Interview & Giveaway for You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

I recently read and reviewed this incredible debut novel by Janeal Falor. I personally loved it. It was very unique and explored a lot of interesting ideas, but with wonderful fantastical depth :). To hear more about what I thought of this book, you can read my review HERE.

This is definitely a very exciting time for Janeal, with the release of her first book. As well I was very excited to be one of the first to read it :). But what's even more exciting is that I got to ask her  a bunch questions and find out some great stuff about her as an author and how the process of putting her book out there for the first time has been. So continue on below to see how that interview went, and then we shall have giveaway time! I can't wait to share this book with one of you, you lucky ducks!

1. First off, we'd love to learn some more about you :) What things can you tell us so that we can know a bit more of who you are? And where can we go to learn more about your book?

    Hardest question! I'm shy so I find it tough to talk about myself. I'm a homeschooling mother of three and love every minute of it. And yes, as part of that I'm constantly getting my kids to read and write books. Thankfully they are just as crazy about books as I am.

You can learn more about my book on http://janealfalor.com/. Or you can purchase it an ecopy at Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords, or the print version at Create Space.

Meghan- I am also a stay at home mom to 3 little ones. I try to encourage reading as much as possible, and they know how crazy mommy is about her books. I can only hope that at least one of them will develop the madness as well haha.


2. What has the experience of putting your very first book out there been like?

    It has been beyond amazing. I was expecting a lot of hiccups and not a lot of interest. But for a few tiny things, everything has gone very smoothly. More than that, people truly astound me with their interest and support. There has been a lot of shock, tears, and insane giggling going on at my house. But mostly it has left me feeling a lot of gratitude for so many incredible people.



3. When did you make the decision to become a writer? What helped you make that decision?

    I've been writing stories since I was a kid. I think I've always enjoyed being able to escape real life through my own imaginings. Sometimes you just need that escape to help ease the pressure of daily life. Plus it's down right fun!

Meghan- Writing has been something I've always wanted to try my hand at. But I always just worry that I don't have the creative juices neccesary to write something interesting enough. Perhaps someday something will happen to push me into that direction.


4. What things do you take pleasure in when you aren't writing?

    I love cooking and eating, the eating part probably a little too much. ;) Reading of course. Being outdoors. I especially enjoy  being with my family. My husband and children bring a lot of joy to my life.

Meghan- Ha! Can I ever relate with you on the eating too much part ;). I have a terrible weakness for foods that I know aren't good for me. But we can't be good all the time can we? Besides, it's too much fun to have ice cream with your kids on a sunny day, and sit down with some snacks and a movie in the evening :).

5. Now for some questions about You Are Mine, where did you find inspiration for this story?

    I was reading a lot of marriage of convenience/marrying for money type stories and I thought; What if these girls weren't sold off for money? What if they were sold off for something else that they couldn't control. Something of great value like...Magic.

And my life was consumed until...well, it's still consumed.

Meghan- I have to give props to a very unique and imaginative idea. It makes this read so much fun, and that much more interesting with the fantastical dynamic thrown in there.

6. Was women's rights something you always had interest in? Or was it just something that developed for the story?

    I've always cared about women's right, but I didn't go into the story knowing that was what I was going to write about. After I wrote the first draft I stepped back and went, 'Well look at that.How can I use that to make Serena grow?'

7. Did you find it difficult as a woman in today's age to put yourself into Serena's position?

   Yes and no. Serena has lived through horrors that I've never been through. But there's so many problems for women in this world that break my heart. It's only too easy to find stories about violence against women and ways we are still struggling to find equality with men. I hope that it is something we work at changing until the only places it exists is in history and fiction.

Meghan- Yes, and hopefully sooner rather than later!

8. Do you have a personal favorite amongst the characters you wrote?

    This answer always changes every time someone asks me. I just love them all so much. Right now I'm feeling in the mood for a good swoon so I'd have to go with Zade. *imagines Zade* *swoons*

Meghan- I definitely have to agree! I adored Zade, and I always got excited whenever he walked onto the scene. I had a perfect visualization of him and yes, he is definitely swoon-worthy.

9. Are any of your characters based off of people you have met or know in real life?

    Not any specific person, but I do think some of character traits have been based off of people I know in general. I know so many great people with strength and goodness and I'd like to think they've been a positive influence on my outlook.

10. Do you think if you lived in Serena's world  that you would have had the bravery she has when facing pure domination and slavery? Why or why not?

    I truly hope that I would, but honestly? I'm scared I wouldn't. It's really easy to say I would be brave enough, but the truth is I'm not always as brave as I would like to be. It's so hard to stand up for things. I can only try to work on being better and hope if ever faced with a similar situation I can do what needs to be done.

11. Why do you think people should read your book? Why would you recommend it?

    Because it's awesome!

Really though, one thing I love as a reader is character growth and Serena definitely has a lot of that. There's romance that takes time to build as the characters get to know one another. Plus, it will jerk your emotions all over, but leave them in a happy place.

Meghan- It definitely is awesome, among many other positive qualities it carries. Character development is something I love in a book. It definitely can make or break a book. But watching Serena grow, change and adapt was phenomenal. For those who haven't, you can read all about it in my review :).

12. I'd like to hear about your own reading preferences, have you always been a fan of fantasy? What other genres do you enjoy?

    I have always loved fantasy and YA. I also really enjoy reading Sweet Romances, especially historical ones, and books that make me laugh.

13. Who are some of your favorite Authors?

    Rae Carson, Beth Revis, Gail Carson Levine, and Victoria Hanley

Meghan- I am a little ashamed to admit that I have never heard of any of them or read their books. I shall try my best to change that!


14. Do you have any all time favorite books? Any books that you think everyone should read at some point?

    Pretty much all of the books written by the authors above. The Fire and Thorns series, Across the Universe series, Ella Enchanted, and the Seer and the Sword. All fantastic books/series.

15. Speaking as a new and emerging author, what advice would you give to aspiring writers out there who are thinking about putting out their stories?

    If you believe in your story, follow your heart, but be willing to work hard. Very little in the publishing business is easy, but it's very worth it.

16. I had one final question about your story. When I was listing the genre for my review, I was trying to decide if  I should list it as a Historical Fiction, or a Dystopian. In which genre would you place it, if either?

    I personally classify it as a High Fantasy. With romance if you'd like. And when I feel like making up a genre I call it a Realistic High Fantasy because it's relateable despite having magic and being in another world.

Meghan- Ah! Thank you for solving my dilemma. I think I will have to look into some more High Fantasy Novels :).

Before we carry onto the giveaway I would like to take this time to thank Janeal for taking the time to answer all my questions so thoroughly and for providing and e-copy so that I can share this great novel with one of you lucky readers :). 

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

& don't forget to tell your friends :).

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Review: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

You Are Mine

Author: Janeal Falor

Expected Publication Date: May 6th

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: Fantasy/YA

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Synopsis:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts. Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

My Thoughts: This book took no time at all to sink it's teeth into me. Only a couple pages in and I was already completely intrigued. This is an astounding debut novel for Janeal Falor and  I just know there will be even more greatness in books to come.  I will definitely be in line to read more of her work :).

I found this to be  a very unique take on Warlocks and how they work, and what a world run by them would be like. It was also a spectacular insight to the life of women when we were placed at such an inferior level. With a big helping of fantasy, magic, and fantastical beings, we get a real glimpse at what it was like for women to be owned, controlled, dominated, and labelled for one use only; breeding.

But Serena is not like other women, she is not at all ready to obey. She never really has been. Even growing up in her home with her father she was always the cause of disturbance and receiving uncounted punishments. Even throwing herself in front of her many sisters to protect them. She shows   boundless strength, inspiring determination, and refreshing adversity. She will do what she thinks is right and pay for the consequences if need be. I admired her immediately, and that admiration steadily grew throughout the novel.

Watching Serena take terrifying steps toward changing life for all females was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was scared, depressed, joyful, and angry with her. I was ready to fight for and with her. And I know if I had of met her in that time and place I would have seen her as someone to follow and believe in.

I would definitely recommend this story to all fantasy lovers, as well as all YA fans. It's a brand new story from a brand new author, filled with refreshing and exciting new ideas. This is one debut novel you don't want to miss because I'm positive the future of writing is bright for Janeal Falor.

Review: If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

If He Had Been With Me

Author: Laura Nowlin

Publication Date: April 1st, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Contemporary

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Synopsis:

If he had been with me, he wouldn't have died. Throughout their whole childhood, Finn and Autumn were inseparable—they finished each other's sentences, they knew just what to say when the other person was hurting. But one incident in middle school puts them in separate social worlds come high school, and Autumn has been happily dating James for the last 2 years. But she's always wondered what if... The night she's about to get the answer is also one of terrible tragedy.

My Thoughts: Why, why, why do I do this to myself?? I mean, you read that first line of the synopsis. What do you think is going to happen. It clearly states that he dies. So do I believe it? No, I try to talk myself into believing otherwise. I know it's going to happen but still allow myself to get attached to him. It's like I was reading If I Stay again, in a way. A lot less crying though in this case but crying none the less. Not just tears silently running down my face either. No, these were ugly, chin wobbling, runny nose, sobbing cries that make you have to stop, set the book down and cry into your pillow. Luckily, my husband was pre-occupied with a movie and headphones, so he didn't have to witness my emotional overload due to a book, I'm sure it would have amused him though. Even though this book tore my heart out and stomped on it a few times, I'm still in love with it. I couldn't put it down, except when sobbing, and was in denial for the majority of the book. Especially towards the end. I just couldn't believe that Nowlin would do that to me. Still, I was warned in advance, so I can only blame myself for the false hope.

So the protagonist is Autumn. She starts out even telling you in the first paragraph that he died. Clearly I decided to ignore her as well. She tells the story of everything that went wrong with her and Finn's relationship. How they grew apart. I got sucked into the story and got attached to both of them. I couldn't help but like Autumn because she was weird, like I was (although I didn't wear tiaras every day) and I had a great group of geeky friends. So she was a bit of an outcast, making her easy to relate with.

Finn is absolutely amazing. He does do a few things that aren't so cool, but you can tell he's completely in love with Autumn. Even if she is clueless to it. He is a guy that I could have totally fallen for in high school. He's sweet, devoted, somewhat shy, smart, hot and a soccer player! He's just so nice to everyone and sticks up for Autumn, even when they aren't talking.

Overall, this is a great emotional read. I certainly enjoyed it. I love the characters, the writing style and the story is just amazing. Even though you know what's going to happen in the end, it's really easy to forget. Or maybe it was the fact that I knew something bad was going to happen that I just couldn't help but keep reading. I had to know how it happened. I won't say it has a happy ending, because it doesn't but the ride to the end is amazing. The story is very realistic I think. This is a story that could happen and probably has before (as sad as that is to think). I will most definitely be recommending this one! It is an amazing debut novel! Besides, who doesn't need a nice ugly cry once in awhile?

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath
(Everneath #1)

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 24th, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins / Balzer + Bray

Genre: Paranormal / Mythology

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Synopsis:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her friends—before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. As Nikki’s time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she’s forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s...

My Thoughts: Everneath is Brodi Ashton's debut novel and it is awesome!! I love mythology!! This book is based off of the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, with a little bit focused around Persephone and Hades. I'm definitely a new fan of Ashton and can't believe that I waited so long to read this one. It's just been sitting on my bookshelf for the last 3 months with me always saying "next" (there's a couple of those books!). Finally though, I picked it up to give it a read. It's a fairly easy read, and every time I would look up and see where my bookmark was and how much I had read, I was surprised. It's just one of those books that when I was reading, I would forget about everything else and just get lost in the book.

The protagonist is Nikki Beckett. We start off with when she is waking up in the Everneath after a century long Feed, so when the Everlings  drain all the emotion from a human, maintaining their immortality for another century. Time passes differently in the Everneath, so only 6 month have gone by on  the Surface. So of course, she comes back looking like a strung out junkie and everyone assumes she was just lost to drugs. She doesn't know how she survived and remembered her life before, but it has something to do with Jack, the boy she loved.

I think one of the things that Iliked the most was the style that Ashton wrote this book in. It's basically just a huge countdown for when Nikki will be sucked back in to the Everneath, into the awful world of the Tunnels, where the last of her energy will be spent powering the Everneath until she just fades away. There has to be a way for her to survive, but it's pretty much inevitable. We also got a lot of flashbacks so we could see her relationships with the other characters and what made her decide to become a Forfeit (so  she volenteered to have her life sucked out of her). I just kept reading because I needed to know what was going to happen to her. I do have to say though, the end was a bit predictable. There was a bit of forshadowing though.

Overall, I think this is a great debut novel for Brodi Ashton and I will definitely be looking out for more from her in the future. There is mythology, romance and a bit of suspense. It has a few creepy moments,  but it ends nicely. Actually it left with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I need to know what happens next and will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, Everbound. Should you read it? Yes, you should, especially if you are a fan of mythology! I definitely reccomend this one. Have you read any good YA lately that has a mythology theme? What would you recommend?