Book Tag!

The ever so lovely Amber over at Grown Up Fan Girl tagged us in her Reading Habits post! This is typically done via YouTube and was started by BethJune327. The video, and her channel, can be accessed here!

A and I have answered these questions and are excited for you to take a read!

 

Question #1: Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

Ashley: When I used to live at home with my parents I loved reading outside in the spring and summer. There is just something about being outdoors and enjoying a good book that would calm and relax me. Now that I live in a apartment, the space is super limited. I read outside sometimes, but with a highway outside my balcony it just isn't the same. So, I find comfort in reading on the couch or in my bed curled up with a warm blanket and a good cup of tea/coffee.

Christie: I love reading on the couch, or in bed. Although on the couch my puppy jumps on me and tries to eat my book. And in bed I tend to start falling alseep. There is no winning! Someday I will have a library room to read. One that looks like what Belle had in Beauty and the Beast. ;)

    

Question #2: Bookmark or a random piece of paper?

Ashley: I use whatever I can find to mark my place in a book! I prefer a nice bookmark, I've even been known to spend a pretty penny on one, however I usually either use a receipt, fold the corner of the page or any piece of paper that I can find. 

Christie: I'm with A. Whatever is around to use for a bookmark is good for me. But I will say that I always browse the bookmarks at the book store. One of these days I will bite the bullet and buy one.

 

Question #3: Can you stop reading anytime you want or do you have to stop at a certain page, chapter, part, ect.?

Ashley: If I'm extremely interested in a book I have to wait until I'm on the next chapter before I put the book down and enter the real world. If it is a book I'm not so interested in, I can stop mid-way through a chapter if need be. 

Christie: I like to stop reading at the end of a chapter, but only because my bookmarks tend to be less than reliable. Like A, if it is a book I am not very interested in then I can stop at any point.

Question #4: Do you eat or drink while reading?

Ashley: I usually don't find myself eating unless I make a tea and perhaps there are some cookies lying around the house, lol! My favourite thing is to read a book curled up by a window with a nice hot beverage. I can't wait for winter and snowy nights.

Christie: I love to read with a tea in my hand! Preferably an English Breakfast tea from Tim Hortons. :)

Question #5: Can you read while listening to music/watching TV?

Ashley: I really need complete silence. The only time I was able to listen to music while reading was in school and the reading was usually dense. The music also helped me remember and recall what I actually had read when writing a paper or writing an exam. Now I can't have any distractions. My mother on the other hand could have the t.v. on, iPod in, and still be able to focus completely on the pages she was reading. 

Christie: I go back and forth. Somedays I can read with the TV blaring, or my boyfriend playing video games, but others I need complete silence. It really depends on my mood and the book I am reading.

    
Question #6: One book at a time, or several at once?

Ashley: I've been known to start many books at once. This is only when I can't seem to get into a book - I always start another one. I have many half read books on my book shelf. One day I'll finish them...maybe.

Christie: One book at a time. I don't like to read around.

    
Question #7: Reading at home or everywhere?

Ashley: I always have a book on me. You never know when an oporturne moment to immerse yourself back into the fantasy of the book you are reading. I can read anywhere.

Christie: I can read most places, except in moving vehicles. It's kind of horrible. It makes for very long road trips. I will say though that I do try to bring a book with me wherever I go. Sometimes my cubicle at work makes for a cozy reading spot.

Question #8: Reading out loud or silently in your head?

Ashley: As embarrassing as this could be for some, when I was in my Jane Austen Literature class I use to read out loud in my room and in a British accent. I'm not sure why. Maybe I felt at the time it made it a more authentic experience, or something :) . Unless I'm reading to another I like to keep the words in my head.

Christie: I love Ashley's response! She would so do that. :) As for me, I read silently in my head. I don't have A's knack for accents.


Question #9: Do you read ahead or skip pages?

Ashley: I've never skipped actual pages but I have skipped paragraphs. Which is fantastic during the moment because now you've made it that much closer to the end. However, it is awful when having a conversation with a fellow literature lover and they start discussing the exact paragraph you so wittingly - at the time- skipped. 

Christie: I skip NOTHING. It feels wrong to me. It might be a strange obsessive compulsive thing but I will often re-read entire paragraphs to make sure that I didn't miss anything. This makes me a SLOWWWWW reader.

    
Question #10: Breaking the spine or keeping it new?

Ashley: The reason I LOVE hardcover is that it still looks new when you are finished reading. My paper back books are ruined. 

Christie: Keeping it new is always best for me. I like the look of a pristine hardcover book. However, like A my paperbacks are another story. There is a copy of the City of Bones on my shelf that looks very sad.


Question #11: Do you write in books?

Ashley: I never write in books. I highlight for school but never put pen to paper.

Christie: I only write in books if they are for educational purposes. All of the ones I have for my personal pleasure are pen free. 

_______________________________________________________________

We tag:

Tynga's Reviews

Midnight Bloom Reads

All you have to do is answer these questions, link back to the original video, and tag blog friends of your own.

Thanks, Grown Up Fan Girl!

The Top 10 Reasons to Read the Divergent Series!

With Allegiant out October 22nd, it is time to share why A and I love the Divergent series so much. Here are our top 10 reasons to drop whatever you are doing and become Veronica Roth's next biggest fan.

10. Dystopian is the New Black
There is something about a Young Adult dystopian novel that spells perfection. It bends our imaginations in such a way that the seemingly impossible is possible. I have read many dystopian novels, but there is something about this series that made me want to tape my eyes open just to finish another chapter as midnight passed. 

9. Faction Action
This series is incredibly action-packed! From start to finish each book will leave you running on adrenaline. The Dauntless faction is the best place for the main character Tris Prior because it is about being brave. It is about testing your limits. The rush that those in this faction feel, well, you feel it too.

8.Veronica Roth is the Bee's Knees
I was lucky enough to meet Veronica Roth at a book signing a couple of years ago. To be honest, at the time I didn't know too much about Roth. I knew she was young, and quite clearly talented, but not much more than that. During the questions period, Roth opened up about her own fears and how debilitating they can be. I knew then that Roth was a candid, authentic author that would build a loyal following of book lovers.

7. Control is Creepy
The factions in the Divergent series are really eerie in some ways. The whole idea that these characters are defined by this one trait, and controlled by a power greater than their own, can be quite haunting. The constant surveillance and restraint will leave you feeling uneasy.

6. Chi-Town Backdrop
Chicago is my favourite city on the planet so to have it as the backdrop in the Divergent series was most wonderful. Roth pulls together the scenes in her books with the landmarks that we know so well. The next time you are at Chicago's Navy Pier on the ferris wheel, or take a trip up the Hancock Tower, you will be filled with memories that aren't even yours.

5. Think Tank
Once in a while I like to read a book that doesn't make me think too hard. One that I can breeze through while lying on a beach somewhere. However then there are the other books that I go to sleep wondering about, and wake up with new questions. The Divergent series is definitely one of those. You will break down this new world that Roth has created and will uncover the roots of the society. You might think that Roth's fantasy, could one day be a reality.

4. Book Lovers Unite
The community of Divergent fans is a great reason to read this series. These are people you can tweet with, blog with, and gush over Four with. Most of all though, this book loving community will help ease the pain that it is only September, and that Allegiant doesn't hit shelves until October.

3. Hot Guy Alert
Four, oh, Four. Yes...there is a dreamy guy in this book, but he is nothing like the others that you have read about. He is not a sparkling vampire, or a brooding shadowhunter, he's HUMAN. I know, shocking! Four has a tough guy shell, but is breaking inside from the memories of his past. He is handsome and brave, he is loyal and loving. Are you swooning yet?

2. Kick Ass Lead
My 13 year-old sister started reading the Divergent series after I gushed to her about it for weeks. What made me want to recommend this book to her can be summed up in two words: Tris Prior. In a world of female "role models" that make me cringe, Tris is a breath of fresh air. Although fictional, Tris is the type of person that I would want my younger sister to look up to. Tris is smart, strong, passionate, and brave, but most of all she is herself. That's the real beauty of her character.

1. Be Brave!
The number one reason for reading this series is quite simple. It stems from a the message that Veronica Roth left in the copy of Divergent she signed that day: "Be brave!"
Simple, and to the point, but it carries so much weight. I hope that you read this series so that you can understand the importance of being uniquely YOU, and that that in itself is how to BE BRAVE.

The third book in the Divergent series, Allegiant, is on its way. Get those pages turning people! You need to catch up... :) To follow the buzz hop onto Twitter to follow the HarperCollins Canada Teen Book Team @HCCFRENZY and search #ALLEGIANT!

-C

2013 Debut Authors Bash with... Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

This year, we decided to join the 2013 Debut Authors Bash hosted by YAReads! What a fabulous idea - to have bloggers help up and coming authors get their books out there and their voices heard. We were lucky enough to get a chance to interview Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon, co-authors to the new YA novel, Doon. Doon hit shelves is bookstores on August 20th, 2013 so once you read this interview you can rush out and buy it :)

SYNOPSIS

Despite outward appearances, Veronica Welling’s life is far from perfect. Her boyfriend is more into her competition, her mom treats her like a meal ticket, and the blond stranger who keeps appearing out of nowhere—well, he’d be darn near perfect, if he were real. After Vee catches her boyfriend cheating, an epic summer in Scotland with her best friend Mackenna Reid seems like the ultimate escape. Neither girl has any clue they’re about to step into a destiny bigger than they could ever imagine.

Through a series of clues left by Kenna’s aunt, Vee and Kenna open a portal and are transported to a thriving kingdom outside of time and place. For Vee, the land of Doon is the fairytale she’s always longed for, complete with the gorgeous blond stranger—who happens to be a flesh and blood prince. But rather than acting like her knight in shining armor, Jamie MacCrae treats her like a leper. Meanwhile, Jamie’s brother Duncan shows obvious interest in Kenna, but she shuts him down, fearing that a “love connection” will prevent her from returning to the modern world.
But the girls’ presence in Doon could break the enchantment that protects the realm. In order to save Doon, the girls must risk everything—life, love, and future—before the kingdom vanishes forever into the mists.
Doon is inspired by the premise of the musical Brigadoon, used with generous permission from the Alan Jay Lerner Estate and the Frederick Loewe Foundation. Follow the journey using the buttons to the right.

BIOGRAPHY

CAREY CORP and LORIE LANGDON came up with the idea for DOON, their debut novel, one fateful winter morning while discussing their love of musicals. Lorie had known since seeing Brigadoon, at age sixteen, that she wanted more of the sleepy kingdom than the original story revealed, while Carey adored the idea of reinventing a mythical world through the eyes of two, vastly different, but inseparable friends—much like themselves. As ideas flew back and forth, suddenly the village that slept for 100 years at a stretch awoke to epic life; and DOON was born. Lorie and Carey live two hours apart, but like Vee and Kenna, they talk and text throughout the day and have often wondered if they share a brain. To find out more visit the Dooniverse at www.DoonSeries.com

Q&A WITH CAREY AND LORIE:

What was it about the musical Brigadoon that inspired you to write this book?

Lorie: The premise is quite magical – a hidden village that only appears to the outside world once every hundred years. But as much as I loved the romance and mystical adventure of the musical, it always bothered me that during the hundred years that the bridge was closed—i.e. the village was hidden—the inhabitants of Brigadoon slept. Really? They slept for a hundred years at a time!? I wanted more. I wanted to peek behind the curtain and see a thriving kingdom filled with vibrant people with unique customs, struggles and triumphs! And that’s exactly what we’ve created in Doon. :D

Carey: I loved the idea of telling a Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants type story of best friends. I’m also a huge musical theater geek—like my character Kenna, so the idea of telling a story inspired by Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon had instant appeal!

Is it easier or harder to co-author a book? What are some benefits of this type of writing relationship? 

Lorie: As you can imagine, one of the challenges of co-authoring is not having complete creative control, but this can also be an advantage because you have two brains instead of one!

Carey and I, much like our characters, are opposite in a way that makes for a perfect balance. As writers, we each bring different technical strengths to the table.

The actual process of writing with a co-author is fun and dynamic. Splitting responsibilities such as blogging, promotions, and social networking is a great blessing. But the biggest advantage is that you have someone who is equally invested. Someone you can call at midnight with a brilliant plot idea, who won’t curse you out and block your phone number. (Carey: Ha! Lorie is trying to teach me boundaries, but I’m not a very good student.)

Carey: What Lorie said—especially the part about opposites. Lorie LOVES to write bad boys, like her character Jamie. I have a soft spot for the boy-next-door good guys, like my character Duncan.

If Doon was turned into a movie, which castle (anywhere in the world) would be the perfect backdrop?

Carey: Continuing with the opposite theme. Lorie tends to gravitate toward romantic fairytale castles like Burg Eltz Castle in Germany or Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian castle best known as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. That romantic fairytale quality is exactly what she brings to Doon.

No matter how gorgeous a castle is, I need historical accuracy in setting and structure. Urquhart, Stirling, and Edinburgh Castles are all very close for me. However, Castle MacCrae in Doon is inspired by a fantasy drawing that Lorie and I love, so in a perfect world, the movie studio would build a replica of that castle in Scotland. (Note how it is a blend of both our preferences!)

What kind of heroine is Doon’s main character Vee? Will readers be able to relate to her easily? 

Lorie: Vee is very relatable. Like so many of us, her childhood has been far from perfect. But Vee refuses to let it make her a victim. Instead, she’s allowed that hardship to make her strong and brave. She has a huge heart and will do anything for the people she loves, including face some of her greatest fears.

The phrase “Destiny Awaits!” seems to accompany this book quite often. What does this mean to you and how is it reflected in Doon?

Carey: Most people have a basic understanding of Destiny as the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. “Destiny Awaits” is about embracing that thing you were meant to do with your life. What I find interesting is that “Crossing the Bridge” has become a metaphor for the being brave enough to embrace your destiny.

 

We would like to thank Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon for stopping by and hanging out with A&C Book Junkies! We would also like to thank YA Reads for hosting this wonderful bash all month long. 

Now for the contest: Leave a comment telling us where you would want to go if you could be transported anywhere in the past. Also don't forget to tell us where you are from and your e-mail address. Winner will receive DOON Swag!

Open to US Residents only. Closes on October 4th at Midnight. Winner will be contacted through e-mail.

2013 Debut Authors Bash Schedule!!

This year, we will be participating in the 2013 Debut Authors Bash hosted by YAReads! We are very excited to be a part of this month long ode to all of those up and coming writers who are on this tour.

We know it's 2 days late (Sorry!), but here is the schedule:

September 1st

YaReads - Geoffrey Girard

Swoony Boys Podcast - Jane Nickerson

Kristi's Book Readery - Page Morgan

September 2nd

Book Bandit - Laura Lam

The Word Mineur - Mindee Arnett

My Friends Are Fiction - Samantha Shannon

September 3rd

Nose Graze - Jessica Verdi

Between Printed Pages - L. M. Augustine

You've Been Blogged! - Jody Casella

September 4th

Skye's Scribblings - Kasie West

Lose Time Reading - Emily Murdoch

The Eater of Books - Kelsey Sutton

September 5th

Book. Blog. Bake - Lauren Miller

Bookend 2 Bookend - Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

Musings of a Blogder - Heather Reid

Allodoxophobia: The Fear of Opinions - Lindsey Scheibe

September 6th

Magical Manuscripts - Shaunta Grimes

The Reading Vixens - Sarah Ashley Jones

September 7th

Books for Birds - April Genevieve Tucholke

Book Blather - Romily Bernard

September 8th

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Kara Taylor

Inspiring Insomnia - Stephanie Kuehn

September 9th

Kissed by Ink - Ellen Oh

Sleeps on Tables - J.R. Johansson

Always YA at Heart - Amanda Sun

September 10th

Lisa Loves Lit - A.G. Howard

whYAnot Reviews - Liz Fichera

Samantha Clark - Claire M. Caterer

September 11th

Rampant Readers - Leah Miller

Emily's Crammed Bookshelf - T. Michael Martin

September 12th

The Uninterrupted Reader - Cat Winters

The Book Beacon - Christina Mercer

September 13th

Read & Reviewed - Lindsay Ribar

Paranormal Book Club - Kit Grindstaff

September 14th

Books as You Know it - Mary Gray

Paranormal Reads - Elsie Chapman

Bibliophilia, Please - Helen Douglas

September 15th

The Book Cellar - Erin Bowman

Fantasy Book Addict - Miriam Forster

September 16th

Pond Across the Pond - Laurie Crompton

YaReads - Debra Driza

September 17th

Teen Librarian Toolbox - Mindy McGinnis

Le'Book Squirrel - Kimberly Ann Miller

Finding Bliss in Books - Lydia Kang

September 18th

Rachel Reads - Errica Lorraine Scheidt

Kentucky Geek Girl - Holly Smale

September 19th

Turning Pages - Amy Butler Greenfield

Beauty and the Bookshelf - Alison Cherry

September 20th

Synchronized Reading - J.L Spelbring

Reading is My Treasure - Kristin Halbrook

A&C Book Junkies - Carey Corp

September 21st

Playing Jokers - Lenore Appelhans

Lizzie's Dark Fiction - Elizabeth May

September 22nd

Sandwich Making Book Bitches - Anne Applegate

Little Bookwork Reviews - Jennifer Iacopelli

September 23rd

Moosubi Reviews - Megan Shepherd

Little Miss Trainwreck - Julianna Scott

September 24th

Fictionators - Emma Trevayne

Pimples, Popularity, and Protagonists - Corey Ann Haydu

September 25th

Breath of Books - Steven dos Santos

Jennzah - Chelsea Pitcher

September 26th

Nightly Reading - Liz Coley

Pandora's Books - Kelly A. Barson

September 27th

Forever 17 Books - Amie Kaufman

My Bookopolis - Jamie Blair

September 28th

Nick's Book Blog - Jennifer McGowan

Curling Up with a Good Book - Leila Howland

September 29th

Ex Libris - Mindy Raf

Adventures in YA Publishing - Carly Ann West

September 30th

YaReads - J.J. Howard

Fiction Freak - Kate Karyus Quinn

 

 

Make sure you check each one of these Authors and blogs out!

A & C

REVIEW: Dead Silence (The Body Finder #4) by Kimberly Derting

Title: Dead Silence

Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: HarperCollins
Rating: 4/5 stars

Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is until she acquired an imprint of her own. Forced to carry a reminder of the horrible events of her kidnapping, Violet is more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to Violet becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, she finds herself pulled into a deadly hunt for a madman with an army of devoted followers. Violet has survived dangerous situations before, but she quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

*****

There is something about this series by Kimberly Derting that really intrigues me. I often think back to when I first read The Body Finder and it still fills me with the same eeriness that it did then. A mix of supernatural and crime thriller, Derting's series is different from a lot of the Young Adult Fiction on the market. It makes our world seem frightening, and yet provides a glimmer of hope in the form of a teenage heroine, Violet Ambrose.   The newest book in the series, titled Dead Silence, gave me the same goose flesh that I was expecting, and reunited me with the characters that I know and love.

Violet has changed a lot since the beginning of her story and yet she still experiences echoes the same way she did as a child. Those who have been murdered call to Violet; they use echoes to reach out to her in the hopes that she will find their body. The same unique echo that lingers on a victim is what can be found on their killer. This connection helps Violet solve murder cases, but it is also what plagues her. Defending herself against her kidnapper left Violet with her own imprint - a melody that plays in her head on repeat. The love/hate relationship she has with her imprint is very confusing for Violet, but not as confusing as her feelings for Rafe. 

Violet's relationship with Jay has been one of my favourite parts of this series. They were friends first, and that has helped them build a sweet, loyal and passionate relationship. Derting's description of the butterflies Violet feels every time she sees Jay makes me crack a smile. Despite Jay's understanding of Violet's gift, there will always be someone out there who understands her even more than he ever could - Rafe. Under the surface of her composed exterior, Violet is questioning the feelings she has for Rafe. While she never says it outright, it is clear that there is something brewing there that will eventually rise to the surface. 

Although Jay and Rafe understand Violet, it is the relationship that Violet has with her grandmother that is the most pivotal in this book. Violet's grandmother shared the same gift, and even though she passed away, she delivers something truly invaluable from the grave. The secrets in her grandmother's past give Violet the keys to her own future; they give her the confidence to challenge those around her. With her grandmother's spirit shadowing her along the way, Violet is truly able to understand the importance of her gift. With a sadistic killer on the loose, it becomes increasingly important for Violet to believe in what she can do.

What you don't see nearly enough, or executed quite as brilliantly, is Derting's ability to write from a killer's perspective. The switch between her third person narrative of Violet's life, to that of following a killer's every move, is in turn why this series is so addictive.The killer in Dead Silence though is in many ways very different from those throughout the series. Derting definitely took a shocking turn with this book, and with the killer, but for me it was welcomed. Although I would have liked to uncover more about the killer's Charles Manson like persona, what is delivered will haunt your thoughts. The crimes are gruesome and cryptic and will have you checking the locks on your front door.

If you have not picked up this series yet then I encourage you to do so. Derting's mix of psychotic killers and supernatural heroes is a win all around. Dead Silence is yet another gem in The Body Finder series.

-Christie

Review: BRANDED (Sinners #1)

Title: Branded
Authors: Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki
Publisher: Self Published
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story

*****

I first came across Branded on Twitter. I was going through tweets on my feed and I came across one from @abiandmissy asking if there were any bloggers/reviewers who would be interested in reading reviewing their novel, Branded. As our blog is titled A&C Book Junkies of course I jumped at the opportunity to read and review Branded. I quickly found the book on Goodreads, read the synopsis and tweeted Abi and Missy back. Now my journey reading the Branded is over and here is my review:

Branded begins with a rather startling and emotionally jarring scene of Lexi Hamilton getting ready to end her life. Right away you know that the heroine of this story is one who has not had an easy life. You immediately want to save her. The story begins quickly and you find yourself thrown into Lexi's chaos. There is no rest on Lexi's. She is brought to the Hole where she will live the rest of her life as a branded sinner. The Hole is a place of dread which is described by Abi and Missy to give you chills. The gloom that hangs over the "sinners" of society is described in detail by the state of the buildings, hunger, violence and sadness. As a convicted Sinner of Lust, Lexi must now live everyday in fear: Fear for her life, fear for those around her. She never seems to be safe and always finds herself the center of unwanted attention. Around every corner lies a pair of peering eyes waiting for the moment when Lexi is left unguarded.

Speaking of unguarded, that now brings my attention to Cole. He is assigned to Lexi as her guard when she enters the Hole. I found it difficult to want to hate Cole. Even from the beginning when he was stern and unforgiving with Lexi, there was something about his character that made me hold onto a little bit of hope. Cole with his loving sidekick, Zeus bring something very different to a place where dread seeps from the broken foundation and broken souls. 

Then there is Alyssa. My goodness this girl just makes your emotions jump all over the place. She was a wonderful addition the story and was very much needed to give light in a time and place of darkness. 

Sutton, the caring Doctor, brings stability to the story. He always seems to be rational when needed and is a solid foundation to the little group of good people Lexi finds herself caring about. 

Branded was a page turner. It keeps you on your toes the entire time, never faltering in plot, character development and emotion. Your heart breaks for the characters as they try to fight for their lives daily in the Hole and you want nothing more than to see them succeed! The emotional attachment and investment is instantaneous. From the beginning pages, Lexi's story is one you want to be a part of. 

Branded deals with the possibility of a government taking away our rights to make mistakes: To live our life, try new things, fall in love. In this controlling regime, even one mistake, one lie, one slip of the tongue will have the Commander's guards swoop down and take you to the Hole. It is here that you are branded for life with the sin you committed. Your punishment for perhaps being in the wrong place at the wrong time, falling in love, trying to feed your starving family...

I highly recommend Branded to all who love Dystopian worlds, those who love a story of survival, a love story or simply an adventure. If you loved Hunger Games, Divergent (books of that nature) Branded is just the book for you! Branded was an emotional roller coaster that I'm glad I was able to be a part of. I can't wait until Abi and Missy release book two in this series.  

Thank you Abi and Missy for gifting me with a copy of Branded! 

Make sure you check out their Twitter, Goodreads and Website! All links can be found within the post. 

-Ashley