YA Simon! Book Blog

FEVER is out next week!

2012-02-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

The second book in Lauren DeStefano's Chemical Garden trilogy hits stores next week and we couldn't be more excited.

The second book in The Chemical Garden Trilogy reveals a world as captivating—and as dangerous—as the one Rhine left behind in Wither.

Rhine and Gabriel may have escaped the beautiful prison of Wither’s mansion, but they are far from escaping danger. First they’re chased for stealing a getaway boat, and then the fleeing pair ends up in the eerie den of Madame, an old woman who collects girls and sells them to the highest bidders. Worst of all, Vaughn, Rhine’s sinister father-in-law, seems to be on her trail every step of the way. Rhine remains determined to get to her brother in Manhattan—but the road they are on is long and perilous.

Now that Rhine has finally regained her freedom, what lengths will she need to go to in order to keep it?

Read chapter 1.

Check out the Canadian blog tour:

Stop 1: Melanie's Random Thoughts

Stop 2: YA BookieMonster

Stop 3: Beyond Books

See What Lauren Destefano has to say about writing FEVER:

Watch a "Behind the Scenes" clip at the FEVER cover shoot:

What are you most excited for in FEVER? Comment below.

Black Heart Trailer!

2012-02-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

Holly Black's amazing Curse Workers Series comes to a close with Black Heart this April.

Check out the new series trailer:

More about White Cat, red Glove, Black Heart and The Curseworkers series.

DEAD TO YOU

2012-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about the release of Dead to You next week, the most recent YA novel from Lisa McMann and her very first realistic fiction. Full of compelling characters and a shocking twist ending, you won't be able to put it down.

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It’s a miracle…at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn’t going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he’d be able to put the pieces back together. But there’s something that’s keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

Read chapter 1.

Watch the book trailer:

See what Lisa has to say about writing Dead to You:

Check out the Canadian blog tour at:

o Stop1: YABookshelf

o Stop2: YABookieMonster

o Stop3: MidnightBloom Reads

o Stop4: TheCrazy bookworm

o Stop5: Emilie’sbookworld

o Indigo teen blog Q&A

Book Blogger Spotlight: Brenna

2012-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

This month, we're delighted to feature Brenna, political science student by day, YA book blogger by night and the brains behind Esther's Ever After .

What made you want to blog/vlog about books?
I was actually reviewing books before I was blogging, but I was onlyposting them to Goodreads and Amazon. At first it was only a few books here andthere, but then I discovered I actually ENJOYED reviewing books. Then I hadquite a few friends asking me for book suggestions, and I started payingattention to the existing book blogging community and I just fell in love withit. I wanted to be a part of it, and discuss all these book-related topics withother book lovers, like me, because I don't have friends who care aboutbooks the way I do.

What’s your favourite reading spot?
This might sound dangerous, but I'm a bath reader. I know that one of thesedays I'm goign to drop a book (or my Kindle) into the water, but it's myfavourite way to read. If not there, then I love curling up in bed with a goodbook.

Your favourite book in the last year?

There are always so many that I love, but in the pastyear I have to say Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I read it months ago and I STILLfeel like I'm just coming to terms with it.

Who’s the most swoon-worthy;Patch (from Hush, Hush), Jace(from The Mortal Instruments), Cassel (from White Cat), Gabriel (from Wither)?

This is terrible, because I haven't read Hush, Hush orWhite Cat yet! I have copies of both of them, I just need to find the time toread them.

I love Gabriel, but Jace is the definition ofswoon-worthy.

Favourite quote?
Recently, I fell in love with this one from Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me:

"I spent my life folded between the pages of books.In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. Ilived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experiencedadolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringinglimb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a beingcomprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment ofimagination formed through fiction.”

Do you have a favourite holiday/Christmas read?

You know, there isn't normally a book I read around theholiday season. I reread Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine every year, but Ithink if I had to pick one book that always reminds me of Christmas, even if Idon't read it most years, is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

Some of your favourite book blogs:

I find that Wendy from A Cupcake and a Latte tends tohave the same opinions about books as I do, so I like to follow her for reviewssince we seem to share the similar taste in books.

I also really like Hooked on Books, becauseChrista always seems to know about all these other books I didn't know about.Plus I enjoy how she styles her reviews, as they're in depth and she includesrecommendations for other similar books.

How has your blog/feature developed or changed since you first started?
When I first started, I didn't mean to end up with such a huge focus on YA.But after a while I noticed that YA was the way I was leaning to, and I shouldjust stick with it since that's where my audience seems to be. Plus, it'smostly what I read and am interested in. My reviewing style, where I include afew "Reasons to Read" is something that just kind of happened after Ihad been blogging for a while too. I think I have a better idea of thedirection I'm headed and how best to organize my reviews.

Between the Lines: Jodi Picoult's first YA novel.

2012-01-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult and her teenage daughter, Samantha Van Leer present their first-ever novel for teens, filled with romance, adventure, and humour.

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

Between the Lines hits stores June 2012.

Find out more about Jodi Picoult and her books.

The Alchemy of Forever - watch the trailer!

2012-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

The trailer for The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams debuted this week.

Seraphina‘schildhood crush, Cyrus, unlocks the secret to eternal life using alchemy.He creates a potion that allows a person to “swap bodies” before death. Afterjumping into a new host, the wearer has ten years before his or her borrowedbody wears out. At the close of ten years, they must switch bodies again . . .or die. An alchemy immortal’s original body leaves a corpse, but thereplacements crumble to dust when vacated.

But what will happen when Seraphina’s betrayal lets theformula loose in the wider world? Will the secret to eternal life be forgotten,or will it be discovered and shared until the world is swarming with immortalslike Cyrus and Sera?

Sample the first seven chapters of The Alchemyof Forever and tell us what you think.

Watch the trailer:

Cracked

2012-01-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to kick off 2012 with Cracked, a gripping debut novel about bullying, suicide and forgiveness by K.M. Walton. You won't be able to put it down.

In this gripping debut, a teen takes a bottle of pills and lands in the psych ward with the bully who drove him to attempt suicide.Victor hates his life. He’s relentlessly bullied at school and his parents constantly ridicule him at home.

Bull is angry. He’s sick of his grandfather’s drunken beatings. And he likes to take out his rage on Victor.

Determined to end it all, Victor takes a bottle of his mother’s sleeping pills—only to be disappointed when he wakes up in the psych ward. And his roommate? None other than Bull, whose loaded-gun effort at self-defense has been labeled as a suicide attempt. Things go from bad to worse—until the boys discover they might just have something in common: a reason to live.

Read chapter 1.

The Curseworkers Series: A new look

2012-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Holly Black's breathtaking Curseworker's series now has a totally new look.

Check out the new covers!

Are you new to The Curseworkers series? Here's a quick run-down:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, all by the slightest touch of their hands. Since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. But not Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider—the straight kid in a crooked family—as long as you ignore one small detail: He killed his best friend, Lila. Now he is sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat. He also notices that his brothers are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of one huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

Black Heart, the final book hits stores in April 2012.

What do you think of the new covers? Let us know!

Read chapter 1

Unraveling Isobel

2012-01-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

Unraveling Isobel, a darkly comic novel that blends paranormal mystery and romance with humour from Canadian author Eileen Cook, author of The Education of Hailey Kendrickand Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood hits stores today!

Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother.

But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either Isobel is losing her mind, just like her artist father did before her, or she’s seeing ghosts. Either way, Isobel’s fast on her way to being the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

Read Chapter 1.

Hush, Hush Book #4 sneak peek!

2011-12-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you're a major fan of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga, you've probably already read Crescendo, the second book in the series.

However, you don't want to miss the paperback that hits stores on January 3rd, 2012. Why? It will feature an exclusive first look at the next book in the Hush, Hush saga, on sale Fall 2012!

Let the countdown begin!

Happy Holidays from Simon & Schuster Canada!

2011-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

Bring on 2012!

2011-12-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

There are so many titles due out in 2012 to be excited about, we don't know where to start.

Here's a a small sampling of exciting YA titles coming in Spring 2012.

Which ones are you looking forward to? Let us know.

Learn more about:

The Alchemy of Forever

Dead to You

Unraveling Isobel

The Chaos

WITHER to be a movie!

2011-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

We're super-excited! The Chemical Garden Trilogy, beginning with WITHER, the amazing dystopian novel by author Lauren DeStefano will be hitting the silver screen!

Check out the article in Variety today.

Watch the Wither book trailer:

Which actors would you pick to play Rhine, Gabriel, Linden and all your favourite characters from Wither? Let us know in the comments below!

It's Here!!!!

2011-12-06T05:24:00.001-08:00

Finally! The day we have all been waiting for! CLOCKWORK PRINCE IS HERE!!

Have you got your copies? If you have read it already, tell us what you think! Link to any blog reviews in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!

The Realm of Magic is Not JUST for Kids!

2011-12-02T07:01:00.001-08:00

You don’t have to be a kid to fall into magic realms. I was reminded of this the other day when The Lion, The Witch and TheWardrobe played on CTV on Monday night. I spent the whole moviewondering why I had never read the Narnia books, or any other “other worldly”kids books. I somehow skipped The Golden Compass and was too oldfor The Spiderwick Chronicles. Or was I?

Last night, I crawled into bed with The Fantastical Serial Edition of the Spiderwick Chronicles; a gorgeous 600-paged bookconsisting of the first five books in the series and tons of bonus content(including some stunning sketches showing the birth of the characters from TonyDiTerlizzi himself). I adore Holly Black’s writing and have heard somuch about Tony, so I just had to give it a shot. I felt immediatelytransported back to the excitement I had as a kid, diving into another place,time and world. Tony’s drawings are intricate and absolutelybeautiful.

When you are a reader, your imagination is like a sixthsense. It comes naturally to let it wander into unknown areas, but to beguided through them by a storybook mastermind is such a pleasure! I’malready looking forward to heading back to Spiderwick tonight! My nextbig trip is to WondLa and you’re more than welcome to join!

Book Blogger Spotlight: Jen Watson

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

This month's featured YA blogger is Jen Watson, founder of Lost in the Library and one of the masterminds behind the Ontario Blog Squad and their super-successful Ontario blogger meet-up this past November.

Check out what Jen has to say about YA, her favourite reading spot, and her ultimate book boyfriend.

What made you want to blog/vlog about books?

I began following book blogs with the intention of using them as a resource to find great reads for myself as well as the children & teens in the library. It wasn’t long after that I thought about starting my own and I’m so glad that I did, I absolutely love it. I wasn’t expecting the book blogging community to be as vast and as supportive as it is, I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. In fact I love blogging so much that I now run two J While Lost in the Library is geared to reviewing middle grade, ya and some adult as well as other things bookish, Story Time with Jen is dedicated to board books and picture

books as well as ideas for library programming.

What’s your favourite reading spot?

It used to be in my living room, on our sofa, but now that I have my own office I’ve got a chair in there I love to spend time reading in. I’m not one to read before bed because I

tend to get swept up in a story and I won’t sleep until I finish it.

Your favourite book in the last year?

That’s a tricky one to answer; I’ve read so many incredible ones, sometimes it seems that my favourite is often the one I’m currently reading. If I had to choose though-

Picture Book – Pete the Cat “I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin,

Middle Grade – Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver,

Favourite YA- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater,

Favourite Adult- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Favourite author?

It also seems to be the author of the book I’m currently reading but I’d have to say Middle Grade is JK Rowling. But YA is Cassandra Clare. I have loved everything she has written. She’s yet to let me down.

Who’s the most swoon-worthy

That’s easy..... Jace all the way.

Favourite quote?

It’s impossible to choose just one;

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
― Maya Angelou

“It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys.”
― Sarah Dessen, Lock and Key

“I am coming to terms with the fact that loving someone requires a leap of faith, and that a soft landing is never guaranteed.”
― Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby (I could fill a whole book with Sarah Dessen quotes)

“I guess that's what saying good-bye is always like--like jumping off an edge. The worst part is making the choice to do it. Once you're in the air, there's nothing you can do but let go.”
― Lauren Oliver, Before I Fall

Do you have a favorite holiday/Christmas read?

My new favourite is A Porcupine in a Pine Tree by Helaine Becker. I love sharing this at story time. Last year our family read it (sang it) together Christmas Eve.

Some of your favourite book blogs:

Midnight Bloom Reads, GReads, the Broke and the Bookish, Anna Reads, Cari’s Book Blog, The Crooked Shelf, & The Story Siren to name a few, but I have over 100 in my google reade

How has your blog/feature developed or changed since you first started?

I think if anything has changed it’s that I’ve become comfortable with my style of review. I know my “own voice” now. I know what I want my blog to look like; what I want it to say to others. In the beginning I compared my blog a lot to what other bloggers were posting, how often, their style of reviews etc. It caused me quite a bit of stress. Now I’m learning to relax and just be me.

The Clockwork Prince trailer!

2011-11-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

The next book in Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy, Clockwork Prince is set to release in just a few days.

The Clockwork Prince trailer was revealed this week. What do you think of it? Comment below and let us know!

A Book You May Have Missed

2011-11-22T06:58:00.001-08:00

It’strue that YA is growing and sometimes the Teen Fiction section in bookstorescan be overwhelming. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to judgebooks by their covers and not bother reading the backs of the hundreds ofchoices in front of you. One book I know many people have passed over isKelly Creagh’s Nevermore. Now, I am about to make your next tripto the Teen section easier for you. You have to read this book! Here are the top three reasons why:

1. Nevermore is NOT-- as one would assume from the cover – just the story of an unlikelycouple. Yes, Varen is the goth boy and Isobel is the cheerleader, butthere is one more VERY important character that you would not know of bylooking at the cover: EDGAR ALLAN POE! Varen’s dreams are made upof Poe’s stories and Isobel is sucked into this dream world. Foranyone who has ever read and loved The Raven or been wildly creeped out by TheTell-Tale Heart, you must read this book!

2. Nevermore has atouch of fantasy, slipping between the all-to-real world of high school into aPoe inspired dream world. The high school in Creagh’s novel is extremelyrealistic: full of mean girls, those they pick on and those who feel they justdon’t belong. For many people (like myself), high school was not theperfect experience, so books that understand this are always appreciated. However, although we all lived through high school, we don’t all get to loseourselves in the madness that is Varen’s mind, so we have to put our trust intoCreagh that she can take us there with her imagination instead! Plus, whodoesn’t like a little dark magic stirred into their reality?

3. A whirlwindmystery! Yes, most people who have read Nevermore will tell you that youwill be kept guessing for as long as humanly possible. Creagh does notcarve a traditional path, enabling you to guess where the story is going. You don’t know and you WONT know until she shines a little light. Andhere’s the kicker – this is a series, so you may be left hanging alittle. Oh, delicious anticipation. Enshadowed, the secondin the series, comes out next year!

Convinced? I could go on….

If you’ve passed by Nevermore before, I hope now you will give it ashot. I promise you it deserves one!

Who would you be?

2011-11-18T08:05:00.001-08:00

Quite a few of us in the office are big YA fans and earlier this week, we got into a discussion over which YA character we could be for a day if we had the chance. With such an extensive list of fantastic titles and my slight obsession with YA, it took me forever to decide -- but I finally have! Here is my "who I would be" post!

Who would YOU be?! Let us know in the comments section!
As readers, we lose ourselves in books. We don’talways just observe a character; occasionally, we become them. Othertimes, you can actually see yourself IN them. This is how I felt aboutBelly in Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

During a presentation at the 2011 Book Summit in Toronto,Lev Grossman made a very true and beautiful observation: a bookshelf is a mapof all the places you’ve been that don’t exist. One place I have spent aLOT of time at, is Cousins Beach. Cousins reminded me so much of thecottage my family and I have been going to every summer for basically my entirelife (we only stay a week and not the entire summer, but you get the idea). The setting became another character in the book and I could literallyclose my eyes and be there. I smelled the fresh air coming in offthe water, felt the sand in my feet, heard the crash of the waves. Itdidn’t help that Belly and my teenage self have way too much incommon. Each time Belly felt self conscious, I remembered thatfeeling. Every time she swooned over Conrad’s dark demeanour, I rememberedthat feeling. I felt like Belly grew from being an anxious teen,to a questioning young adult, just as I did. Now, as a grown woman (well,sort of), I can just picture what Belly would be like at my age: still curious,passionate and at times hot-headed, but a bit more self-assured, confident andwiser.

Finishingthe series made me feel like one of my best friends had just moved away and Iknew I wouldn’t hear from her for a while. Or maybe it was that part ofmyself was retiring. Either way, I still think of Belly lovingly, hopingshe’s off living and loving just as powerfully as she did in the books!

Could you take The Pledge?

2011-11-10T13:51:00.001-08:00

Slowly --so very slowly-- she opened her eyes to see what it was...
... and found herself standing at the side of the bed, staring at the empty eyes of the dead queen. Eyes that once had belonged to her.

Occasionally, you read the first few pages of a book and know you will NOT be putting it down. That's how I felt when I picked up Kimberly Derting's The Pledge. Best known for her Body Finder series, Kimberly's new book is of a completely different nature.

Charlie lives in a world where language is determined by class and speaking out of class can result in death. The fact that Charlie understands every single language is both a blessing and a curse. Her ability may be the only way to save her country, but it could also mean the end of her. When she falls for the dark and mysterious Max, she must decide where her loyalties lie and just how much she is willing to lose.

If the small excerpt from the top of the page isn't enough to make you want this book in your hands, the cover definitely is. I am repeatedly blown away by the gorgeous YA covers these days!

The Pledge promises to be a fresh read with a topic that stands out among other YA novels with a cover that beams on the shelf and the engaging writing of Kimberly to tie it all together. Danger, secrets and a mysterious man? Yeah .. I think I could deal with that!

The Pledge hits shelves on Tuesday!

Clockwork Prince: The countdown begins

2011-11-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

The second book in Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy, Clockwork Prince is just a month away.

To celebrate, we're running an amazing giveaway.

You could win signed copies of Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince and a $100 Gift Certificate to John Fluevog Shoes!

Enter to win.

Book Blogger Spotlight: Melanie Fishbane

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

This month, our feature YA blogger is Melanie Fishbane, Kids and Teens online Marketing Editor/Merchandiser at Indigo Books, L.M. Montgomery super fan, and the mastermind behind Wild About Words.

What made you want to blog about books?

Ihad been blogging and reviewing books at work and really enjoyed it. I wantedto extend that into my personal/private life. I had started writing a blog onlivejournal that focused on my writing life. Talking about books and how theyinspire my own writing seemed to be the logical next step

What’s your favourite reading spot?

Ittotally depends. There is this big chair that I have in my office that isperfect for curling up and reading. If it is a beautiful spring day, however, Ilike being under a tree or a blanket and read. I do a lot of reading on thebus.

Your favourite book in the last year?

Wow…thatis a tough one to pick. I had blogged about my Topbooks of 2010 on Wild AboutWords. I would say from that list that it was Jennifer Donnelley’s Revolution, Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Angel and Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall.

Favourite author?

Itis a tie. All time fave: L.M. Montgomery. James Joyce. Laura IngallsWilder.

ContemporaryAuthor: Libba Bray.

Who’s the most swoon-worthy; Patch (from Hush, Hush),Jace (from The Mortal Instruments), Cassel (from White Cat),Gabriel (from Wither)?

Well, from that list it would be Jace fromThe Mortal Instruments.

Favourite quote?

Ihave many favourites. Here is a most recent one:

“I am simply a 'book drunkard.' Books have the same irresistibletemptation for me that liquor has for its devotee. I cannot withstandthem.”

― L.M. Montgomery

Some of your favourite book blogs:

http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.yabookshelf.com/

http://www.foreveryoungadult.com/

http://bookshelvesofdoom.blogs.com/bookshelves_of_doom/

http://theheroinesbookshelf.com/

How has your blog/feature developed or changed since you firststarted?

Definitely. I have updated the look and feel as I develop andchange. At first the blog was just about my writing process, now, it focuses alot on what I’m reading.

Becca Fitzpatrick & Elizabeth Miles event wrap up!

2011-10-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing time last week hosting Becca Fitzpatrick and Elizabeth Miles at Chapters Brampton. More than 200 fabulous fans came out to meet the authors who were charming and funny and signed every last copy of Silence and Fury.

Check out the event photos below.

Interested in attending more YA book events? Be sure to check our Facebook page regularly for all the latest news on author appearances.

Did you attend the event? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!

Dark Inside

2011-10-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Dark Inside by Vancouver author Jeyn Roberts hits stores, just in time for Halloween. This super-scary, gripping debut novel has been getting rave reviews from advance readers.

Since the beginning of mankind, civilizations have fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…and now us. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening: An ancient evil has been unleashed, and it’s turning everyday people into hunters, killers, and crazies.

This is the world Mason, Aries, Clementine, and Michael are living in—or rather, trying to survive. Each is fleeing unspeakable horror, from murderous chaos to brutal natural disasters, and each is traveling the same road in a world gone mad. Amid the throes of the apocalypse and clinging to love and meaning wherever it can be found, these four teens are on a journey into the heart of darkness—and to find each other and a place of safety.

Read an excerpt.

Watch the book trailer:

What the blogosphere is saying:

Book Labyrinth:

"Once I started reading Dark Inside I didn't want to put it down. This book and its characters will draw you in. It’s horrifying, it’s enthralling, and it’s a fabulous ride."

My Bookish Fairy Tale:

"I am absolutely thrilled with Dark Inside and I think that Jeyn did such a wonderful job with this novel."

Lavender Lines:

"This was a unique read that had everything I love about a good post-apocalyptic plague book: multiple points of view, freaky plague, lots of evil folks and a desperation that I could feel in every page."

Don't forget, you can meet Jeyn Roberts in person this Thursday in Vancouver.

Swoon & Swear

2011-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I will consider buying a book evenbefore reading the plotline if two things are done exceptionally well: thecover and the tagline. This is not to say that plotlines don’t draw me in(because they obviously do) but when I am just browsing at a bookstore, these twothings shout “PICK ME UP!” Swoon by Nina Malkin had both. With an eerie cover and “What do you do when the boy of your dreams is toobad to be true?” on the back, my interest was definitely peaked.

Now, two years after Swoon’s initial release, Nina isback with the sequel, Swear, which trumps Book 1 in both cover andtagline: “Some love bonds. Some love destroys.”

Okay – maybe you’re not as into the creepy as I am, but anykind of eerie touch and I am hooked!

Swear picks up where Swoon left off: Sinclair has left Swoon and Dice’s life isfinally returning to normal. But normal just doesn’t last in a smallConnecticut town. When her best friend’s boyfriend disappears,Dice knows Sin has returned.

And his broken promises are waiting..

Swear hit stores last week, so read this excerpt,get hooked and find out what happens when love and death become dangerouslyintertwined.

Also, follow Nina on Twitter here!

Meet Jeyn Roberts in Vancouver.

2011-10-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Read Chapter 1.

RSVP to our facebook event.

VIRTUOSITY

2011-10-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez hits stores today. Get your hands on this intensely romantic and gorgeously spun debut novel.

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?

Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she's told, doing what's expected.

Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall...

Read Chapter 1.

Read some of our blogger reviews:

The Bursting Bookshelf:
"Virtuosity was a mixture of music, drama and romance. It mixed all of these components very well to create this awesome novel."

Beyond Books:
"I liked Carmen a lot. I liked her fears and her bravery and her humour and her mind."

Emilie's BookWorld:
"Overall, Virtuosity was an absolutely incredible read."

Christa's Hooked on Books:
"The story is tragic, yet absolutely beautiful."

Bibliophilic Monologues
:"Virtuosity just may be the strongest debut of 2011. And I have read enough of them to form an educated opinion."

Meet Becca Fitzpatrick & Elizabeth Miles!

2011-10-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce an addition to our Becca Fitzpatrick event ... Elizabeth Miles, author of Fury is coming too!

All the event details:

Thursday, October 27, 2011 , 7:00 pm

Chapters - Market Hall

52 Quarry Edge Drive

Brampton, ON

RSVP to our event on facebook.

Can't wait to see you!

Learn more about Silence.
Learn more about Fury.

Hilary Duff's DEVOTED

2011-10-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Confession: I pretended I was only watchingLizzy MacGuire because there was nothing else on, when really, I found it quitecute. Actress, singer and now asuccessful author, Hilary Duff is a superstar, wife and soon-to-be mother atthe ripe age of twenty-four! She suremakes my twenty-two-year-old self look like an under-achiever.

Hilary’sfirst book, Elixir, told the story oflove that transcended time. Photojournalist Clea finally discovered who the shadow in all of herpictures was. It was Sage, a man Cleahas loved and lost many times in the past. An elixir makes Sage immortal and Clea hopes that they can stay togetherin the future.

But now – inthe second book of the series, Devoted-- someone is after that veryelixir. Clea turns to her friend Ben toaid her when Sage goes missing – but can he be trusted? But when light is cast on a possiblealternative motive, Clea must find out whether she is saving Sage orendangering his life once again.

Thestoryline reminded me of Andrew Davidson’s TheGargoyle, which I loved. Dangerous,timeless love? Count me in!

Devoted hit stores earlier this week. If you haven’t already checked out thisseries, please do so now!

Devoted by Hilary Duff

2011-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

The sequel to Hilary Duff's ELIXIR is out now. Grab yourself a copy of DEVOTED.

Read chapter 1.

Hilary chats with Good Morning America about the book:

Author Q&A: Jessica Verday and The Hidden

2011-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

We caught up with author Jessica Verday to chat about the final installment of her spine-tingling, hauntingly gorgeous trilogy. Check out what she had to say about writing The Hidden.

1. Whatwas it like finishing up The Hollow series?

Finishing up the serieswas such a blend of emotions! At first, I was happy that the last book was doneand I wasn't under a deadline anymore. (Book two and book three were writtenalmost back to back.) I enjoyed the bit of a break. But as the publication dategot closer, I REALLY started missing the world and my characters. I foundmyself thinking about what was happening now in Sleepy Hollow,especially with the ending I chose for book three, and surprisinglyeven missed being on deadline for another book! I've been writing (andthinking) about this book series since 2006, so it was very surreal to knowthat the last book was finally done.

2. InThe Hidden, readers finally learn the truth about Kristen's untimelydeath. How do you think/hope they’ll react?

I hope that readers willbe happy to finally have all the answers. It was sohard to set things up in THE HOLLOW knowing that I still had twomore years/books until I could reveal WHY things happened the way theyhappened. When I started seeing reviews for THE HIDDEN and saw first hand howthrilled people were to get all those answers it was definitely amoment of "Yessss!" for me. Plus, the best part is that nowI don't have to be so secretive at book signings any more!

3. Isthere a particular scene or moment in the 3 books that is your favorite? Why?

That'sa tie - Right after I started writing THE HOLLOW I found this amazing pictureof a girl in a black ball gown lying in water surrounded by skulls and bones.Although the skulls and bones didn't really fit my story, I knewimmediately that this picture was the scene where Abbey goesto the river on prom night. It was such a haunting image,and still one that I think of immediately whenever I'm first describing mybooks. But Caspian's death day scene in THE HIDDEN was also my favoritebecause of the wait! That was one of my little "treat scenes" that Idangled in front of myself to stay motivated to keep writing. I wanted to enjoyit when it finally came and as much as I wanted to skip ahead (even while I waswriting THE HOLLOW), I didn't. And yes, it was definitely worth the wait towrite!

4. Youmentioned that it took eighteen months, thirteen spiral notebooks, and fifteenpens to write to write The Hollow. Didyou handwrite The Haunted and The Hidden in notebooks too? What is it aboutpen and paper that helps you write?

I did handwrite THE HAUNTED and THEHIDDEN in notebooks first as well. Although not all of my stories arewritten this way, there was just something about Abbey's voice thatcame very naturally to me when I wrote it on paper versus a computer. Every timeI tried to start writing it on the computer the story would stall. OnceI figured out the pen and paper trick, it just flowed from there.

5. Youposted a really great play list that inspired TheHollow on your website? Is there a particular song that reallycaptures the mood of The Hidden?

Forme, the theme song for THE HIDDEN has always been Cat and Mouse by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Fromday one with book one, I knew that song fit the overall theme of the storyperfectly, especially from Abbey's point of view. When I actually startedwriting THE HIDDEN though, A Twist In My Story by SecondhandSerenade kept coming to mind and I realized that it was Caspian's song.

6. Whatare your three favorite books from the past year?

Saundra Mitchell's THEVESPERTINE was amazing.Lush, gorgeous writing and historical details that took you to anothertime and place. I can't recommend it enough! DAMAGE by Anya Parrishwas a sexy, scary thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Sucha great blend of horror, suspense, and imaginary friendship all rolled intoone! I've also just started reading IMAGINARY GIRLS by Nova Ren Suma andam really enjoying that.

7. Whatare you up to next?

More books, we hope! I would absolutely love to writea spin off series about Cyn and more of the Revenant world. I've beenworking on her story almost as long as Abbey and Caspian's... Although she is amuch darker character with a lot of issues, she's fascinating to write.The Cyn you saw in THE HIDDEN was only scratching the surface.

Follow Jessica on twitter @JessVerday

Book Blogger Spotlight: Kat Kruger

2011-10-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

This month, our featured blogger is Kat Kruger, the YA aficionado formerly of BookMadam & Associates Magazine and now of http://katiekruger.com/.

photo: Edmund Lewis

What madeyou want to blog/vlog about books?

I've made so many friendsonline who share their love of YA books through their blogs and I wanted to bemore involved. That said, there are a lot of very successful blogs out therealready so I also wanted to try and mix it up a little. That's where the idea ofOne Line Wonders (#1linewonders) cameinto play. My reviews are all vlogs and I pick a line in the book that I feelsums up the writing and the storyline. It's actually a lot harder than Ithought it was going to be. But that's part of the fun. It adds an extradimension and thought process while reading.

What’s yourfavourite reading spot?

My favereading spot usually involves a sunny spot outside (beach, patio, yard, youname it) or during our cold Canadian winters bundled up with a hot chocolate.It almost always includes a dachshund or two curled on or near my lap.

Yourfavourite book in the last year?

Gah! I'm really torn aboutmaking a decision here so I'm giving a bit of a cop out answer with two books. Furyby debut author Elizabeth Miles was an amazing blend of contemporary urban YAwith a super creepy twist in the storyline. Forever by Maggie Stiefvaterwas the perfect end to the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Both just gave meemotional highs from the authenticity in the voices.

Favouriteauthor?

Hands downMaggie Stiefvater. Mostly because she's the kind of writer I want to be: onewho writes honestly and beautifully, one who's really engaged and appreciativeof her fans. Kelley Armstrong comes in at a close second.

Who’s themost swoon-worthy; Patch (from Hush, Hush), Jace (from The MortalInstruments), Cassel (from White Cat), Gabriel (from Wither)?

Here is where I reveal my weakness for broken guys. Jace.Totally. If I was going to add another guy it would be Cole St. Clair from, youguessed it, the Wolves of Mercy Falls. It's not even about the idea of fixingthem because that's not really as romantic in real life as books and moviesmake it out to be. It's more about the fact that beneath the angst andbravado they're just flawed like everyone else but smart and capableenough to fix themselves. They come out as stronger individuals in the end.

Some ofyour favourite book blogs:

YA Bookshelf, Forever YA,Lavender Lines are my go-to YA blogs. I also really enjoy the#YAlitchat hashtag on Twitter. While not 100% YA, I recently stumbled uponBunny Cates who has an entertaining blog where her kids sometimes reviewsbooks, too.

How hasyour blog/feature developed or changed since you first started?

Earlier this year, whenBookMadam.com had an opening for YA Book Editor I jumped on board. The magazineconcept for the site was an experiment on sharing stories and leading byexample. But the collaborators have all thrived in their own ways with personalprojects so the site is returning to its roots and shutting down theexperiment. But I'm still in love with vlogging so I'm continuing the OneLine Wonders book review series on my personalsite.

Silence

2011-10-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

IT'S HERE!!!!!

The third installation of the Hush, Hush Saga has been released! Go get your copy today and bring it to be signed when Becca visits Brampton on October 27th!

The end is near

2011-10-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

The end is near.

I can’t count the number of times I have heard this in the past few years --Y2K, The Rapture, the upcoming end to the Mayan Calendar – and although weshrug our shoulders and roll our eyes, don’t we always still wonder? Apocalyptic and dystopian literature has clawed its ways from being categorizedas “horror” to being one of the most popular themes in today’s fiction. Aliens, zombies and deadly viruses provide endless possibilities for us tocontemplate whether the world really does have an expiry date and if it does,how do we fight? What happens if we end up fighting .. ourselves?

Enter Jeyn Roberts, a debut Canadian author who will haveyou questioning the person who sits beside you on the bus. When the timecomes, what side will they take?

Four teens must endure this very question when the groundbeneath them buckles in an earthquake and evil is unleashed. Are you powerfulenough to fight against your own friends and neighbors?

I have never read anything like this before. I amLegend, you have some serious competition. This will keep youup all night because honestly, there is no good part to stop reading! Terrifying, thrilling and one of the most powerful YA books of the year. I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed.

Now ..

Brace yourself, it’s about to open.

Dark Inside is on it's way to you, November 1st. Read more about it on Goodreads! (Ps - Don't you LOVE Goodreads? I am addicted..)

- Chels

Meet Lena Coakley in Toronto!

2011-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Join Lena Coakley as she celebrates the launch of Witchlanders at Ben McNally Books in Toronto. Make sure to grab a copy of Witchlanders as she will be signing books!

Thursday, October 6th, 2011 6:00pm

Ben McNally Books

366 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M5H 4B2

Learn more about Witchlanders.

Banned Books Week: A Reading List

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Banned Books Week, we've compiled a list of 5 of our most-banned YA books.

Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? We want to hear your thoughts.

CRANK by Ellen Hopkins.

This is a story about a monster. Not a dragon or a mythological beast, but a very real, very destructive monster--crystal meth--that takes hold of seventeen-year-old Kristina Snow and transforms her into her reckless alter-ego Bree. Based on her own daughter's addiction to crystal meth, Ellen Hopkins' novel-in-verse is a vivid, transfixing look into teenage drug use. Told in Kristina's voice, it provides a realistic portrayal of the tortured logic of an addict.

Read an excerpt.

GO ASK ALICE by Anonymous

For thirty-five years, the acclaimed, bestselling first-person account of a teenage girl's harrowing decent into the nightmarish world of drugs has left an indelible mark on generations of teen readers. As powerful -- and as timely -- today as ever, Go Ask Alice remains the definitive book on the horrors of addiction.

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

Read the first chapter.

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Read an excerpt.

A little about the upcoming film adaptation with Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev and Logan Lerman.

TWEAK by Nic Sheff.

Nic Sheff was drunk for the first time at age eleven. In the years that followed, he would regularly smoke pot, do cocaine and Ecstasy, and develop addictions to crystal meth and heroin. Even so, he felt like he would always be able to quit and put his life together whenever he needed to. It took a violent relapse one summer in California to convince him otherwise. In a voice that is raw and honest, Nic spares no detail in telling us the compelling, heartbreaking, and true story of his relapse and the road to recovery. As we watch Nic plunge the mental and physical depths of drug addiction, he paints a picture for us of a person at odds with his past, with his family, with his substances, and with himself. It's a harrowing portrait—but not one without hope.

Read the first chapter.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer book trailer!

2011-09-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin hits stores tomorrow.

Have you seen the trailer yet?

What do you think of it? Take the poll!

Adult fiction writers go YA!

2011-09-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Being anadult, I always have the odd person give me the stink-eye when I mention howmuch I love YA. However, more often than not, I get the elated smile fromwhomever I have told and hear “me too!” Truth is, for anyone twenty andup, YA is the answer to their teenage dreams – just a little too late. When I was in my teens, I never recall there being a whole lot of choice withfiction for younger readers. Once you got passed The Giver and theearlier Harry Potter books, there wasn’t much else. By the time Iwas fourteen, I was finding myself cute little chicklit books (or anything todo with magic) in the adult section.

Now, YAhas become a universe in itself. Paranormal YA has emerged in stunningproportions and realistic fiction continues to help guide teens through theirtough teenage years. As a publishing house, we are so thankful to have anassortment of talented writers in all different sub-genres of YA and have alist of some of the most powerful YA fiction on the shelves.

The risingpopularity of YA has breached the walls of fiction and is now beginning toattract more than just teen and adult readers – it is also attracting adultfiction writers. Richard Paul Evan's YA novel Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25 came out in August of this year and in the coming months, Philippa Gregory, JodiPicoult and Kathy Reichs (though not for the first time) will all be releasing YA novels! Writersare constantly looking for a new challenge – something to dive into that isboth new and exciting – and right now, YA is it! Whether it is becauseyou can suspend your disbelief and allow yourself to fall into a magical world,or be transported back to those years when you felt awkward and excited abouteverything, adults are turning back to YA.

Philippaplans to write historical romances about young lovers, Jodi collaborates withher daughter to write a modern fairytale, and Kathy follows up Virals with a new book in the seriescalled Seizure. Keep your eyes peeled to those shelves for thesenovels coming up next year!

Check outthe inspiration for this post in USA Today:

Have a great weekend everyone!

- Chels

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2011-09-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear YA Simon readers,

I am so excited to be a new poster for the YA Simon and Simon Reads blogs! I am one of the new interns at Simon & Schuster and am a self proclaimed YA addict. I have already been loaded up with the most amazing books and am on my way to reading myself into a YA frenzy! Stay tuned for more reviews in the coming weeks. So, lets get started!

Ofcourse, as book lovers, you are encouraged never to judge a book by itscover. However, fellow cover lovers, you are free to judge MichelleHodkin’s The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer -- the inside of this book is justas stunning as the cover image! If the cover doesn’t do it for you, theopening page will:

Myname is not Mara Dyer, but my lawyer told me I had to choose something […]Without my big mouth, no one would know that a seventeen-year-old who likesDeath Cab for Cutie was responsible for the murders. No one would knowthat somewhere out there is a B student with a body count. And it’simportant that you know, so you’re not next.

Whatfollows this chilling first page is the story of Mara, a victim of a tragicaccident that may not have been an accident at all. Waking up in ahospital with no memory of what happened, Mara is informed that she was theonly survivor and that three of her friends are dead. She must searchblindingly for anything to give her a clue of what went on that night. The fact that people around her keep dying may just be it.

Thisfirst installment of the Mara Dyer series will have you watching MichelleHodkin (you can follow her @MichelleHodkin or check our her fantastic blog), eagerlyawaiting more.

I’dtell you to keep your eye out for the book in stores, but let’s face it – it’sjust too gorgeous to miss anyway! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyercomes out September 27^th!
- Chelsey

Win the ultimate Hush, Hush fan prize pack!

2011-09-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

We are super excited to announce our Silence Sweepstakes!

Do you love the Hush, Hush series? Can't wait for Silence?

You could win a signed library by author Becca Fitzpatrick, front row seats to her Brampton event and some serious swag from GARAGE.

Enter to win here.

Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey

2011-09-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

The next installment of Rick Yancey's Monstromologist series is here!

Here's a sneak peek of what happens in Isle of Blood:

When Dr. Warthrop goes hunting the "Holy Grail of Monstrumology" with his eager new assistant, Arkwright, he leaves Will Henry in New York. Finally, Will can enjoy something that always seemed out of reach: a normal life with a real family. But part of Will can't let go of Dr. Warthrop, and when Arkwright returns claiming that the doctor is dead, Will is devastated--and not convinced.

Determined to discover the truth, Will travels to London, knowing that if he succeeds, he will be plunging into depths of horror worse than anything he has experienced so far. His journey will take him to Socotra, the Isle of Blood, where human beings are used to make nests and blood rains from the sky--and will put Will Henry's loyalty to the ultimate test.

Read the first chapter.

Check out the other books in the series:

Watch the trailer:

PERFECT by Ellen Hopkins

2011-09-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

The riveting companion to the bestselling Impulse, Ellen Hopkins's Perfect is out today!

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they'd rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect? Perfect exposes the harsh truths about what it takes to grow up and grow into our own skins, our own selves.

Read the first chapter

Ellen Hopkins discusses the book:

The Fallen 3: A brand new book!

2011-09-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Fallen 3 is out today!

Get your hands on the brand new novel by Thomas E. Sniegoski.

Victory is fleeting, but defeat is eternal.

The war between Heaven and Hell rages on. Aaron, half-angel and half-human, commands the Fallen in their quest to protect humanity. But evil forces gain strength at every turn. And lurking somewhere in the shadows is Archangel Gabriel’s instrument with the power to call down the End of Days.

Aaron draws confidence from the girl he loves as he struggles to make peace with his legacy as Lucifer’s son. These are desperate times, and Aaron knows the Fallen will need to forge new, unlikely alliances to survive.

With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Aaron will stop at nothing to defend civilization—and the girl who holds his heart. Even if it means venturing to Hell and back.

Read Chapter 1.

Book Blogger Spotlight: He Followed me Home

2011-09-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

This month, our featured blogger is Mel, the YA fiction-lover behind from He Followed Me Home ... Can I keep him?

What made you want to start a book blog?

My blog was created to discover new books and have a chance to 'talk' about books I've already read. For adult fiction, the best-seller lists just don't cut it and I find for YA, it is even harder to get a feel for what's new and exciting. Through blogging, I have met some great friends from all over the world and discovered many books that I would have missed out on had I not seen them online. I now rely on the blogsphere and it still amazes me how easily your 'to be read' pile grows so rapidly!

What’s your favourite reading spot?

I wish I could say my comfy bed, but I always fall asleep within 10 mins when I try there! In summer, I love sitting outside to read. In the winter, it's all about lounging on the couch in my Snuggie! My 'normal' reading spot is the train ride to and from work though.

Your favourite book in the last year?

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han - The last book of Belly, Conrad & Jeremiah *sniff*

Favourite author?

It's a tie between Maggie Stiefvater & Cassie Clare. Maggie's writing is beautiful and Cassie has this rare ability to lead your thoughts as you read her story, both are inspirational!

Who’s the most swoon-worthy; Patch (from Hush, Hush), Jace (from The Mortal Instruments), or Cassel (from White Cat)?

Gosh, that's a tough one, there's something dark, dangerous and thrilling about them all! Patch is still a mystery for me, Jace is so yummy and Cassel, oh, I think he'd be fun to go on a date with!

Do you read other blogs? Which ones?

Of course I do! What is so fabulous about book blogging is the community feel! I follow about 100 blogs and try to interact as much as I can. We are all in it for the love of books so it's fun to see what others are reading and what they think.

How has your blog developed or changed since you first stared?

Originally my blog was eclectic, yet I found myself being drawn to YA book more and more so I made a decision to focus there. I have also changed my look a few times. Most recently I created feature called "What Do You Think" as I love posts that encourage discussion. In the end it's still all about spreading the love of books.

Are you a Canadian YA book blogger? Interested in being featured in the Book Blogger spotlight? Pop us an email at audrey@simonandschuster.ca.

That's a wrap! Join us for the Sinister Scenes party.

2011-08-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

Montreal book lovers, we've got exciting news for you!

Join local author P.J. Bracegirdle on September 17th as he celebrates the release of the final book of the Joy of Spooking children’s series, Sinister Scenes.

Chat with P.J. and get your copy of Sinister Scenes signed before the evening’s live entertainment from Stroboscopica.

All three books of the Joy of Spooking trilogy will be available to purchase.

More about P.J. Bracegirdle.

RSVP to our Facebook event.

Dust & Decay: More Zombie-filled fun.

2011-08-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

Did you love Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry?

Now you can read its sequel, Dust & Decay.

Read an excerpt.

GOLIATH is coming!

2011-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan series is coming to a close this September - we can't wait to see how it ends!

Haven't started the series yet? Here's your chance! Read the first chapter of Leviathan.

We're delighted that Scott will be visiting Canada again this year.

Check out the details for his exciting event with Vancouver Kids Books below:

Meet Scott Westerfeld

Tuesday October 11 at 7 pm

West Point Grey United Church Sanctuary, 4595 West 8^th Avenue

Vancouver, BC

Due to the popularity of this event, every person must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are $5.00 each and are fully redeemable toward the price of any of Scott Westerfeld’s books on the evening of the event only. (Please note: if multiple tickets are being used to offset the purchase of the books, one ticket per book can be applied.)

For more information call 604-738-5335 or email general@kidsbooks.ca

NOCTURNE is out today!

2011-08-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

NOCTURNE, the highly anticipated sequel to Christine Johnson's Claire de Lune is available now.

Some secrets are too dangerous…

After the tragic events of the summer, Claire is looking forward to a new school year. All she wants to worry about is finding the most gorgeous dress to wear to the Autumn Ball with her perfect boyfriend.

But as Claire knows all too well, the life of a werewolf is never that simple, or that sweet.

When Claire's human and wolf lives start to collide, her worst nightmares come true. She's hurting her best friend. She's caught lying. And then the unthinkable happens: Someone discovers Claire's secret.

If Claire's werewolf identity is exposed, everyone she knows will be put at risk. And the pack's response comes at a cost higher than Claire can imagine. Claire will be forced to determine just how far she is willing go to protect her family, her identity, and her life, before she loses it all…

Read an excerpt

Check out Christine's blog

Follow Christine on twitter at @cjohnsonbooks

Watch the series trailer:

Stay tuned for the Witchlanders blog tour!

2011-08-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Witchlanders by Canadian author Lena Coakley is set to hit stores on August 30th, 2011.

Stay tuned for her exciting blog tour with a fun giveaway open to U.S. & Canada!

Check out some of the stellar blogger reviews so far:

The Bookwuurm:

"This is one book you should keep an eye out for. In a market flooded with love that occurs too quickly and events that defy logic, Witchlanders is a satisfying read that will leave you wishing for more."

Tynga's Reviews:

"I’ve never read anything like the lore Lena offers to her readers, and it was quite frankly my favorite aspect. Different, magical and gripping, Witchlanders will swipe you off your feet and draw you in a fantastic and dangerous world where bedtime monsters are out to get you."

Recovering Potter Addict:

"Something else that I really enjoyed and found refreshing in Witchlanders was the lack of romance. Instead, we got a hardcore Bromance between Ryder and Falpian. It was interesting to follow their story as they find each other and learn their destiny."

Dreaming of Books:

"Witchlanders is a book that had me reading late into the night. Now that I’ve finished reading it the sequel cannot come fast enough. "

Beyond Books:

"Looking forward to reading more from Lena Coakley and her world in the Witchlands!"

Watch the book trailer:

More about Lena Coakley.

FURY: The Blog Tour

2011-08-17T08:00:00.002-07:00

Elizabeth Miles' debut novel FURY is set to hit stores on August 30th, 2011.

This week, she's chatting with some of our fab Canadian book bloggers.

Check out her chats with:

Lost in the Library

Krystal's Stellar Book Blog

Recovering Potter Addict

Libraries and Young Adults

The Bursting Bookshelf

More to come! Keep checking back.

It's winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year's even better--the guy she's been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there's no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em's best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that's nothing compared to what's really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it's only a matter of time before he's exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

See what some of our bloggers are saying...

Jen at Lost in the Library says:

"Aside from the gorgeous cover, it was the stories of Em and Chase that drew me in. I loved the paced unfolding of their stories and the build up to the end. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough."

Krystal at Krystal's Stellar Book blog says:

"Fury called to me all hours of the day and night and I needed to read it."

Emilie's Book World says:

"Overall, Fury was a really enjoyable read."

The Paperback Princesses says:

"I love scary, creepy stories and this fit the bill. Several times I was reading late at night."

Want to know more about the next books in the series?

Visit http://thefuryseries.com/

Follow Elizabeth Miles on twitter @MilesBooks

Watch the Fury trailer:

Who is Michael Vey?

2011-08-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette's syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael's friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he's to survive.

Check out http://www.michaelvey.com/

Watch the trailer:

Thirst No. 4: The Shadow of Death

2011-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thirst No. 4 is out today! This is the never-before-published final book in Christopher Pike's Thirst series and follows 5,000 year old vampire Alisa Perne as she battles a new race of immortals, the Telar.

Read Chapter 1.

Book Blogger Spotlight: YA Book Shelf

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are so fortunate here at S& S Canada to know a whole bunch of people who love books as much as we do and who love sharing their favorite reads and reviews with the world –

book bloggers!

Today we’re launching a new monthly series, Book Blogger Spotlight, where we’ll chat with some of our bloggers, ask them to share some of their favourite authors, the books they can’t live without, and find out how they came to book blogging.

Book Blogger Spotlight kicks off with Melissa Montovani, the Montreal blogger extraordinaire behind YA Book Shelf.

What made you want to start a book blog?

At university, I studied English Literature to the Master’s level, but when I started YA Book Shelf, I was working for a completely unrelated marketing company. I knew a friend who had a book blog, but that it wasn’t for him. When I saw what he was doing though, I knew that it would be a great way for me to express my passion for literature and use the skills that I’ve learned at school at the same time. As I connected with publicists, book bloggers, and authors through my blog, I realized that this is exactly what I was meant to do. Any way that I can become more entrenched in the book industry would be amazing.

What’s your favourite reading spot?

It used to be my bed, but I moved to a bigger apartment recently and have changed it up a bit. Both the couch in my living room and the back deck have become comfy places. That said, I do a lot of my reading on the subway while commuting to work. (Side note: Occasionally, when I’m reading a really heart-breaking part in a novel, I have starting tearing up on public transit.)

Your favourite book in the last year?

My favourite YA novel that I’ve read in the last year is Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls. However, in case you meant my favourite book that came out in the last year, not just that I read in the last year, then I’d have to say it is a toss up between Patrick Ness’ Monsters of Men and Tabitha Suzuma’s Forbidden.

Favourite book of all time?

I’d have to say that Kit Pearson’s A Handful of Time or the Anonymous diary, Go Ask Alice are my all-time favourite YA novels. I read them both in my pre-teen and teen years, and their stories as well as some of the key scenes have stuck with me over the years, which are signs of what makes a good book great for me.

Favourite author?

My favourite author of all time is Ann Marie-MacDonald. I’ve read both of her novels and they’re both absolutely incredible; the kind of books that I could finish in a few days even though they are between 500 and 900 pages each. Of course, she’s not a YA author, and my favourite YA author is Laurie Halse Anderson. All of her novels pack an emotional punch that resonates with me, and at the same time, builds in literary and experimental elements that bring them over the top. Her YA novels are always on my must-read list.

Favourite movie adaptation of a book?

Definitely the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Too often I’ve been underwhelmed by most of the movie adaptations I’ve seen of my favourite books, but this one is pitch perfect.

What do you do when you're not working on your blog?

When I’m neither working on YABookShelf.com nor reading books that will be eventually be reviewed on my blog, there are a lot of things that I enjoy doing. I love experimenting with vegetarian and gluten-free cooking and baking. Spending a few hours a week at the local open-air farmer’s market is a related hobby of mine, and in addition, I enjoy growing some of my own herbs and vegetables. Whenever possible, I love travelling and have spent time in Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Austria, South Korea, Japan, Cuba, and Costa Rica as well as parts of Canada and the US. Other pastimes include playing with our pet cats, riding my bike, doing D.I.Y. projects around the house, drawing, swimming, taking photographs, and meeting up with friends and family whenever possible.

Who’s the most swoon-worthy; Patch (from Hush, Hush), Jace (from The Mortal Instruments), or Cassel (from White Cat)?

In a choice between Patch, Jace, and Cassel, I’d have to say Patch. I haven’t read either The Mortal Instruments or White Cat series, but my choice is only in part by default. Patch is one of the dark, handsome male characters who I think was modelled after Jane Eyre’s Mr. Rochester, Withering Heights’ Heathcliff, and Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy, who are all handsome, aloof, and slightly dangerous for the heroines, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Do you read other blogs? Which ones?

I do read other book blogs, but not on a daily basis. When I have the time, Good Books and Good Wine, Book Madam, A Tapestry of Words, Bookalicio.us, Beyond Books, and of course, this blog (in no particular order). Love the “what would your favourite character wear?” feature you had a few months back.

How has your blog developed or changed since you first started?

When I first started my blog, I didn’t have a schedule of which days I would review books, and I tended to write more book-related/book blog-related posts, rather than reviews. Now, you almost always will find a review of a book on both Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as a maibox post on Mondays. I’ve also begun adding in other periodic features, such as “How Does YA Lit Inspire You?,” where other bloggers, authors, and people involved in the book publicity write about one o the things that YA literature has inspire them to do or write about, and Book Trailer Talks, which gives me a chance to discuss what I think works/doesn’t work in book trailers. Beyond these posts, I love having theme weeks on various topics from werewolves and summertime reads to suicide awareness. Some of them take a lot of work to organize, but they’re well worth it.

Ordinary Beauty

2011-07-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Lauded by critics and authors for her heartbreakingly real heroines, Laura Wiess brings readers another devastating tale of betrayal and redemption rich with the raw emotion that made Such a Pretty Girl a classic.

How can you make someone love you when they won't?

And what if that person happens to be your mother?

Sayre Bellavia grew up knowing she was a mistake: unplanned and unwanted. At five months shy of eighteen, she's become an expert in loneliness, heartache, and neglect. Her whole life she's been cursed, used, and left behind. Swallowed a thousand tears and ignored a thousand deliberate cruelties. Sayre's stuck by her mother through hell, tried to help her, be near her, be important to her even as her mother slipped away into a violent haze of addiction, destroying the only chance Sayre ever had for a real family.

Now her mother is lying in a hospital bed, near death, ravaged by her own destructive behavior. And as Sayre fights her way to her mother's bedside, she is terrified but determined to get the answer to a question no one should ever have to ask: Did my mother ever really love me?And what will Sayre do if the answer is yes?

Learn more about Ordinary Beauty.

Ask author Laura Weiss all you burning questions on VYou.

The Canadian Wildefire blog tour kicks off!

2011-07-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Wildefire, by Karsten Knight releases next week and we're kicking off the Canadian blog tour today at Dreaming of Books.

Stop #2 at Midnight Bloom Reads.

Stop #3 at MSilva Books

Stop #4 at The Bursting Bookshelf

Stop #5 at YA Book Shelf.

Check out some of the advance blogger reviews for Wildefire:

Burning Impossibly Bright says:

"Wildefire pretty much had everything I love in a book going for it, and I definitely loved it! It had a sassy and strong heroine, who wasn't perfect, which is nice."

Libraries and Young Adults says:

"It’s multicultural and does a good job of portraying realistic adults – something I think a lot of YA is lacking. Parents, teachers and older love interests actually act their age, and they have legit responses to situations."

YA Booklover says:

"Knight's writing is intriguing and kept me reading. I wanted to find out what was happening, why it was happening, and who was involved."

Literature Monsters says:

"Although Karsten’s characters are gods and goddesses, they act like teenagers and believe me, because I’m a teen, when I tell you his depiction of how most of us act couldn’t have been accurate"

Krystal's Stellar Book Blog says:

"Pick up Wildefire when you can, it's a thrilling read and will keep you up until the wee hours of the night!"

The Bursting Bookshelf says:

"Oh my goodness, the ending! It was so freaking unexpected and awesome and I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! The writing was fantastic and always kept me on my toes and brain."

MSilva Books says:

"Wildefire is an intensely brilliant read. It's an emotional ride that leaves you guessing at every turn."

YA Bookshelf says:

"Wildefire has a lot going for it, but it took me awhile to get into it. However, once I did, its pace began to pick up, and I was hooked. While many of us have grappled with Greek mythology at one time or another, fewer people know a lot about Polynesian mythology. This fact helps make Knight’s selection of Ashline as the main character work."

Emilie's Book World says:

"To put it simply, Wildefire completely blew me away."

Geek Girl says:

"The ending was killer. I immediately messaged the author and demanded to know if there was going to be a book two (hint: there is!)."

Just Another Story Says:

"I think my favourite thing about this book, was the diversity of the characters. I have made it no secret that it's the characters that make or break the story for me, and the characters in Wildefire were absolutely, fantastically written and wonderfully developed. I loved them."

Read an excerpt.

Check out the Behind the Book feature.

Enter win a copy of Wildefire over at Wattpad.

Stay tuned for more Canadian blog tour stops (and Karsten's HILARIOUS vlogs) throughout the week.

Follow @KarstenKnight on twitter

Win a trip to NYC and shadow an editor!

2011-07-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

Our amazing author Lisa Mcmann, Pulseit and our fabulous friends at Wattpad have teamed up to send one special writer to NYC!

Are you a writer between the ages of 14 and 18?

Write a 1,000 word response to Lisa McMann's writing prompt and you could win a trip to New York City to shadow an editor!

Find all the contest details at Wattpad.

BUZZ: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2011-07-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Even though it won't be hitting shelves or appearing on e-readers until Sept 27th, Michelle Hodkin's The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is garnering MAJOR buzz.

Check out what some of our advance readers have to say:

"Every word hung with unbearable tension, every page so bone chilling! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is going to mess with your mind. It's a novel with haunting characters, lovely boys and killer friends – literally. It left me scared with chills down my spine and in love with the Noah Shaw. ALL BOYS SHOULD ASPIRE TO BE LIKE NOAH SHAW! Easily one of my favourite reads so far this year!"

-Sherry

"This book is a must read for fans of Becca Fitzpatrick’s novel Hush, Hush. This book was absolutely amazing, I read it within one day! I was on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. This novel is truly an intriguing, heart-thumping, complicated tale."

-Erica

"This book was one of the most intense books I have ever read! There are absolutely no slow parts in this book, it just keeps going. I literally pulled an all-nighter because I just couldn't put it down."

-Kalene

And check out what the blogosphere has to say:

Libraries and Young Adults says:

"The dialogue between Mara and Jamie was more compelling for me than that between her and Noah. It was blunt, sarcastic and fresh. Hodkin did a fantastic job at describing the roguish appeal of the bad-boy archetype, and I have no doubt many fan girls will fall for him."

The Bursting Bookshelf says:

"This book was a never-let-you-go thrill ride that I would recommend to anyone, especially someone who likes very mysterious books with a hint of paranormal added in."

Christa's Hooked on Books says:

"A suspenseful and creepy read, that will have you up all night but is easy and fun to read."

Read & Riot says:

"This was a book I was waiting for. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a book you should be waiting for. I fell in love with this story. It kept me enchanted from cover to cover."

TeenBookaholic even wrote a poem!

Excited yet?

Download the countdown widget:

Follow @MichelleHodkin on twitter

Check out the Witchlanders trailer!

2011-07-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Witchlanders, a compelling tale set in a richly rendered world of witches, magic, and mythology by Canadian author Lena Coakley hits stores in August.

Kirkus says:

"Exquisite storytelling plus atmospheric worldbuilding equals one stunning teen debut."

(Check out the full review here)

Publisher's Weekly says:

"Plot twists unfold at a riveting pace, the boys’ characters are compellingly sketched, and Coakley explores her subject matter masterfully without falling prey to safe plot choices."

(Check out the full review here.)

Check out the trailer:

Download the Witchlanders countdown widget and banner for your blog.

Forbidden: This summer's must-read.

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Forbidden, this summer's most controversial novel hits stores today.

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives--and the way they understand each other so completely--has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

The Bookwurrm says:

"Ms. Suzuma’s writing is absolutely beautiful. Each sentence is potent and rendered so carefully and with such intricate detail that the story and its characters come to life and their own lives are acted out in front of you in colour. Even though the topic is so taboo and is labeled by a name that alone makes people shiver in disgust, there is no one who could read this book and call it anything but beautiful. "

Just Another Story says:

"I very much appreciate that Tabitha Suzuma had the courage to write this story, and the write it the way that she did."

Aisle B says:

"Forbidden will haunt you long after you have finished the last word. Thought provoking and breathtakingly well written. "

A Glass of Wine says:

"The end of the book devastated me. You can see the ending coming, and as you speed towards it you want to scream at the characters to stop."

YA Bookshelf says:

"I had the opportunity to read and review when it first came out, and even now, nearly a month later, it’s still stuck in my mind."

Check out Tabitha Suzuma's interviews with The Bookwurrm, Just Another story, and YABookshelf.

Find out more about Tabitha Suzuma.

Read chapter 1.

The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy comes to an end.

2011-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Demon's Surrender is the thrilling and suspenseful conclusion to Sarah Rees Brennan's Demon's Lexicon trilogy.

Follow @Sarahreesbrenna on twitter

Watch the series trailer:

She's So / He's So

2011-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Have you recently been humiliated in front of your friends and family at your former best friends birthday party? Was your almost boyfriend partly responsible for that humiliation by withholding some vital information about where your estrangerd father is? Did you come home to find said estranged father sitting on your stoop?

If so, then it sounds like you could use a vacation! The Jersey Shore is the place to be. Your mother may be living with her boyfriend of only a few months, but at least the stunt Shannen pulled has put some of your friends back in your court. Even so, you're still angry and what better way to get over Jake than to blow off some steam with local guy, Cooper. People will hardly recognize your new attitude, but the old one wasn't getting you anywhere, so who cares!

The drama continues with He's So Not Worth It!

Read chapter 1.

Author Kieran Scott talks about the series:

You: The Owner's Manual for Teens

2011-06-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, the YOU doctors wrote YOU: The Owner's Manual, which taught people about the inner workings of their bodies—and how to keep them running strong. But you know what? There's a big difference between an adult's body and your body, between adults' health mysteries and your health mysteries, between their questions and your questions. So, teens, this book is for YOU. Doctors Oz and Roizen talk to you about the biological changes that are happening in your brain and your body. They'll show you how to get more energy, improve your grades, protect your skin, salvage more sleep, get fit, eat well, maximize your relationships, make decisions about sex, and so much more.

It's straight-up information that you can use to make smart choices about how to live the good life—and enjoy every second of it. Starting right now.

Watch a live Q&A about teen health with the YOU doctors.

Next in Dystopian fiction: Possession

2011-06-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Elana Johnson's stunning dystopian novel Possession hits stores tomorrow and already, her blog tour is off to a roaring start.

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Find out Elana's favorite thing about her main character, Vi over at Lost in the Library.

Learn about Elana's inspiration for writing Possession over at The Paperback Princesses.

Watch Elena's writing tips video over at Wattpad.

Follow Elana on twitter @ElanaJ

What would your favourite character wear?

2011-05-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

More awesome ensemble submissions from our readers!

Clary from The Mortal Instruments series by Jacqueline.

Anna from Sixteenth Summer by Jacqueline

Clary from The Mortal Instruments by Kat.

Want to submit your own ensemble? Create an ensemble on Polyvore for one of your favourite S&S YA characters, send it to us at audrey@simonandschuster.ca and we'll post our favourites.

What would your favourite character wear?

2011-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Check out some of our favourite submissions from the past couple of days!

An outfit for Alyssa, from Christopher Pike’s Thirst series by Loretta.
An ensemble for Rhine from Lauren Destefano's Wither by Anneliese.

Want to submit your own ensemble? Create an ensemble on Polyvore for one of your favourite S&S YA characters, send it to us at audrey@simonandschuster.ca and we'll post our favourites throughout the week.

What would Clary/Belly/Rhine wear?

2011-05-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

We've been having tons of fun creating ensembles for our favourite characters from some stellar YA books. It's pretty awesome to be able to hand-pick what we think Clary, Belly or Rhine might wear.

We want to see your ideas! Create an ensemble on Polyvore for one of your favourite YA characters, send it to us at audrey@simonandschuster.ca and we'll post our favourite 3 everyday this week.

Let the styling begin!

NEW LOOK: The Uglies Series!

2011-05-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Scott Westerfeld's UGLIES series has a brand now look!

Check out Scott's thoughts on the new covers.

What do you think? Like? Love? Let us know!

What do you think of the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer book trailer?
	OMG, I love it!
	It's okay.
	Not my favourite.

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