Blog Tour: DAWN STUDY by Maria V. Snyder A Guest Post & Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for DAWN STUDY by Maria V. Snyder! Maria's Study Series is my all time favorite series and I am super sad that this is the final installment, but I have high hopes for a spin-off series! I have a guest post with Maria to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a chance to win the book!!

Haven't heard of DAWN STUDY? Check it out!

Title: DAWN STUDY (Study Series #6)

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Pub. Date: January 31, 2017

Publisher: Mira Ink

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.

Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.

Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.

With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

Now on to the guest post!

I asked Maria about writing a series finale. Is this really the end? Or may we see another spin-off series (fingers crossed)

It’s the end of book length stories for Yelena and Valek.  After six books, it’s very hard for me to think of new and exciting problems for them to deal with and over come. They’ve both been captured, betrayed, injured, arrested, etc… I think at this point, I’d have to really up the stakes and that would probably  make the plot a bit outrageous. Plus my stories always focus on the characters and their growth. They’ve both come a long way in six books and I’m happy where they ended up.

I hope to write a few short stories about them in the future, but no more books (okay, I’ve been told never to say never so if something happens and the planets align just so and I get a fantastic, blow your socks off idea, then I will write more).

As for a spin off series, that’s a good possibility! I really enjoyed writing about Reema and Teegan in Dawn Study and I’ve always loved Fisk.  I can almost see a Helpers Guild book down the line. No promises though!  Just a thought that might need a few years to ferment in the depths of my mind (a scary lawless place where ideas battle to survive ;).

I must say writing a final book was harder than I expected. The plot spanned two countries as they prepared for war and all the Study and Glass characters were involved in some way.  At one point, I had 26 characters together – do you know how hard it is to keep track of all those people? Herding cats is easy in comparison!  That’s why I don’t write epic fantasy – too many details to keep straight.  And then tying up all the loose ends – oy vey!  I may have left one or two dangling – life is never neat and tied with a bow and I was running out of pages.

Dawn Study ended up being my longest book at 125,000 words and I hope my readers are satisfied with how it ends. It’s been a wonderful journey. Through my books, I’ve met readers from all over the world and many of them have become good friends (I’m looking at you, Jaime ;).  I’m very grateful for that connection and I hope to continue writing for a few more years at least!

About Maria:

Maria V. Snyder changed from being a meteorologist to a novelist in 1995, when she began writing to keep her sanity while raising two children. Since then, she has published numerous freelance articles in magazines and newspapers, and teaches fiction-writing classes at the local college and area libraries. The classes give her the wonderful opportunity to encourage fellow writers, and to keep improving her craft.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria always had a fascination with big storms. Dreaming of chasing tornados, Maria earned a bachelors of science degree in meteorology at Penn State University. But she discovered, much to her chagrin, that forecasting the weather wasn't one of her skills. In order to chase tornados you had to predict where they might form. Creating fantasy worlds where she has complete control of the weather was more agreeable to her.

Maria's research on food-tasting methods with an expert chocolate taster, her husband, turned out to be a delicious bonus while writing Poison Study.

Maria has a brown belt in Isshinryu Karate, and enjoys playing volleyball and the cello. Traveling in general and via cruise ship in particular are her biggest distractions from writing. Maria has traveled to Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.

Maria lives with her husband, son, daughter and yellow lab, Hazelnut, in Pennsylvania where she is at work on more LUNA novels. She is also pursuing a master's degree in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University.

Readers are welcome to contact Maria at the following email address: maria@mariavsnyder.com.

Where you can find Maria:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

6 Winners will receive finished copies of DAWN STUDY, US Only.

4 Winners will receive finished copies of DAWN STUDY, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/23/2017-a GREAT read- Interview

1/24/2017- Books for Thought- Review

1/25/2017- YABC- Guest Post

1/26/2017- Mundie Moms- Review

1/27/2017- Dark Faerie Tales- Interview

Week Two:

1/30/2017- Kindle and Me- Review

1/31/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

2/1/2017- Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne- Review

2/2/2017- Moonlight Gleam Reviews- Interview

2/3/2017- The Bibliophile Chronicles- Review

It's not too late to start this amazing series or to read the spin-off series! Get them now!

Release Day Celebration- SHERLOCK BONES Series by Lauren Baratz-Logste & A Giveaway!

I am so excited that EMBERS IN THE SEA by Jennifer M. Eaton releases today and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Jennifer M. Eaton, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), and an Alien Charm Necklace US Only courtesy of Jennifer & Month9Books. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: EMBERS IN THE SEA (Fire in The Woods #3)

Author: JenniferM. Eaton

Pub. Date: January 31, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 300

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD

Alien scientist David has dealt with disappointment his entire life, but failing to breathe life into the planet Mars is his greatest regret. Out of options and in need of a new home for their people, the alien Caretakers rekindle their plan to inhabit Earth. First they will have to eliminate the human race, including Jess, the only human David holds dear.

Humanity has one final chance at survival. David needs to emulate Earth’s precipitation on Mars. But the catalyst to make it rain lies in the fathomless depths of Earth’s ocean.

The clock is ticking down to humanity’s last hours as Jess and David face a world more alien than either of them can imagine. The sea hides secrets, but some secrets don’t want to be found.

Excerpt:

We rattled, cascading and spinning. My sight blurred. My breakfast threatened a reappearance. I closed my eyes and prayed David and Edgar could bring us under control. The tiles rumbled beneath my cheek before we collided to a stop.

My body left the floor before slamming back down once again.

Oww.

I blinked until I could focus. David lay across the side of his seat, his head dangling near the floor.

“David!” I dragged myself from the unforgiving tiles and sat him back in his chair. His head lolled back, his mouth slightly open. “Oh, God. David, please wake up!”

Pressing my fingers against the side of his neck and his wrists, I sought a pulse. I couldn’t find one, but relief flooded me as his chest rose and fell in a shallow breath. I glanced over each shoulder, and toward the back of the ship, looking for what, I didn’t know.

Why hadn’t the seats come to life and protected us?

I grabbed the edge of David’s chair, pulling him from the seat and into my arms. “David?” I kissed him and ran my fingers along the side of his face. “David, please … ”

I would have felt less empty if part of my chest had broken off and floated away into the abyss. I didn’t care that we’d crash-landed again. I didn’t care that the marine floor was probably more alien than the green planet we’d been marooned on. I didn’t care that the pressure of an entire ocean weighed down on us. And I didn’t care that he left me alone for two years.

He was here. Now. And hurt. I fisted my hands and pushed with my mind. If he needed strength, maybe I could send it to him.

His lashes fluttered. His eyes opened, but didn’t seem to focus. “Jess?”

I gulped back a sob. “Yeah. I’m here.”

He tried to sit up, but frowned and relaxed back into my arms. “Are we okay?”

“I don’t know.”

About Jennifer: 

Jennifer M. Eaton hails from the eastern shore of the North American Continent on planet Earth. Yes, regrettably, she is human, but please don’t hold that against her. While not traipsing through the galaxy looking for specimens for her space moth collection, she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband and three energetic offspring. (And a poodle who runs the spaceport when she’s not around.)

During infrequent excursions to her home planet of Earth, Jennifer enjoys long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but great adventures are always a short shuttle ride away.

Who knows where we’ll end up next?

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

(1) winner will receive a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), US Only.

(1) winner will receive an Alien Charm Necklace, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grab the first 2 books in the series!

The TSAR'S GUARD SPOTLIGHT TOUR- Featuring THE CROWNS FATE by Evelyn Skye Food Board & A Giveaway!

I am so excited that THE CROWN’S FATE by Evelyn Skye is releasing in May 2017 that I wanted to help spread the love!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Evelyn Skye, be sure to check out all the details below.

The Tsar’s Guard Spotlight Tour also includes a giveaway for an ARC of the book. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

I was lucky to read a very early copy of this book by my dear friend Evelyn and while I was reading the book made me so hungry that I decided to make a Pinterest board with all the food in the book. Check out a few of the photos below and then go over to the Pinterest page to see the rest!

About The Book:

Title: THE CROWN’S FATE

Author: Evelyn Skye

Release Date: May 16th, 2017

Pages: 432

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kepler's Books | iBooks

The gorgeous and darkly compelling sequel to The Crown’s Game—perfect for fans of Red Queen and Shadow and Bone.

Magic is growing, shadows are rising, and the throne is at stake…

Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

 Check out the food!!!

And go here to see the rest of the yummy recipes!
Follow Two Chicks on Books's board Recipes from The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye on Pinterest.

About Evelyn:

Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of THE CROWN’S GAME (out now!) and THE CROWN’S FATE (May 16, 2017). She was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she will win. When Evelyn isn’t writing, she can be found chasing her daughter on the playground or sitting on the couch, immersed in a good book and eating way too many cookies.

 Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Facebook

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive an ARC of THE CROWN’S FATE.  International.

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Tour Schedule:

Jan. 9th - Brittany's Book Rambles: The Crown's Fate Review

Jan. 10th- Sarcasm & Lemons: Fancast

Jan. 11th- The YA Book Traveler: History of Russian Crowns

Jan. 12th- Picnic Reads: Character-Based Book Tag

Jan. 13th- Book Nerd Addict: Inspired Tote Design

Jan.16th- Dazzled by Books: Top 5 Reasons I Love The Crown's Game

Jan. 17th- Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile: Characters Matched to Teas

Jan. 18th- The Book Buzz: New Enchanter

Jan. 19th- The Aus. Library: Famous Russian Fairytales

Jan. 20th-  My Thoughts Literally: Character Inspired Dessert

Jan. 23rd- Omg Books and More Books: Books that Characters of TCG Would Enjoy

Jan. 24th- It Starts at Midnight: Virtual Tour of Russia

Jan. 25th- Next Page Please!: Character Blog

Jan. 26th- The Book Nut: Playlist

Jan. 27th- Arctic Books: Make-up Looks

Jan. 30th- Two Chicks on Books: Pinterest Recipe Board

Jan. 31th- Lost in Ever After: Typical Date for Nikolai & Vika

Feb. 1st- Alexa Loves Books: Fashion Book Look

Feb. 2nd- Sophie Reads YA: Russian History In and Out of The Crown's Game

Feb. 3rd- 21st Century Once Upon A Times: Drink Your Way Through The Crown's Game

Feb. 6th- The Eater of Books: 10 Reason I'm Excited for TCF

Feb. 7th- A Thousand Words A Million Books: Top 5 Magical Moves in The Crown's Game

Feb. 8th- Seeing Double in Neverland: Fanmade Bookmarks & Swag

Feb. 9th- A Page With A View: YA Fantasy Books set in Russia

Feb. 10th- Dana Square: Recipe from The Crown's Game

Feb. 13th-YA Wednesdays: Favorite Quotes from The Crown's Game

Feb. 14th- Juniper Reads: Sorting Characters into Fandoms

Feb. 15th- Nicole's Novel Reads: Nail Polish Looks

Feb. 16th- The Queen Reads: What the Characters of TCG would take to a Deserted Island

Feb. 17th- A Perfection Called Books: The Crown's Fate Review

Haven't started the series? It's not too late! Grab book 1 now!

Blog Tour- FROSTBLOOD by Elly Blake An Interview & Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for FROSTBLOOD by Elly Blake! I loved this high fantasy this book! I have an interview with Elly to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a chance to win the book!!

Haven't heard of FROSTBLOOD? Check it out!

Title: FROSTBLOOD

Author: Elly Blake

Pub. Date: January 10, 2017

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 384

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers of heat and flame from the cruel frostblood ruling class that wants to destroy all that are left of her kind. So when her mother is killed for protecting her and rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby's powers are unpredictable, and she's not sure she's willing to let the rebels and an infuriating (yet irresistible) young man called Arcus use her as their weapon.

All she wants is revenge, but before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to take part in the king's tournaments that pit fireblood prisoners against frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Fast-paced and compelling, Frostblood is the first in a page-turning new young adult three-book series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies—but together create a power that could change everything.

Now on to the interview!

Hey Elly!! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books it’s awesome to have you here to chat! FROSTBLOOD was freaking AWESOME and I can’t wait for everyone to read it! And am so happy that you could stop by for a visit!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about FROSTBLOOD and the characters?

Seventeen-year old Ruby is a Fireblood, which means she can control and create heat and flame—though she has to hide this ability from the Frostblood ruling class. When soldiers raid her village, her mother is killed, and Ruby lands in prison. A Frostblood monk and a scarred warrior offer her freedom if she agrees to become a key weapon in a rebellion against the Frost King responsible for her mother's death. Arcus, a young man with a mysterious past, helps her train and master her powers, and she finds herself drawn to him despite their many differences.

Do you have a title for book 2 yet? Ooh how about a cover for it?

Oh yes, there are titles for all three books! FIREBLOOD will be published in September 2017. (The cover is online already.) DARKBLOOD comes out in 2018.

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

The only character I can think of who reminds me of someone in my real life is Brother Gamut. He has the sweet, gentle nature of my paternal grandmother, who 
passed away over 10 years ago.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

I loved writing Arcus. Writing his banter with Ruby was wicked fun. It was probably hardest writing Captain Drake, the soldier who killed Ruby’s mother, because I didn’t like him.

What is your favorite passage/scene in FROSTBLOOD?

There’s a scene where Ruby confesses her feelings and feels rejected and I love the image of her hot tears hissing as they hit the cold ground. I also really like a scene where one of the main characters cries, and is comforted, near the end. I love moments of intense feeling.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I researched life in a medieval monastery when I was writing the scenes set in Forwind Abbey. However, I took liberties and changed some things, such as adding female monks. I also looked up photos of Swedish ice hotels as inspiration when writing about the Frost King’s castle.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

I love a few heroes from classic novels, like Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre, Mr. Darcy (of course) from Pride & Prejudice, and Mr. Thornton from North and South. When it comes to YA, I have so many that it’s hard to choose, but I love Arin from the Winner’s Curse series by Marie Rutkoski. I also love Prince Ash from the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. But I collect book boyfriends, same as you probably do!

What inspired you to write YA?

I love reading it. It’s kind of a problem at my library job because it’s hard to recommend adult fiction to patrons when I read mostly YA. I love that YA is an umbrella that covers so many different genres, and it’s always pushing boundaries and exploring new territory. 

Lightning Round Questions:

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I’m dying to read my ARC of Caraval by Stephanie Garber (as soon as I finish edits on my second book).

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

This is so hard. I went on the Pottermore website four times with four different email addresses (to be sure of the results) and I was sorted into a different house each time. I’ll list them in order in case the first was the most accurate: Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw. I think I’m truly a Slyther-Puff. I’m ambitious in some ways, but I’m very loyal. I don’t think I could be a true Slytherin because I never want to hurt anyone, even in pursuit of a goal.

Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook (though I’m on Twitter a fair bit, too)

Favorite Superhero?

Wonder Woman!

Favorite TV show?

I don’t have a favorite because I love too many shows, but if I have to narrow it down:

Drama: Game of Thrones, Sherlock.

Sitcoms: The Mindy Project, New Girl, Brooklyn 99.

Animated: Avatar: Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet! It’s a problem.

Any Phobias?

Claustrophobia. (But it’s not too severe.)

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

I’m out of touch with music lately because I listen to the same album over and over when I write. Currently it’s the soundtrack for the movie Tron: Legacy. Sometimes I listen to the Game of Thrones soundtrack, or Hans Zimmer soundtracks (I like the track Imagine the Fire from The Dark Knight Rises soundtrack.)

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Wonder Woman!

Thanks so much Elly for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read FROSTBLOOD!

About Elly:

Elly Blake loves fairy tales, old houses, and owls. After earning a BA in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs, including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, reporter for a local business magazine, and library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and a Siberian Husky mix who definitely shows Frostblood tendencies.

Her work is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr |Pinterest | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of FROSTBLOOD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/23/2017- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Interview

1/24/2017- Good Choice Reading- Review

1/25/2017-Page Turners Blog- Guest Post

1/26/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Review

1/27/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

1/30/2017- Mundie Moms- Review

1/31/2017- Novel Novice- Guest Post

2/1/2017- Book Briefs- Review

2/2/2017- The Young Folks- Interview

2/3/2017- YA Books Central- Review