Book Giveaway: Itch by Simon Mayo

Tweet

                       Book Giveaway: 
Itch The Explosive Adventure of an Element Hunter by Simon Mayo

Are you ready for a thrilling adventure? Are you looking for a great summer read? Be sure to read Itch by Simon Mayo. One of the best books I've read all year. You can enter now for your chance to win.

Giveaway Details: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends August 11, 2013 at 11:59 EST.

Be sure to check out my review of Itch.

**Contest prize will be provided by the publisher. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: Itch: The Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter:

Tweet

**FTC Disclosure: I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. My opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources**

Itchingham "Itch" Lofte didn't mean to burn off his eyebrows. He also didn't mean to send his whole science class to the hospital with arsenic poisoning. When you take up a dangerous hobby like collecting elements from the periodic table, those things are inevitable. 

When Itch acquires a super radioactive rock, not yet discovered by scientists, he ends up in a harrowing adventure that makes his previous mishaps seem minor. The head of the science department confirms the rock is actually element number 126, one not ever seen before. It turns out scientists, as well as terrorist groups from all over the world, want the rock and the unsavory ones will stop at nothing to get it. With the help of his sister Chloe, female cousin Jack and even a beloved science teach, Itch races against death to make sure the new element does not fall in the wrong hands. When Itch tries to track down Cake, the element dealer he acquired the first rock from, he discovers the rock is not the only one. Unfortunately, there are seven more.The realization of the just how dangerous the element really is, gives Itch an urgency to keep it from those who want it.

 Itch exhibits an amazing level of maturity and moral courage, instantly elevating his status from science geek to reluctant hero. 

Simon Mayo's debut novel is one of the best adventures for middle schoolers I have read in years with an original premise and non-stop action that will have the reader on the edge of his seat. Strong female characters will appeal to girls as well. For ages 10-14 but overlaps into the young adult group.

Who knew that the periodic table could be so exciting? 

 Highly Recommended

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Splinter (April 2013)

Pages: 432 (hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4549-0509-7

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

Bad Unicorn by Platte Clarke: Book Review

Tweet

Nothing seems special about Max Spencer, a seventh grader who never stood out. That is, until the book, Codex of Infinite Knowability ends up in his hands and he discovers that he is the only one who can read it.

The book holds powerful magical spells, so powerful that an evil sorcerer from another realm will do anything to get his hands on it. When he sends Princess the Destroyer on a mission to bring back the book, Max will have to learn to use the Codex to save himself and his friends from the hungry unicorn. The sorcerer promises Princess the unicorn all of the humans she can eat if she brings back the book. Will Max have what it takes to fend off the man eating beast?

Though witty humor lifts Bad Unicorn and will give the reader plenty of chuckles, the target audience may be a little young to get some of the jokes, especially the ones that reference Al Gore. Author Platte Clark, creates a twisted magical world which proves intriguing but falls short on producing a likable protagonist and sidekicks. However, a riveting climax helps lift an otherwise rambling story. Nevertheless, those who love twits in fantasy laced with humor, may enjoy this book.

Good to Recommended for the upper middle grade fantasy reader.

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (April 16, 2013)

ISBN: 9781442450127

Pages: 432

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**I received a reader's copy at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review.

Author Interview: Cindy Cipriano

Tweet

Author of The Circle, Cindy Cipriano, was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions about being an author for my blog readers. I am happy to share my interview with her.

 What inspired you to write your debut novel, The Circle?

Once when I was in "time out," I daydreamed about lifting a tile in the floor and wondered what I'd find below it.  I imagined a wise man hunched over a desk working by candle light.  This person became Uilleam and is really where the idea for the series began.

If you had to choose one character in your book you are most like, who would it be and why?

I'm really not like any of the characters in The Circle.  They are much, much more interesting :)  I will say my favorite character is Donnelly.  He's just so fearless.

 Who are some of your favorite children's books and how have they inspired you to be a writer?

C.S. Lewis is probably my all-time favorite children's author. I was inspired by his brilliant use of magical realism, in that it's not "in your face," but thoughtful and skillfully placed throughout his novels.

 What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a writer?

Finding enough time to write!

 What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I love the actual writing part, sitting at my computer, completely immersed in my story.

 Have you ever experienced "writer's block" and how do you get past that?

I have experienced "writer's block," and the best way for me to get past it is just to sit down and start writing.

 The Circle is a fantasy novel. Is that your favorite genre to read as well? What other genres do you love?

I love anything that is middle grade/young adult fantasy. 

 Can you tell us a little bit about your next book that we might not know from reading the first?

The Lost is the second book in the Sidhe series. In this book, Calum and his friends will be tested regarding their friendship for and devotion to each other. And, yes, there's more about Finley :)  There are also some deleted scenes from The Circle posted on my website: http://www.thesidheseries.com/deleted-scenes.php

What advice would you give to somebody thinking about becoming a writer?

Join a good critique group, now.  I would have saved so much time had I joined one earlier.

Once your book was published, was there every anything you wished you could go back and change? Why or why not?

I really felt The Circle was "done," when I submitted my manuscript to Odyssey Books.  Thanks to my amazing editor, Michelle Lovi, I don't feel the desire to go back and change anything.  I would love for readers to let me know what they think about The Circle.  I encourage them to please visit my reviews page and post a review. http://www.thesidheseries.com/review-links.php

Cindy Cipriano's middle grade fantasy, The Circle, is available through Amazon or other local retailers.

Check out my review HERE.

**This is NOT a sponsored post. No money was exchanged in return for the post.**