Black" was obviously important enough to have their name on the envelope containing the key.
  So many questions need to be answered, and if there's one person who can solve these mysteries, it's Oskar.
  Out of all of the main characters I have read about in books, and all of the perspectives I have read, I would have to say that none come close to being as oddly extraordinary as Oskar. He cracks open the face of ordinary life, and gives us all (his readers) a peek at the wonders of the world that only he can see.
  Johnathan Safran Foer has given the world a new perspective on life. There are so many unique children out there who are misunderstood, just because their brains work differently than ours, and Mr Foer gives us a look into their reality. When you read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, you will have a whole new outlook on the world. This book just goes to show that everyone's brains work differently. And in some cases, the people with brains who may seem a bit odd really have an extraordinary view of the world that you will only get a glimpse of through books like these. Incredible.
  This book is amazing. I fell in love with Oskar immediately, as soon as I opened my book to page one, and my love for this book only grew as his quest to find the lock to the mysterious key commenced.
  That being said, I also did my share of crying. Between the book and the movie, I think I have cried enough tears to fill a large swimming pool.
  Of course when you read about the subject matter of this book, you will be hesitant. "Do I really want to read about the tragedy of 9/11? Is it too much?" And the answer to that is simple.
  No, you probably don't want to read about the horrors of that day, and you especially don't want to read about a little boy whose father passed in the towers.
  But you need to. Everyone who was alive during that time, or is growing up in a world where horrible things like this happen, needs to read this book. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close teaches us that horrible things happen in the world, but so do remarkable things.
  Sad things happen in the world. Ironic things happen. But most of all, beautiful things happen in the world and they need to be shared and heard.
  Johnathan Safran Foer has definitely accomplished writing a spectacularly emotional and moving piece.

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An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Anna Banks

Not only is Anna Banks one of the funniest, sweetest, and kindest authors I have ever had the privilege of meeting, she is one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, period.

Back in May, I met Anna Banks at the spring Fierce Reads event at the Vero Beach Book Center, along with Katie Finn (a.k.a. Morgan Matson), Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski.

She charmed the audience with her wit, made sure each and every fan received the attention they desired, and left a lasting impression on dedicated fans. (Not to mention some new fans as well!)

Because of Anna's kindness, I built up the courage to ask her, one of my all-time favorite authors, if she would honor The Literary Connoisseur with an interview, and she said yes.

So without further ado, may I introduce the sensational Anna Banks!

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Anna! Thank you so much for stopping by The Literary Connoisseur and answering some questions about your life as an author, your work, and yourself. If you're ready, let's begin! Tell us a bit about yourself and your books. 

Anna Banks: Hi! Thanks for having me! Here are a few things you should know about me: I enjoy pranking/scaring people. Even strangers. It's an illness. I grew up in a town called Niceville. For real. My home office has a NYC theme. I shop for pajamas more often than I shop for real clothes. I increased my life insurance after I bought a pair of high heels. As for my books, don't read them if you don't like/understand sarcasm. Seriously, they're not for you. Also, there will always be romance in them. I can't halp it. I've written The Syrena Legacy series, which includes OF POSEIDON, OF TRITON, and OF NEPTUNE. My next YA novel JOYRIDE will be released in June 2015. I also write adult fiction (again, sarcasm and romance included) under the name Anna Scarlett. My novel DEGREES OF WRONG is out now, and it's....well, it's really good. If I do say so myself.

The Literary Connoisseur: Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer? What made you feel passionate about writing? 

Anna Banks: I've always been *good* at writing, like in school and stuff, but I didn't really consider that I could make a living from it. What made me passionate about it was when I was writing DEGREES OF WRONG in my spare time, and someone told me (someone who hadn't even read it!) that I would never be able to get published and make it as a writer. Telling me I can't do something is the best way to get me to do it. Ever since, I set out to prove that I COULD do it.

The Literary Connoisseur: Many authors have said that their characters "speak" to them, and tell them their story. Do your characters speak to you? 

Anna Banks: My characters don't shut up. It's honestly a tad embarrassing sometimes, because when they're talking to me I will zone out of a conversation, miss a turn while driving, or put the milk in the cabinet and the cereal in the fridge. I've gotten so distracted that I actually went to a psychiatrist to determine if I was schizophrenic; turns out I was just a normal writer.

The Literary Connoisseur: Which of your characters from the Syrena Legacy has been your favorite to write so far? Emma? Galen? Toraf, perhaps? 

Anna Banks: I think my readers will understand when I say that my favorite character is Toraf/Rayna together. Toraf wouldn't be the same without Rayna, and Rayna wouldn't be the same without Toraf. They make each other who they are.

The Literary Connoisseur: You write romantic books under your pen name, Anna Scarlett, and you write your Syrena Young Adult series as Anna Banks. Which of the genres has been more fun to write? 

Anna Banks: I have to admit, I enjoyed writing DEGREES OF WRONG as Anna Scarlett because it was so much fun to put my feisty main character Elyse into so many awkward situations. Plus she has a horrendous temper, which is always excessively fun to write! :)

The Literary Connoisseur: Your plot and characters for Of Poseidon are unlike most Young Adult books and series out there. What drew you to write about the Syrena? 

Anna Banks: I was writing a documentary once about the giant squid. Up until 2005, scientists thought the giant squid (you know, the ones we see in paintings or drawings with its tentacles wrapped around ships, dragging them under?) was a legend or myth, mere fishermen's lore. But in 2005, one washed up on shore, and so all the scientists were like, "Um, we were wrong. Sorry." It got me thinking, what else could be out there? Mermaids have been a myth for as long as history has been recorded. Even Christopher Columbus documented a mermaid sighting in his journal on the way to the Americas. So I set out to prove that scientifically, mermaids could exist. And a story unfolded from there.

The Literary Connoisseur: What has been your biggest achievement as an author so far? 

Anna Banks: Hands down, it was when OF TRITON made the NYT Bestsellers list. I cried and cried. I was on book tour when I found out, checking into our hotel before an event that evening. When I got the email I just started bawling. The other authors, my publicist, and some other guests checking in thought something terrible had happened, like my whole family just died in a plane crash or something. But I couldn't help but cry. It was my dream for a long time.

Also, I was pretty freaking excited when Mad Hatter Entertainment acquired rights to make The Syrena Legacy series into a movie. :)

The Literary Connoisseur: Early on this year, you went on a tour with Katie Finn (also known as Morgan Matson), Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski as part of the Spring Fierce Reads Tour! What was your favorite part of the tour? 

Anna Banks: Ugh, there are so many good times to choose from. I will say that with all tours, my favorite part is meeting/connecting with fans and readers. You're my people! :) But to be specific...We were once stuck at the airport because of a canceled flight and we were all tired and bored. I had an app on my phone where you take a picture of yourself and the app will turn you into a zombie. We entertained ourselves and irritated other waiting passengers for a solid hour with this.

Also, at one tour stop, a blogger asked how we felt about diversity in YA. I was so proud that this subject is really spreading, and that people are really taking notice of its importance and relevance.

The Literary Connoisseur: Is there any exciting news or upcoming announcements you would like your fans, and future fans of yours, to know? 

Anna Banks: The cover to my upcoming YA novel JOYRIDE (releasing June 2015) will be revealed in a few weeks, and I'm really excited about it! I can't wait for you guys to read this one. It's Bonnie and Clyde meets a Latina Pretty in Pink.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects? 

Anna Banks: I'm working on NEMESIS, a YA fantasy based on ancient Egypt. Hot prince, clever princess turned slave, a plague, and impending war. What's not to like? :)

(From left to right: Katie Finn and her book, Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend, Anna Banks and her copy of Of Neptune, Lindsay Smith and her book, Sekret, and Marie Rutkoski with her book, The Winner's Curse.)

My review for Anna Banks' Of Poseidon

  We've all gotten into the Young Adult paranormal romances that have loved us, had us fall in love with them, used us, and abused us (in the very best ways a book can abuse us), and we all admit that we're hopelessly addicted to them.
  Girl meets boy, boy sees girl, they fall in love, but there is something keeping them apart...
  One of them is a paranormal creature that cannot fall in love with a human! (The best part of the paranormal romance in my humble opinion.)
  But Of Poseidon by Anna Banks is unlike these others... It is a real "fish out of water" story. Almost literally.
  The Syrena Legacy is about mermaids.
  Although Galen, his sister, and his best friend do not like to be called mermaids, they are in fact not mermaids, they are Syrena.
  Emma, our main character, bumps into Galen (literally) on her trip to Florida and cannot stop thinking about him. After Galen recovers from being semi-attacked by Emma, he starts to think about her non-stop as well. But Galen is not the only mysterious being in this new and budding romance... Emma is showing some clear signs of Syrena as well, but nobody has ever seen anything like it before.
  This book is HILARIOUS! I laughed so hard at times, I almost cried! Emma is completely 100% normal. She trips, she falls, she says embarrassing things in front of gorgeous guys, and she's basically like every single normal teenage girl I know. (No typical stereotypes, thank you very much, Anna Banks!)
  Galen is beyond charming, and Anna Banks' secondary characters are the most lovable characters in the bunch!
  Of Poseidon is such a charming read. It's funny, witty, adorable, goofy, and I loved every bit of it!
  Also... If (when) you read Of Poseidon, make sure you have book two (Of Triton) and book three (Of Neptune) right near you. I didn't, because it hadn't come out yet, and it's been killing me ever since!
  These books are so worth a marathon read. Read them straight though, on vacation, near the water, with a floofy summer drink near you, because I cannot imagine anything quite as blissful.

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To purchase the other two books in the Syrena Legacy:

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Anna Banks

Anna Banks is a young adult author whose primary goal is to entertain smart, funny gals like herself. You can expect her works to be centered around a love story, freckled with humor, and seasoned with sarcasm.

Anna grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really) in the Florida Panhandle. She now lives with her husband and daughter close to her hometown. The youngest of seven children, she was spoiled beyond comprehension growing up. Before she started writing, Anna worked as a banker and a waitress. She loves old movies, fried chicken, and Simon Cowell, but loathes exercise, licorice, and haters.

She also spews sarcastic, romantic fiction under pen name Anna Scarlett.

For more on Anna Banks, check out her website here!

Her Facebook page here!

Follow her on Twitter here!

An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am pleased to say that after venturing on my first ever trip to Book Bash this past May, I had the complete honor of meeting the incredible Jennifer Armentrout (also known as J. Lynn). When I told her that it was my Bloggerversary that day, because of course Book Bash had to be on the exact day my blog turned a year old, Ms Armentrout wrote in my book wishing me a happy blog anniversary. She is amazing.

Not only was she beyond charming and sweet in person, a few months later when I asked her if she would possibly honor my blog with an interview, she said yes.

She is one of the busiest authors I know, and she said yes!

Please enjoy my interview with New York Times Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout!

(Jennifer with The Little Connoisseur)

The Literary Connoisseur: Ms Armentrout, thank you so much for stopping by The Literary Connoisseur and answering a few questions about your life as an author. If you're ready, let's begin. Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer? 

Jennifer Armentrout: Yes, I've always known that I wanted to be a writer.  I would sit in all my classes in high school and write short stories instead of paying attention.

The Literary Connoisseur: Many authors say that their characters "speak" to them and tell them their stories, which inspires them to write their books in the first place. Do your characters "speak" to you?   

Jennifer Armentrout: I feel a connection with all of my characters and their stories.  If I don't feel that connection, then I feel like something is missing and I know that I'm going in the wrong direction with the character or the story.

The Literary Connoisseur: Which of your books has been your favorite to write? 

Jennifer Armentrout: If I have to chose one, I would probably say Wait for You. 

(SIDE NOTE) 

A synopsis of J. Lynn's Wait for You: 

Some things are worth waiting for . . .

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at that fateful Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. What she never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing . . .

Cameron Hamilton is six feet, three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, com-plete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make Avery want things she believed had been irrevocably stolen from her. Getting involved with him is dangerous. Yet ignoring the simmering tension that sparks between them—and brings out a side of her she never knew existed—is impossible.

Some things shouldn't be kept quiet . . .

But when Avery starts receiving threatening e-mails and phone calls, she's forced to face a past she wants to keep buried and acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. If the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface with one less scar? And will Cam be there to help her?

And some things are worth fighting for . . . 

The Literary Connoisseur: What would you like to tell your fans-to-be (fans who have yet to discover your work)?  

Jennifer Armentrout: All of my books are heavy on the romance because I love writing the romantic and sexy scenes.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects/have you any new and exciting releases that you would like your fans to know about?  

Jennifer Armentrout: I'm currently working on Scorched which features Tanner and Andrea who are characters from Frigid.

About Jennifer Armentrout:

# 1 New York Times and International 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, 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. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

For more on Jennifer Armentrout, check out her website here! 


Like her on Facebook here!


Follow her on Twitter here!