I want to start off by saying a HUGE thank you to all the awesome authors and bloggers who made this event a success! I had a lot of fun and read a lot of great books, and I hope everyone else did too!
Secondly, I want to say that I am so sorry it's taken me this long to announce the winners. I have been frantically cramming for final e
In Beatrice Prior's world, the future holds only five possibilities. At 16, she must pledge herself to one faction: Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), or Erudite (the intelligent). Leaving Abnegation behind means abandoning her family forever, but Beatrice has always struggled with the strict code of self-sacrifice. With the Choosing Ceremony fast approaching and a deadly secret weighing heavily on her mind, Beatrice must make the choice that will define the rest of her life. But the journey is just beginning, because her ultimate decision will take her to places she could never imagine, not even in her worst nightmares.
In
Divergent,
Veronica Roth builds an intricate world of absolutes, evoking the fine line between virtue and vice with finesse. The factions are a fascinating concept to consider, and it is staggering to imagine living such a black and white life. Their eerie, cult-like feel immediately alerts the reader that all is not well in the city of Chicago. Yet, strangely the stakes aren't as clear as I would expect in a dystopian novel. The urgency of the situation doesn't completely resonate, though it is still an intense, action-packed story.
In Beatrice (rechristened Tris), Roth creates a show-stopping heroine, the likes of which I have not seen since Katniss (
The Hunger Games) and Katsa (
Graceling). Tris is a compelling blend of strength and smarts as she navigates the hidden dangers of her rigid society. Though her fierceness and determination are awe-inspiring, she is still an utterly human heroine, struggling with her fears, her family and her first forays into friendship and romance. Her motivations are complex and sometimes conflicting, unclear even to herself. The novel invites readers to delve into the depths of her character, and search for the fountainhead of her seemingly endless fortitude. Above all, this is a tale of discovery as Tris learns the truth about herself -- what matters most and what kind of person she truly is. Her journey is riveting, a thrill ride of nonstop action that will keep readers' hearts pounding. There isn't a dull moment, and all 487 pages of this large tome fly by in the blink of an eye.
Then there's Four. Four is a fascinating hero, rivaling Tris's complexity. He is perfect in his imperfections, swinging from fierce and intimidating to tender and vulnerable -- but unlike many heroes, he is never cheesy or controlling. Four puts up a tough front to hide his deep-rooted scars from a nightmarish past, but over the course of the novel Tris breaks down his walls to reveal a sweet and soulful side that is utterly bewitching. Their attraction adds richness to an already vivid world. The dynamic of their relationship is balanced; each sees the other as invincible, and their feelings are based on both affection and mutual admiration. Their story moves at a tantalizingly slow pace, building the tension and making the romance all the more believable and delectable when it finally blossoms.
The entire spectrum of human emotion is at work to make this novel an electric experience: fear, awe, desolation, determination, love and pure unadulterated hatred. Roth shows both the best and the worst sides of human nature, brought out by the absolutist society she creates.
Divergent explores the heart of human experience, the everyday choices that make us who we are. Reader
Today, we're lucky enough to have
Lauren Oliver, bestselling author of
Delirium and
Before I Fall, stop by to answer a few questions as part of A Cornucopia of Dystopia!
We're going to do this interview a little differently. The interview is spread across eight blogs, each linking to the next in the chain. You'll have to follow the link trail to see the interview in its entirety! This is meant to be fun and different, so we hope you enjoy!
Below you'll find the first question/answer, and a link to the next blog:
It seems like we often find the most tragic love stories the most romantic ones (the prime example being Romeo and Juliet). Why do you think these kinds of star-crossed love stories captivate us so? What are a few of your personal favorites?
I think it’s everybody’s fantasy that a person would risk everything, defy everything, to be with you. It’s hard to feel loved by someone else—it’s scary and strange and seems transitory. We desire proof. We need to know. Star-crossed love stories are really stories of people proving their love, completely and beyond a possible doubt. Romeo and Juliet is obviously a favorite, as is the story of Pyramis and Thisbe.
Thanks, Lauren! I'm a fan of Pyramis and Thisbe too, mostly because of their appearance in
A Midsummer Night's Dream =) I think my favorite star-crossed lovers are Tristan and Isolde.
Who is your favorite doomed duo?
Ann Aguirre is a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Dr. Who. She writes urban fantasy (the Corine Solomon series), romantic science fiction (the Jax series), apocalyptic paranormal romance (the Ellen Connor books with Carrie Lofty), paranormal romantic suspense (as Ava Gray), and post-apocalyptic dystopian young adult fiction.
From author's website.
I noticed in your Goodreads bio that you had quite an eclectic range of careers before becoming a full-time writer. Can you tell us about your journey on the road to becoming a published author? Did you always know you wanted to write? What led you to the other careers you tried out (a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens)? What experiences were instrumental in bringing you to where you are today?My road to becoming a published author was long. Ever so long. It started well enough. When I was eight, I wrote a story for a school writing competition called THE MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN DOUBLOON. This seminal, self-illustrated work was about two best friends who went to Florida on vacation and busted an illegal treasure hunting ring. I won the contest. I went to the state finals and met Shel Silverstein, who read to a bunch of us from WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS. In that moment, sitting on my square of carpet, I thought, they pay him for his words. this is what I want to do. Later that same year, my teacher told me writing wasn't a real job and I should pick something else. As it turns out, I am stubborn beyond the point of common sense, as I never did choose another career.
I wrote my first novel at fifteen. I sent it to NY. At sixteen I got my first rejection. This pattern continued at nineteen, and again at twenty-one, although I did interest an agent that early. Unfortunately, the historical romance I had written was too dark for the market, though the editors all agreed I could write and that I had talent. I wrote more. In the meantime I got married and had some babies. I kept writing. More rejections. I hit my thirties, signed with an agent, and got more rejections. By this point, I had, oh, eight books that had been rejected. In utter despair, I wrote a SF novel. I decided, you know, if I'm never going to sell, then I am going to write the novel I want to read. I'm going to write for myself, for fun, for pleasure, and without regard for market. The result wasGrimspace. Unfortunately, my agent at the time thought it sounded unsellable. I had to choose between my book and my agent. It was a terrible decision, but I believe so strongly in that project that I gave notice. I went back to cold querying. I
Vi has always been a rebel, ever since They took her sister away. She stopped plugging into the mandatory brainwashing transmissions years ago, and she's not afraid to break a few rules: Good girls don't touch boys, good girls don't walk with boys, good girls don't cut their hair and dye it black. Yet, she never intended to end up banished from the Goodgrounds, her only home. When Vi finds herself sharing a cell with an odd boy from the Badlands, she knows there's more going on than meets the eye. What she can't fathom is why the government will stop at nothing to get her on their side.
In
Possession,
Elana Johnson constructs a rich world of power plays and tenuous trust. The utter vulnerability of the human mind is terrifying -- Vi cannot trust anyone, not even her own feelings, when the entire world is open to manipulation. Readers will find themselves enthralled by this psychological struggle for free will and personal agency. Johnson launches readers straight into the fight, setting a brisk pace without pausing for breath. At times it can become confusing, but there is never a moment's boredom.
The most compelling aspect of this world is Vi. She is sharp and sassy, full of fight and fierceness. She is strong, but she wages a complex internal battle between duty and death, good and bad, love and hate. It is easy to get lost in the densely packed plot, but Vi and Jag's relationship will keep readers entranced. Their bickering bond is hilarious and adorable. Though they fall in love rather quickly, it still feels real because they are both so self-sufficient and strong. For once, a teenage couple is on equal footing, butting heads whenever one crosses the line. Their banter is reminiscent of Beatrice and Benedick (my favorite Shakespearean duo) and adds spice to the novel, while their romance is absolutely seductive. Jag's cryptic comments can be frustrating at times, but his lack of bravado and willingness to be vulnerable will enamor readers.
The final pages of this novel sent me reeling. Unfortunately, there is no sequel planned for
Possession and I am aghast at the open-ended conclusion after falling so completely in love with these characters and their story. Yet, despite this parting blow, the chance to meet Vi and Jag was worth the every step of the journey.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance galley of this novel from the publisher. This did not affect my review in any way.This novel hits shelves June 7, 2011. Click here to preorder Possession by Elana Johnson.
Elana's debut novel, POSSESSION, will be published by Simon & Schuster on June 7, 2011.
She wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girls where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult science fiction and fantasy.
She is the author of From the Query to the Call, an ebook that every writer needs to read before they query.
She runs a personal blog on publishing and is a founding author of the QueryTracker blog. She blogs regularly at The League of Extraordinary Writers, and is a member of SCBWI.
From author's website.
What is your first thought when you wake up in the morning? What time is it? What day? This is usually done in a panic, because I don’t subscribe to alarm clocks. Once I know those things, it’s usually, “I can sleep for a little longer,” Or “Crap. Have to get up and get ready for work.”
What inspired your interest in brainwashing? Man, you are really stretching my brain! I thought “What if I couldn’t make my own choices?” and my world evolved from that question. So brainwashing was a natural environment for the novel.
What character from another YA novel would be VI’s best friend if they were to suddenly jump off the page and into the “real world”? Dude, Kate Lowry from THE LIAR SOCIETY would totally vibe with Vi. And so would Clare Fern from CLARITY. They have the same kind of don’t-mess-with-me attitude.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice when you were Vi’s age, what would it be? Holy crap, I’m the worst at this, but I might tell myself to just breathe. So many times I made things into a big deal that so didn’t need to be. I still do that, but I tend to slow down and think more rationally now. Sometimes. ;)
The cover for Possession is understated and beautiful. Can you explain its significance? Thank you! I think a butterfly is something lovely and alive. Something in our world that people smile when they see. To have it encased in ice is haunting and cruel. So it gives you a hint of what you might find in the book. A living thing that could be beautiful and wild, trapped. And that evokes something for the reader before they even open the book. Which is why I love it so much.
I noticed on your blog that you’re an Adam Lamber
Rules:- One (1) winner will receive an ARC of Divergent by Veronica Roth
- US/Cananda Only please (I'm sorry -- I can't afford to ship overseas right now)
- Ends 4/19/11 at 11:59 pm EST
- Winner will be selected via Random.org
- Please review my giveaway policy
To Enter:- Fill out THIS FORM
- Comments do not count as entries, but are appreciated
- Following is not required, but greatly appreciated
- Extra entries are available
Good luck!
PS -- I'll be reviewing this book soon, so keep an eye out!
Neva has grown up sheltered by the Protectosphere and told by the government that nothing remains outside the Homeland borders but the rubble of an ancient war. Yet, Neva was raised on her grandmother's stories of life on the outside, planting a seed of doubt that slowly grows into full-blown rebellion. As Neva discovers each new devastating truth, she begins to realize that sometimes it's safer not knowing -- and once she takes the final plunge, there will be no turning back.
Sara Grant dives straight into the arresting madness that is the
Dark Parties future. The novel opens with Neva and Sanna beginning their insurrection by throwing a Dark Party, and Grant expertly taps into readers' other senses by immersing them in the utter blackness alongside Neva. After this startling opening,
Dark Parties continues to unsettle with its timeliness: the language of patriotism, Homeland, and Terror weaves into the very foundation of this world.
It is impossible not to cheer for Neva as she begins her fight for freedom, a fight which grows in urgency as the horrifying truths of the Homeland are revealed. It is a relief to see a heroine who is leading the revolution rather than being prodded along by those around her. The reader's strong sympathy with Neva makes the emotional highs and lows of the novel even more gut-wrenching -- the intensity of several moments actually gave me goosebumps.
However, Neva's relationships could be more elaborated. This aspect seems too often neglected amid the world-building in dystopian novels. At times, it was hard to see the ties that bound Neva to those around her (especially her love interest). Yet, the relationship between Neva and her grandmother was one of the most nuanced aspects of the story. Their bond is brought to life and transcends the obstacles that lie between them -- no mean feat when her grandmother is one of The Missing.
The ultimate reality at the heart of this society is unfathomable, and its portrayal is unflinching, forcing the reader to feel the urgency and injustice to their very core. The final pages are maelstrom of shocking twists that will leave readers alternately gasping in disbelief and surging with hope. Thankfully, the ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel to this gripping debut -- I'm not ready to leave Neva and her fight for life and liberty behind.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I borrowed an ARC of this novel from Lauren at 365 Days of Reading for the Cornucopia of Dystopia event.This novel hits shelves August 3, 2011. Preorder Dark Parties by Sara Grant.
Part of the
2011 Debut Author Challenge.
I grew up in the small town of Seymour, Indiana. Although I’ve lived as far east (and south) as St. Augustine, Florida, and as far west as Longmont, Colorado, I now live about fifty miles from my hometown.
I’ve been writing nearly all of my life. When I was young, I lived with my grandmother and my older sister, but my mother lived in Chicago. I spent a lot of time writing her long, newsy letters about what was happening in my life. She would sometimes correct my spelling by return mail! (I learned to love being edited! lol!)
I also loved to write poetry and draw. I would design greeting cards and send them to my friends and relatives.
When I was sixteen, I moved to Chicago to live with my mother. I fell in love with Chicago, and have never fallen out of it! There is nothing quite like the thrumming heartbeat of a big city!
I have two lovely daughters, who are grown. They both live within five miles of me, and I like that a lot! When they were little, I used to make up stories for them. That was when I first starting thinking about writing for children. But, it wasn’t until they were out of the house that I began to take my writing seriously.
I love writing young adult novels. XVI is dystopian fiction, but I am also working on some fantasy and some contemporary themes. Too many ideas, too little time!
From author's website.
I actually do both. From the start, I called it Sixteen. My editor and the publishing house calls it X-V-I. Now I use both!
What was the first scene you wrote for this novel? How has it changed over the course of the publishing process? The first scene I wrote was Nina meeting Sal. That ended up being moved back in the book - although the scene itself stayed pretty much the same throughout.
Nina is a very creative individual, and a talented artist. Do you have any hidden artistic talents outside of writing? Well… I know my way around a sewing machine - I like to sketch - and I can play the piano (only for my own enjoyment.) I also tried my hand at woodworking - I really like that, too. But - writing is where it's at right now.
The XVI tattoos are a central symbol in the novel, and some characters have given them their own flair. Do you have any tattoos? If you were to get one, what would it be of? I don't have any tattoos (yet!) My older daughter and her husband actually own a tattoo place and both of them are tattooed! See, the reason I don't have a tattoo is because I can't decide what I would want! I think I'm too fickle for something that permanent. :)
There is a very Space Age feel to the world of XVI. Why did you choose to envision the future this way? Do you think we’ll have settled Mars in 150 years? My characters kind of envisioned the world for me - I dictated what they had to say. Well, not exactly - but… :) I'm not sure that settling any other plan
The first week of A Cornucopia of Dystopia has flown by in a whirlwind of fun posts! In case you missed anything, here's what happened this week:
Reviews:The Bookish Type Review of
MEMENTO NORA by Angie SmibertI Swim For Oceans Review of
AWAKEN by Katie KacvinskyThe Book Worms Review of
XVI Julia KarrA Writer’s Review Review of
BUMPED by Megan McCaffertyMusings of a YA Reader Review of
MEMENTO NORA by Angie SmibertBooks in the Spotlight Review of
DELIRIUM by Lauren OliverSupernatural Snark Review of
POSSESSION by Elana JohnsonReading Teen Review of
WITHER by Lauren DeStefanoDown the Rabbit Hole Review of
BUMPED by Megan McCaffertyBooks in the Spotlight Review of
DARK PARTIES by Sara Grant Midnight Bloom Reads Review of
AWAKEN by Katie KacvinskyThe Bookish Type Review of
DELIRIUM by Lauren OliverInterviews:Books Are A Girl's Best Friend
Interview with Megan McCafferty (BUMPED)
The Bookish Type
Interview with Angie Smibert (MEMENTO NORA)
I Swim For Oceans
Interview with Katie Kacvinsky (AWAKEN)
The Book Worms
Interview with Julia Karr (XVI)
Musings of a YA Reader
Interview with Angie Smibert (MEMENTO NORA)
Down the Rabbit Hole
Interview with Megan McCafferty (BUMPED)
Supernatural Snark
Interview with Elana Johnson (POSSESSION)
Musings of a YA Reader
Interview with Katie Kacvinsky (AWAKEN)
Books, Sweets and Other Treats
Interview with Julia Karr (XVI)
Giveaways:Loud Words & Sounds –
AWAKEN Cover Redesign ContestI Swim For Oceans –
0 Comments on A Cornucopia of Dystopia: Weekly Wrap-up #1 as of 1/1/1900
Lena has had more than enough pain in her young life. After her father was arrested and her mother committed suicide -- all for love -- Lena became an outsider in her society, where love is a disease and only the cured are safe. Though love is in her genes, Lena prays the cure will secure her the simple, pain-free future she's always wanted. Unfortunately, fate has different plans. Just months before Lena loses the ability to love forever, she meets the mysterious and unusual Alex -- and falls head over heels.
In
Delirium,
Lauren Oliver constructs a layered and intricate world that will unnerve readers with its similarities to our own. At first, Lena's desire for the cure and investment in society seem superficial, but as the novel progresses readers learn more about her haunted past and come to appreciate the burdens that weigh so heavily on her mind. The relationship that blossoms between Lena and Alex is truly the highlight of the novel, capturing the sweetness and novelty of first love while blending it with a strange air of illicitness. The chemistry between them jumps off the page and makes the reader believe in their bond. Lena's butterflies and confused emotions are utterly realistic, crystallizing the universal experience of young love, when every feeling is overwhelming and foreign. Thankfully, Oliver does not spoil its simple purity in this loveless society by introducing a love triangle into the mix.
Lena's world is brought to life with beautiful imagery, though at times the descriptive metaphors seem a little heavy-handed and distract from the narrative. As the novel progresses, the horrors of a "cured" society become increasingly apparent, though they are initially hidden beneath the ordered surface. Oliver brilliantly constructs her story to draw readers into Lena's mind: the deliria at first seems bizarrely believable, but readers will slowly discover the devastating cost of the cure alongside Lena -- making her journey all the more visceral and thought-provoking. The emotions of this novel become increasingly gut-wrenching as the story propels towards its heart-stopping conclusion -- providing one of the most adrenaline-fueled endings I have ever read.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this novel from NetGalley. This did not affect my review in any way.Click here to purchase Delirium by Lauren Oliver.
I was born in Blacksburg, a once sleepy college town in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. I grew up thinking I wanted to be a veterinarian; organic chemistry had other ideas. But I always had stories in my head. Eventually, after a few degrees and few cool jobs—including a 10-year stint at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center—I wrote some of those stories down.
I’ve published many short stories, for
Nora lives in a world where evil is only an abstract concept, rather than a gut-wrenching reality. When she accidentally gets a front row seat to a tragic act of terrorism, her mother insists she make her first visit to the Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic (TFC) to pop a pill and fade back into the fog of forgetting. Instead, the fated trip unearths the many long-forgotten secrets that Nora never
It's finally time! A Cornucopia of Dystopia will be kicking off tomorrow! Both Danya at A Tapestry of Words and I have posted the event schedule -- however, it may be subject to last minute adjustments, so keep an eye on our sites for the most current version!
As promised, there will be plenty of giveaways over the course of the event. Check out the schedule below to know when and where you can
At the end of this month Danya at A Tapestry of Words and I will be hosting A Cornucopia of Dystopia featuring several exciting 2011 dystopian releases!
As part of the event, we'd like to ask readers to submit questions for Elana Johnson, author of Possession, about her book, herself, or anything else you can think of! We'll choose several questions for an interview with Elana and will post her
I like how you describe Deuce and her world. I thought Ann Aguirre did a really good job in her world/character building. She was really consistent and the way her characters thought made sense for their upbringings.
Enclave is in my TBR pile--glad to her you enjoyed it! Deuce sounds like a great heroine (even if she is a bit heartless at times)!
Wonderful review! I love how eloquently you portray your thoughts, Casey! <3
I loved Enclave so much!!!