Celebrating Debutantes 2017: Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt (Playlist + Giveaway)

Posted on August 10, 2017 by blackplume

Today I am featuring another playlist for Celebrating Debutantes 2017 blog event. Debut author Darcey Rosenblatt made a playlist for her debut middle grade novel, Lost Boys.

Lost Boys is based on historical facts, and tells the story of Reza, who is a 12-year old Iranian boy. He lives for music and hanging out with friends. Then the Revolution of 1979 and the Iran/Iraq war take away not only his music, but too many people he loves. In his despair and at his mother’s urging, he signs up to fight. Soon he finds himself in an Iraqi prisoner of war camp where he must find a way, through music and friendship, to forge his own path.

Following the playlist are some information about the author, Darcey Rosenblatt along with places where to find her online, as well as the book‘s description and where to get copies of Lost Boys. The book will hit the shelves in less than two weeks, so if you haven’t pre-ordered your copy yet you still have time to grab it online.

And if you would like the chance to win a copy of the Lost Boys, Darcey is giving away two copies and bookmarks, which is open to everyone. Just enter the rafflecopter form a bit further down in this post to be enter on the giveaway.

Lost Boys Playlist

This is an eclectic collection including all the things that Reza, my main character, mentions in the book and would have been listening to in 1982 – the year the book takes place. It spans everything from The Beatles, traditional Iranian music and Bob Marley. I hope you enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darcey Rosenblatt writes for middle grade and teenage people because she believes for them stories can be life changing – they were for her. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her fabulous husband and daughter, some fish, and the best dog in the world. She also loves dancing and painting.

Find Darcey

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Lost Boys
Author: Darcey Rosenblatt
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: August 22, 2017
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audio

Based on historical events, this unforgettable and inspiring tale for middle-grade readers is about a young boy torn from the only life he’s ever known and held captive as a prisoner of war.

In 1982, twelve-year-old Reza has no interest in joining Iran’s war effort against Iraq. But in the wake of a tragedy and at his mother’s urging, he decides to enlist, assured by the authorities that he will achieve paradise should he die in service to his country.

War does not bring the glory the boys of Iran have been promised, and Reza soon finds himself held in a prisoner-of-war camp in Iraq, where the guards not only threaten violence—they act upon it. Will Reza make it out alive? And if he does, will he even have a home to return to?

Friendship, heartbreak, and Reza’s very survival are at stake as he finds solace through music and forges his own path—wherever that might take him.

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads | Publisher

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

Two copies of Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt with bookmarks

The Rules:

Open International
There will be two (2) winners
Winners will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
Winners will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
Ends August 31st, 2017
Prizes will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2017 experience. Click the banner above or go to the full list of schedule and links to each feature post or check out twitter and facebook via #CelebratingDebutantes2017.

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson (Character Interview and Giveaway)

Posted on August 4, 2017 by blackplume

Today, I’m featuring a YA contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. Author Kate Watson take her own spin of the classic story in her debut novel, Seeking Mansfield. Kate re-imagine Mansfield Park in a modern setting with a dash of humor and romance. So if you haven’t read the book yet, I suggest you pick a copy. And check the character interview below for a chance to meet and know a little bit about the main character Finley Price.

Following the character interview is Kate Watson’s author bio along with places where to find her online. Then there’s also the book description and where to buy copies of Seeking Mansfield. And if you are in the US or Canada and would like the chance to win a copy of the book, Kate is giving away a finished copy. Just enter the rafflecopter form a bit further down in this post to be enter on the giveaway.

Character Interview with Finley Price of Seeking Mansfield

Hi Finley! How are you? Please introduce yourself so everyone know a little bit more about you.

Hi, thanks for having me. I’m Finley Price. *shy wave* I love theater and movies, if you can’t tell from the state of my room. In Harry Potter speak, I guess I’d be a Hufflepuff. In Hamilton speak, I’d definitely be Eliza. Oh, do you see my Hamilton Playbill? Isn’t it gorgeous? I’ve seen Hamilton twice now, and I’m seriously considering selling off a kidney to see it again. It’s one of my favorite…what, sorry?

Why do I have so many posters of Gabriel Price?

Do we have to talk about that? I’d really rather talk about why I think so few plays translate into movies, and why some film stars struggle to connect on the stage. I’d even rather talk about what it’s like to be displaced, living with my godparents or the challenges of sorting through feelings of love versus feelings of duty and…and…

Yes, Gabriel Price was my dad. And I know he was a phenomenal actor, but he was an even better father. He was the best person who ever lived.

Lets say you have a chance to talk to your Dad right now, what are the things you want to tell him?

Wow, you’re not making this easy on a girl, are you? I guess I’d tell him I love him and thank him for making me feel so wholly, unconditionally loved as I was growing up. I would want him to know that I’m trying to be my best every day, just like he did, and that, although I struggle with feelings of anger and self-worth and not quite knowing where I belong in this world, none of those things are his fault. If anything, I’d be completely lost without the influence he still has on me. And, you know, I’d tell him how much I miss him. Every second of every day.

Anything you want to tell to your Mom?

My mom? No. I don’t have anything to say to her. I prefer not to think about her, honestly. If anything, she should have some things to say to me. Mothers are supposed to be there for you and love you and grieve with you and let you grieve. They’re supposed to be the shoulder you cry on, not burn your shoulder with cigarettes on the morning of your dad’s funeral because you begged her to put down the bottle and… *sharp intake of breath*

No. I have nothing to say to her. Can you, I don’t know, is it possible for that to be off the record, maybe? I’d like to move on now.

To those who are not familiar with theater. What are the key responsibilities of a theatrical director?

Oh, good. I like this question. Directing is so much more than just auditions, casting, and leading rehearsals. It’s pacing and emotion and creating a memorable experience. A director works with all the different tech and design crews to make sure the production looks and sounds right. They also block the play—meaning they outline exactly how the actors stand to ensure things like appropriate audience sight lines and, well, dramatic effect. They have to be involved with pretty much every step of a production to make sure their vision can become a satisfying reality for the audience.

I’m sure you are familiar with Jane Austen. What do you think of her and her works? Any favourite book of her?

Actually—am I allowed to admit this?—I haven’t read any Jane Austen. I’m sure I will someday, but I read plays more than anything. Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Oscar Wilde, all of the classics. When it comes to classic novels, though…oh, I love Charlotte Bronte! I think I’ve read Jane Eyre about 15 times. The way Jane fights for her freedom and wants to be her own person, the way she wants to be someone who acts instead of just being acted upon? And how she wants to live a life of passion and equality, all while holding true to her personal values? I love it. Her courage inspires me.

What play directed by someone else you wish you’d directed?

Hamilton. Next question?

What advice do you have for potential theatrical director who has big dreams like you?

I don’t know if I’m in a place to deliver anyone advice, but I’ll tell you what I do. I’ve read every book on stage directing and the biographies of famous directors and playwrights. I love learning about the craft and the people who push boundaries to make it great. Beyond that, I try to make sure that, in whatever I’m watching—especially plays, but also TV and movies—I act as a student of the craft. I allow myself to watch something for pleasure only once, and then the second or third time is with a critical eye while taking copious notes. Repeat viewings of a play, for example, allow me to look past the performances and spectacle and see the mechanics that make everything come to life. And I find watching poorly executed plays to be as helpful as well executed ones, because then I can compare and contrast the experiences.

And lastly, what’s the worse movie you’ve seen?

Define worst. Because a lot of different categories own a “worst movie.” The worst horror movie will give you a completely different experience than the worst dance movie or the worst disaster movie (which is almost redundant, really, because disaster movies tend to be so deliciously awful, don’t they?). That said, my favorite types of movies to hate watch are probably horror or sci-fi/disaster. But then, you have to ask yourself, what did the creators intend with this movie? Like Troll 2 can’t really be compared to Sharknado, because the former is totally unintentional, and delivers a special, delightful type of pain, while the latter is brilliantly deliberate, which dramatically reduces the cringe-factor.

So…um, I’m sorry. Can you repeat the question?

–

Thanks so much Finley for answering all my questions above. And thank you also to Kate for allowing Finley to do this interview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Watson is a young adult writer, wife, mother of two, and the tenth of thirteen children. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy. Seeking Mansfield is her first novel, with the companion, Shoot the Moon, to follow in 2018. She is also a contributor to Eric Smith’s Welcome Home adoption anthology coming fall of 2017 from Flux. She lives and writes in Arizona.

Kate is represented by Dawn Frederick with Red Sofa Literary.

Find Kate

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Seeking Mansfield
Author: Kate Watson
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: May 16, 2017
Pages: 300
Format: Paperback, eBook

Sixteen year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend and godparents’ son, Oliver Bertram. If she could just take Oliver’s constant encouragement to heart, she’d finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater.

When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move across the street from the Bertram’s, they immediately set their sights on Oliver and his vapid sister, Juliette, shaking up Finley and Oliver’s stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Harlan finds his attention shifting from Juliette to the quiet, enigmatic, and thoroughly unimpressed Finley. Out of boredom, Harlan decides to make her fall in love with him. Problem is, the harder he seeks to win her, the harder he falls for her.

But Finley doesn’t want to be won, and she doesn’t want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver’s heart—and keep her own—she’ll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.

SEEKING MANSFIELD is a charming YA contemporary reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic Mansfield Park, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Rainbow Rowell.

Book Links

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

Finished copy of Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson

The Rules:

Open to US or Canda residents only
There will be one (1) winner
Winner will be chosen and announced through rafflecopter
Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
Ends August 25th, 2017
Prize will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2017 experience. Click the image below for the full list of schedule and links to each feature post or check out twitter and facebook using #CelebratingDebutantes2017.

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: Devils Within by S.F. Henson (Movie Cast + Giveaway)

Posted on August 2, 2017 by blackplume

I am thrilled to have new author S.F Henson here on the blog today as part of Celebrating Debutantes 2017 event. She will be sharing to us her casting pick for her debut contemporary novel, Devils Within. The book promise a haunting, heartbreaking and thought provoking read.

To know more about the author and Devils Within. Check the author’s bio and book’s description that follows after the guest post. There are also links where you can catch up with the author or where to pre-order copies of the book. And if you are from the US or Canada, and would like to take a chance in winning a signed advance readers’ copy of Devils Within, there’s a giveaway at the end of this post. Just enter the rafflecopter form. But before that, here’s Sarah with her casting pick for her debut novel. Enjoy!

Devils Within Movie Cast

Nate Fuller: Tyler Young

The main character, Nate, is tall and thin, but muscular, with a dark side that always simmers beneath the surface, and I think Tyler captures that perfectly.

Brandon Kingsley: Chris O’Neal

Brandon is Nate’s first friend. He’s tall, which helps his basketball game. He’s naturally laid back, but there’s more going on down deep–you just have to earn his trust before he shows that side to you. When I look at Chris, I see those layers that are so important to Brandon’s character.

Dell Clemons: Norman Reedus

Confession: I always had Norman in mind when writing Nate’s uncle, Dell. Dell is a complicated character. He’s closed-off and guarded, but he has a benevolent streak running through him that pops up every now and then. Norman is so good at playing those types of characters. He might also be my celeb crush, haha.

Bev Liu: Liu Wen

Bev is Nate’s uncle’s girlfriend. Liu Wen is a model, not an actor, but soon as I saw her I knew she was Bev. Bev is independent and tough. She doesn’t let many people in, but when she does, she’s fiercely loyal.

Kelsey Sawyer: Katherine Langford

Kelsey is strong and opinionated, and, like Nate, has a dark side. I can totally see Katherine Langford playing her. Not just because she fits the image of Kelsey I had in my head when writing her, but she can look tough too. This picture is the embodiment of Kelsey.

Iria Kingsley: Thandie Newton

Full disclosure: I pictured Debbie Allen when writing Brandon’s mother, but she’s older than Brandon’s mother would be, so if I were casting her in a movie today, I’d go with Thandie Newton. Mrs. Kingsley is a big character. By that I mean her personality fills any room she’s in. She’s warm and loving, and sharp. Not much gets by her. I think Thandie would kill the role.

Dr. James Kingsley: Taye Diggs

Brandon’s dad is a professor who has high expectations for his children. He expects nothing less than their best and pushes them, but it always comes from a place of love. Taye perfectly hits that combination of tough but loving.

Henry Kingsley: Michael B. Jordan

Henry is Brandon’s older brother. Like Brandon, he’s easy-going, but he feels their dad’s pressure more than Brandon does. Michael has that balance of fun-loving but serious that sums up who Henry is.

Bonus:

Dream Director: David Fincher

Fight Club, Gone Girl, Seven. Fincher’s aesthetic would fit the mood of this book SO well.

Dream Film Score: Trent Reznor

Reznor and Fincher have worked together on several movies in the past, and Nine Inch Nails appears on the soundtrack of songs I listened to while writing DEVILS WITHIN. His music would be amazing alongside this story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.F. Henson was born and raised in the deep south. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Animal Science, which she put to great use by attending law school. Her law degree has gotten some mileage, though, giving her the experience to write about criminals and other dark, nefarious subjects. She lives beside a missile test range in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband, dog, two oddly named cats, and, of course, the missiles that frequently shake her house.

Find Sara

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Devils Within
Author: S.F. Henson
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Publication Date: October 17, 2017
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover, eBook

Killing isn’t supposed to be easy. But it is. It’s the after that’s hard to deal with.

Nate was eight the first time he stabbed someone; he was eleven when he earned his red laces—a prize for spilling blood for “the cause.” And he was fourteen when he murdered his father (and the leader of The Fort, a notorious white supremacist compound) in self-defense, landing in a treatment center while the state searched for his next of kin. Now, in the custody of an uncle he never knew existed, who wants nothing to do with him, Nate just wants to disappear.

Enrolled in a new school under a false name, so no one from The Fort can find him, he struggles to forge a new life, trying to learn how to navigate a world where people of different races interact without enmity. But he can’t stop awful thoughts from popping into his head, or help the way he shivers with a desire to commit violence. He wants to be different—he just doesn’t know where to start.

Then he meets Brandon, a person The Fort conditioned Nate to despise on sight. But Brandon’s also the first person to treat him like a human instead of a monster. Brandon could never understand Nate’s dark past, so Nate keeps quiet. And it works for a while. But all too soon, Nate’s worlds crash together, and he must decide between his own survival and standing for what’s right, even if it isn’t easy. Even if society will never be able to forgive him for his sins.

Like a teen American History X, S.F. Henson’s Devils Within is gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, no-holds-barred look at the plague of white supremacy in contemporary American culture that may have you examining your own soul.

Book Links

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

Signed ARC of Devils Within by S.F. Henson

The Rules:

Open to US/CA
There will be one (1) lucky winner
Winner will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
Ends August 23rd, 2017
Prize will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody (Playlist + Giveaway)

Posted on July 23, 2017 by blackplume

So thrilled to welcome new author Amanda Foody to the blog as part of Celebrating Debutantes 2017 event. Amanda will be sharing a playlist today which she made for her debut ya fantasy novel, Daughter of the Burning City. The book will hit the shelves in two (2) days, and I am really excited to start reading this one.

If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy yet you may still have time to grab it online, or you can grab an eCopy and it will download automatically at midnight of release date.

Following the playlist are some information about the author, Amanda Foody along with places where to find her online, as well as the book‘s description and where to get copies of Daughter of the Burning City. And if you would like the chance to win a copy of the book, Amanda is giving away a signed copy below. which is open to everyone. Just enter the rafflecopter form a bit further down in this post to be enter on the giveaway.

Happy listening!

Daughter of the Burning City Playlist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. After spending her childhood longing to attend Hogwarts, she now loves to write about immersive settings and characters grappling with insurmountable destinies. She holds a Masters in Accountancy from Villanova University, and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from the College of William and Mary. Currently, she works as a tax accountant in Philadelphia, PA, surrounded by her many siblings and many books.

DAUGHTER OF THE BURNING CITY, her first novel, will be published by Harlequin TEEN on July 25, 2017. Her second, ACE OF SHADES, will follow in April 2018.

Find Amanda

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Daughter of the Burning City
Author: Amanda Foody
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audio

A darkly irresistible new fantasy set in the infamous Gomorrah Festival, a traveling carnival of debauchery that caters to the strangest of dreams and desires.

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.

Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn’t actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca, and their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina’s illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all of her loved ones disappear.

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads | iBooks

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

Signed copy of Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody

The Rules:

Open International
There will be one (1) lucky winner
Winner will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
Ends August 15th, 2017
Prize will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar (Playlist + Giveaway)

Posted on July 15, 2017 by blackplume

Happy weekend to all!

Today I am featuring another playlist for Celebrating Debutantes 2017 blog event. Debut author Ruth Behar made a playlist for her debut middle grade novel, Lucky Broken Girl. This poignant and compelling story introduced a multicultural cast led by a brave young girl, Ruthie. And in case you aren’t aware, Lucky Broken Girl is based from the author’s childhood in the 1960s.

Following the playlist are some information about the author, Ruth Behar along with places where to find her online, as well as the book‘s description and where to get copies of Lucky Broken Girl and the book trailer. And if you are in the US or Canada and would like the chance to win a copy of the book, Ruth is giving away a signed copy of the book together with a special bookmark. Just enter the rafflecopter form a bit further down in this post to be enter on the giveaway. But before that here’s Lucky Broken Girl Playlist from Ruth.

Happy listening!

Lucky Broken Girl Playlist

Music flows through the pages of Lucky Broken Girl. On this playlist you can hear the songs that are mentioned in the book, as well as several songs that were popular in the mid-1960s, when the story takes place. I also included a few songs that reflect the diversity of languages and cultures that were a part of Ruthie’s life after she came from Cuba to New York. My brother, Mori, a composer and musician, gave me the mp3s of the two songs we mixed together in the book trailer. Happy listening!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a storyteller, traveler, memoirist, poet, teacher, and public speaker, Ruth Behar is acclaimed for the compassion she brings to her quest to understand the vulnerability of the human experience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she grew up in New York, and has also lived in Spain and Mexico. She is an anthropology professor at the University of Michigan and her memoirs for adults, An Island Called Home and Traveling Heavy, explore her return journeys to Cuba and her search for home as an immigrant and a traveler. She was the first Latina to win a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. She makes her fiction debut with Lucky Broken Girl, published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. This is also her first work for young readers, examining how the worst of wounds can teach a child a lesson about the fragile, precious beauty of life. .

Find Ruth

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Lucky Broken Girl
Author: Ruth Behar
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audio

Based on the author’s childhood in the 1960s, a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant girl is adjusting to her new life in New York City when her American dream is suddenly derailed.

Ruthie Mizrahi and her family recently emigrated from Castro’s Cuba to New York City. Just when she’s finally beginning to gain confidence in her mastery of English and enjoying her reign as her neighborhood’s hopscotch queen, a horrific car accident leaves her in a body cast and confined her to her bed for a long recovery. As Ruthie’s world shrinks because of her inability to move, her powers of observation and her heart grow larger. She comes to understand how fragile life is, how vulnerable we all are as human beings, and how friends, neighbors, and the power of the arts can sweeten even the worst of times.

Book Links:

BOOK TRAILER

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

Autographed copy of LUCKY BROKEN GIRL by Ruth Behar
And a Special Bookmark

The Rules:

Open to US or Canada residents only
There will be one (1) lucky winner
Winner will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
Ends August 5th, 2017
Prizes will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: The Castaways by Jessika Fleck (Playlist + Giveaway)

Posted on July 13, 2017 by blackplume

Today I’m thrilled to welcome new author Jessika Fleck to the blog as part of Celebrating Debutantes 2017 event. Jessika will be sharing a playlist that she made for her debut fantasy novel The Castaways.

Following the playlist are some information about the author, Jessika Fleck along with places where to find her online, as well as the book‘s description and where to get copies of The Castaways. And if you are in the US and would like the chance to win a copy of the book, Jessika is giving away a signed copy of The Castaways and swags. Just enter the rafflecopter form a bit further down in this post to be enter on the giveaway. But before that here’s The Castaways playlist from Jessika.

Happy listening!

The Castaways Playlist

For The Castaways I focused on a mix of music that reminded me of the beach and a sort of surfer vibe with Family of the Year, Jack Johnson, and Vance Joy, along with a folksy feel for Olive’s Texas side from artists like Noah Gundersen and Mumford and Sons, and then to more youthful sounds from Alessia Cara to Ed Sheeran to Birdy. All in all, this playlist pairs with the story beautifully.

In an earlier version of The Castaways, I broke the story into acts inspired by the lyrics of It’s Only Life by The Shins. This song very quickly became the story’s battle cry during the drafting stage. It’s haunting and beautiful and so raw and even mentions a lion: It’s Only Life by The Shins.

At one point, my critique partner emailed me the link to the video for Atlas Hands by Benjamin Francis Leftwich. The subject line read something like “OMG! This IS your book!!!” And, per usual, she was right on. It’s almost creepy (in all the right ways) how close this music video and song portrays my story–a few of my characters even make ‘appearances’! Atlas Hands by Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

Leading up to release day, I did a blog series called Countdown to THE CASTAWAYS. Each post listed, among others details, that particular character’s song–so fun to find the perfect music and lyrics to fit their individual personalities and backstories: Countdown to THE CASTAWAYS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessika Fleck is a writer, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. She’s never been known to pass up a good cup of coffee or a great pair of boots. Her work verges on fantastical and dark with a touch of realism. She is a regular contributor to the fantastic kidlit blog, The Kidliterati. Her YA fantasy, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled Teen) debuts April 3, 2017. THE OFFERING (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases in the fall of 2018. Jessika is represented by Victoria Marini of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Find Jessika

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: The Castaways
Author: Jessika Fleck
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Publication Date: April 03, 2017
Pages: 302
Format: Paperback, eBook

The Castaway Carnival: fun, mysterious, dangerous.

Renowned for its infamous corn maze… and the kids who go missing in it.

When Olive runs into the maze, she wakes up on an isolated and undetectable island where a decades-long war between two factions of rival teens is in full swing.

Trapped, Olive must slowly attempt to win each of her new comrades’ hearts as Will—their mysterious, stoically quiet, and handsome leader—steals hers.

Olive is only sure about one thing: her troop consists of the good guys, and she’ll do whatever it takes to help them win the war and get back home.

Book Links: