Character Interview... From Runners, Eli & Sky!

Today I have some more guests with me... As usual, I might be creeping them out... To start with. Something like presentation for Halloween tomorrow (I jest!)

First promotion for Runners
(before I knew about the blog tour here) 

Something I particularly enjoyed within Runners, a story I rated 4* back in July, was the characters. I asked you readers, “When you take a chance on Runners let me know if there’s one you particularly took a shine too. Was it Elijah with his dynamic qualities? Rosa, cunning, but still with her regrets. Seemingly distant Xavier or his brother who likes being on the same page? Sky with her visions or the plainer easy-going younger boys, Rowan &/ Jimmy?” I thought you would love them & I wanted to know who you will come to believe & invest your reader love in. Love of characters is a powerful thing...
And I found something amazing on the Amazon reviews (you can get Runners on Amazon UK here BTW or view reviews there), here are some quotes from reviews by fellow authors... They both mention the characters & I don’t think just males love the male characters but it’s good to think Runners appeals to boys as well. The boys aren’t crushable, that’s one thing. But you will love them in a different way, trust me.

“...you're right there with Elijah and the other Runners as they deal with the torrent of problems that come their way.” - Jack Croxall
“There is something for everyone here with engrossing scenes of escape, as well as intelligent progression of how a quirky bunch of teenagers can stumble upon danger at every turn.” - Dan Thompson

So, guests from Sharon Sant's novel Runners (Elijah & Sky- you'll find out more about them):
Amy: Don’t you think you have some secrets to share? Not that I want you to spill them yet otherwise there would be nothing to, well, anticipate… *smiles*
*...awkward silence as the innocent souls faces remain blank... Finding it hard to tell what's what & knowing not all of the audience will even know who's who the interviewer poses the next question*
Amy: For the readers, tell us your name (or nickname) and where you call home in... 20 words or less.
Sky: My name is Sky and this is Elijah *points* we live in Hampshire, England, about 100 years from your time now.
*Amy ticks off words on fingers and realizes she explained for both of them in 20 words and puts her thumbs up*
Elijah: Yeah, that 100 years bit’s kinda complicated.
*Audience, including Amy, raises their eyebrow*
Sky: As we have to live on the run, hiding from the authorities, our whole lives are one big secret. Except for my friends who run with me; they get to see me as I am,and I never hide anything from them. Elijah isn’t quite the same as that, though. I get the feeling that he does keep things from us all but I guess we have to trust him… *looks at Elijah*
Elijah: I don’t keep stuff from you, honest… But sometimes secrets are necessary to survive; I’ve learned that the hard way.
Amy: *thinking she knows where to go now that "learning" has been mentioned... Are you inspired by teachers or are they a possible slap? If you have been inspired by one (or two!) which one has inspired you the most…why?
Sky: We haven’t had much to do with teachers. I haven’t been to school in ages, probably about 2 years.
Elijah: I’ve ditched school too. After my dad died it was either go on the run or go into a work camp. You don’t get many teachers in either of those places.
Amy: *wonders if that's all there is to it, surely that can't have been such a bad question?*  Teachers won't be dreamy enough for you! Nor school. You can do without. But love? Describe your dream girl/boy. Have you caught them? If not, where would you expect to meet them? Do you like ‘bad’ boys, or girls, Eli?
Sky: Gosh, this is a big question *looks at Elijah shiftily* I know who my dream boy is but I don’t know if I’ve caught him yet. I don’t really like bad boys, but the boy I do like, well… I’m not even sure if he’s good or bad yet… We’re about as opposite as you can get too, but they say that opposites attract.
Elijah: There’s this girl called Rosa in our gang who is really hot. But she doesn’t really think much of me. It’s a shame, I think we’re quite like each other, in many ways.
Sky: *looks at Elijah* you fancy Rosa? You never said.
Elijah: Everyone fancies Rosa.

Amy: Do you believe in love at first sight? *hopes Sky doesn't think she's addressing Eli's feelings for Rosa*
Sky: *looks at Elijah again, blushing this time* I’m not sure. I don’t really know what love is supposed to feel like yet. But I think maybe it’s possible. I believe in knowing someone you could fall in love with the first time you see them.
Elijah: I don’t believe in love. I don’t see much of it in this world around me. People who are supposed to love you only let you down.

Amy: Are you at all like Sharon Sant? Which one is more Sant-esque?
Sky: I don’t think I’m like her at all. Perhaps I’m a bit timid and sometimes she is, but I’m braver than Sharon is generally, although it’s a quiet sort of bravery.
Elijah: I’m only like the bit of Sharon when she gets all angsty and throws tantrums. And I know I mess up a lot, I think she does too.
Sky: So which one of us is most Sant-esque?
Elijah: *shrugs*
Sky: You, Elijah, I think.

Amy: Pick one character trait and one physical feature you would love to get rid of/ alter. Why?
Sky: I think I’d like to be less of a doormat. I don’t know about a physical feature. It would be nice to get enough food to put a bit of weight on, so I didn’t look quite so stick-like, if you know what I mean.
Elijah: My dad always said that my quick temper would get me into trouble, so I suppose I wish that I could calm down a bit. As for physical features, I’m with Sky, it’d be nice to bulk out a bit.

Don't you agree they're amazing characters? If this still hasn't made you want to read Sharon's dystopia, Runners, lemme tell you... It's another thing you can tell from my review, I really liked the book as a whole. Yes, today is part of the blog tour (I’m not just jabbering on about a book for no reason today!) promoting Runners so hopefully you've become interested in Runners & will read it. Once again, if you would like, I have reviewed Runners & you can check out the review.
I’ll tell you again: I rated it... 

I only mentioned where UK Amazon readers could buy it from, here’s the full selection: Available through Immanion Press (publishers), The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Amazon US (UK linked above) & ebook formats will be avaliable from ecopy retailers (hopefully at those links).
Think you're a lucky sort? Maybe try and win it! The Runners giveaway on this tour is 3 x paperback copies of RUNNERS and here you go... Hop through the hoops, bunnies!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! :D

Reviewing... [42] Not Of Our Sky

So, who likes this series? It has sounded great since day 1 to me. It's kind of well known that after reading Sky Song, Sharon went from being this novel thing, and it seemed a weird concept I didn't know of, just an indie author trying to get her books read (and I was like, I've got to help really... I'm sure I'll like it!) to actually being, "LIKE? I did not just like that. It was a great book!" (not a quote from the Sky Song review, just a short wrap-up) & Sharon became an author I would adore, whose books I would want to read... I'd just wait until the TBR was manageable or until I'd almost ran out of patience of waiting, so Young Moon got read & now Not Of Our Sky.

Reviewing... [42] Rating: 5 out of 5; it was (sooooo) amazing! Recommended for: Oh, just bloody well read the first books please & you'll know why Not Of Our Sky is good? If you haven't read them, I have reviews for them- just click on Sharon's label below (on blog). (incase you're unsure/blind/not the brightest spark- please don't take that too seriously-) Author: Sharon Sant Source: Believe me, this one I actually bought (ha Sharon! I said I would, getting the whole series for free is greedy & whatnot).

It was not a disappointment. Duh, it was a last book but it lived up to every expectation I had, met wish after wish & turned out absolutely stunning. It just fits with the series so much & I love how they've flowed and the series has now been wrapped up. I can't argue with that ending, Sharon just so happens to be a genius.
That's not too kind, but Sharon needs to answer me this- Where did you learn to plunge a knife into a reader's heart so effectively? When did you learn how to take the step from annoying to actually torturing? WHY? Just, why? Some characters deserved things which happened to them, others... Such cruel happenings for some young, innocent souls (and no, I'm not just talking about our golden trio).
It's what makes a good book, you say. Reading novels full of suspense is... lovely. No, exhilarating, exhausting & sometimes stressful. You get to the point where you're so consumed by a character's story that the pages seem to turn themselves! Ellen, especially, had my heart in her hand straight from the start. She's obviously been one of the main characters in the book. If I had to pick 4, she'd be one of them. How I adore her, even when she's not exactly as I remembered her. She seemed to rely more on Jacob as he faced a battle that even Ellen found hard to comprehend, she most certainly joined everyone else, human or not, in sitting around waiting & not being able to help. This was the most boring part: the first quarter or so was slower-paced than the rest, or its previous book- Young Moon. For good reason, it laid the foundation & made sure the reader knew what was going on (as if I could have forgotten! Anyone recall, or know of, the cliffhanger in Young Moon?)
I loved how focal the prophecy became & how characters which have taken a back-seat, even Makash (who you should call Maka-Paka to annoy him... Or would it be lost on him? It still sounds condescending, right?) were developed more & their motives, plus much more, explored. We kept learning about him & boy, I hate him. How could a Successor like him? He's manipulative & could be your poster villain... Just stick on fangs & you're good to go!

^ When Makash opens his mouth, and sometimes it applies to Alex too...

I'm not sorry for those GIFs. Feel the evil! You will if you read so much a page of Makash...
You may also feel like laughing in this book, you never know if this is true... ‘Yes, Luca, your hair is sculpted by the gods themselves.’
‘Perhaps I come from a special race of beings with fantastic hair…’
Why, of course. It explains everything!

Please don't read on if you haven't read the other books:
Alex is snappy & kick-ass sometimes, I don't always scream at her when she appears to zip her lips (if you know her I think you may get this entirely), "Forgive me, but there wasn’t a local Watcher school in downtown LA where I could brush up my skills."
Oh, how strange. And brilliant. The sarcasm embraces me & I adore it all. So much of this book was so well written I was like, "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!"

Jacob didn't know *high fives*... So, I spoke of the build-up & I should explain. When a young Watcher's body is in storage he has no idea what is happening- all the action surrounding him, both planets which are in his normal awareness etc. he is completely blind to- he has to get his powers back, you see. I won't lie, it's a slow wait & it seems a long time (suppose that's realistic) until anything starts happening & he shows readers he has hope & yes, he's really unlikely to die now. Sure, people want him dead but he's so vulnerable. Hero, he has been but in this book one could almost forget what a major character he is & that he started all of this. There was so much worldbuilding even though he was on Earth, Ellen was on Earth & Luca was (probably) busy trying to fight off his almost-out-of-this-world sisters & their demands...
I felt I already knew Luca quite well from his US trip but then, he shared the book with Jacob. This isn't Luca's book though- it's Ellen's. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do & in this case it's stealing the spotlight & having a book written about you. Did I mention I love Ellen?
She's like Hermoine but dare I say, better? If I'm not allowed that comment I'll just say a) Ellen probably doesn't mind end of the year exams being cancelled b) (book quote) 'Little-Miss-Cant-Be-Wrong.   Doesn’t it get tiring being smart about everything?’
‘Nope.’
Exactly.
The amazing sharing of character's perspectives being delved into, overall throughout the series, is unique & I highly recommend Not Of Our Sky. Well, I recommend all of them but I trust you heeded my warning & didn't read up to here without reading Sky Song & Young Moon first, right?
Not Of Our Sky is the BEST of the trilogy so pick it up. Got that?

Good. Now go have a good day & all that...

Reviewing... [35] Runners

I've really meant to put this review up for an age but you know about the issues which don't exist now (it all gets solved when laptops are repaired)... So, here you are!

. Reviewing... [33] Source: Received for review.Author: Sharon SantRecommended for: Fans of Thief (by Malorie Blackman).

Just to show you that some bookworms like weather...
Or are like british weather (forget futuristic), really, really evil...

Unfortunately, although Runners held appeal because it was a dystopian, it didn’t meet the genre expectations entirely. I regard dystopian as catalysed by Sci-Fi, although elements did exist the book wasn’t as futuristic as you’d expect- renewable energy is hopefully going to be reality by the time I’m 30. I care more about the intricacies of society and clear motivations than weather. Surely characters are not more concern about weather than war? Issues didn’t seem to be linked clearly to reality; although the storyline was realistic I wasn’t entirely sure the world was tangible enough to be a dystopian Britain.
It seemed like some areas (of the setting, not book) were definitely crumbling but why...? I’d imagine government to do their norm (in fiction) & crack down on people in some idiotic way or be offering multitudes of issues in their world & not just to a certain group... Instead, well... I don’t even know if Britain is still democratic (oh... that might be why it’s not the same as other dystopian).

It’s all clear now why children were affected... Now, would you like me to get back to the review?
I probably have these questions as the world is so unique- it doesn’t contain the buzz of life or a culture engrained like Britain. It just simply isn’t a book which can be compared to another. How many books do you know where timelines cross and destiny seems mesmerizing.
I know it sounds weird but I love how they were children. They weren’t made to act older by superficial means or just convenience, they were who they were & they honestly rocked like polka dot socks (don’t ask).
They learnt to be independence & I could easily define this is as a coming-of-age story which sets Runners apart from other dystopian. There are strong themes about friendship, resilience, identity & so on. Our characters start having the chance to wonder if there are other people affected- even by the CMO- which is most likely the dystopian element. Does Science mean anything in this book? I think it’s more about time which obviously is an element of science but this was way more the emotional, or physiological, feel. That’s how this book came to be enjoyed, redeeming from the lack of accuracy (I feel) in genre expectation.
If you’re into books that are futuristic, reflective & feature interesting characters this is for you! In terms of what the characters are age & maturity wise it’s like ‘Thief’ (Malorie Blackman). As mentioned above, if you liked that then read this! Yes, I’m saying if you like books by the frickin’ children’s laureate then you’ll love this book by a storyteller without fault in those abilities which include: allowing readers to emerge from the novel, or in breaks, with several new characters stories written in their hearts; creating a plot that has meaning & finally... that meaning? Sant can carry that meaning through, not stretch it, I just mean utilize it & develop on that.
I came to love every single character- Tessa a rather large amount. I think it’s because she had developed beyond that childhood- even though many are Runners they are still full of this- innocence and learning. She wasn’t coming of age but she still held little authority compared to many of the adult figures, Braithwaite & so on. She was charming and eager to make a change, like an ideal character.
I can only hope Sharon doesn’t just write prologues for Runners, give me a story following Tessa’s life after well... a certain incident, shall I say? This was one of the points at which, as aforementioned, science-fiction elements came to be more realistic because of emotion involved. I’ll leave you hanging there.
When you take a chance on Runners let me know if there’s one you particularly took a shine too. Was it Elijah with his dynamic qualities? Rosa, cunning, but still with her regrets. Seemingly distant Xavier or his brother who likes being on the same page? Sky with her visions or the plainer easy-going younger boys, Rowan &/ Jimmy?

Who will you love; who will you believe?

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated this book: 

Reviewing... [33]: Young Moon

Luca & Jacob wondered if there were any good looking women on it... What do I even say? I know how to respond to the 'short' bit *salutes* Let me set the scene of my Tuesday this week guys... Sports Day. Watching the sand fly up as the boys careered across the pit after doing a triple jump, waiting for the long jump, unaware of the fate she's walking into Amy Bookworm smiles, taking a sip of water & psyching up... to come last. Well, 10th out of 12 (and 2 didn't even get any jumps). I had one foul out of three... I'm at least blaming it partly on my height, OK?
Anyway, the funny thing is my friends decided the reason I'd done not very well was because I was a fairy. Well, they said I looked cute to which I repeated, 'CUTE?'.
'Yes, like a fairy.' So thanks, Luca. You're not the only one calling me cute, my friends do. In a sort of naff 'you're a fairy' and a 'you can't punch to save your life' way :P
Have some good looking books, boys. If they are short, I don't dare (these books are short).

The Young Moon is the second book of The Sky Song Trilogy, I wonder if you want to check out my Sky Song review first? Especially if you haven't read Young Moon (well, this won't contain spoilers for Young Moon!) or Sky Song yet.

. Reviewing... [33] Source: Received for review.Author: Sharon SantRecommended for: Well, if you looked at this tour & thought it looked interesting WHY are you asking me who? YOU.

Where do I even begin? I love these books, the Sky Song Trilogy is not littered with errors of any kind. I don't think, 'THIS IS UNNECESSARY' or 'How dare there be a misspelling?' or anything along those lines & well, that can't be overlooked. It kind of has some twists but I would say they only keep you on the edge of your seat, you shouldn't fall of it. If you do, well... Plaster?
I also can't overlook Ellen. She was much more of a main character, shall I say, in the previous novel but now I've realized she can be called an independent heroine. I said, and I'm concerned but sort of OK with that, she's like Hermoine in some ways. I'm saying it again in The Young Moon review... BUT why do I like her so much? Is it because she's like in a trio, Luca definitely isn't a third wheel but I'm sort of glad she's there for Jacob, he relies on her... And Luca. OK, Jacob relies on everybody. He says it himself.
Seriously, I didn't think the love triangle would be properly resolved as they are great guys and neither of them are the right option. It’s hard to see which one you root for (by this I don’t mean distracts you). Hey... There’s a good point! Neither are just worth a chapter’s worth (or a stretched out novel) as a plot device, they are worth being part of the trilogy and the novel which doesn’t evolve round love. It’s about destiny. The destiny which has been carried out for two years, the honeymoon period... Love ‘em, hate ‘em, you know Jacob's got one. "things really had moved on in Jacob’s absence. (Kindle Locations 241)." And his is pretty darn complex- it involves a certain somebody who is kickass and it seems good that she is portrayed as reckless, hard, antisocial and so on... Things that boys in fiction are often seen to be, but Sharon's boys are not jerks. No, in fact I'd say Jacob is too thoughtful, he turns a bit paternal. He cares for his parents so much as a horrible situation is presented to him. It is so well etwined and so realistic. This book. Just. YES.
He's definitely maturing and making mistakes- like seriously! At some points I just wanted to shake him. BAD, BAD BOY.
Obviously, he can't do everything right but was he always so... impulsive? Well, suppose some obstacles you just have to attack with a massive "YOLO". He has so many obstacles. Oh, almost tears. Why did I say that? For Astreans it's so much more and he may just want to turn his back... He's one half of a young moon, surely the other one will have his home planet's back? The least he can have is a romance. How much of one? OK, not a lot. Luca's ridin' solo also, they are just bros working together through the sadness, through the joy... They are just so real.
Overall, I totally loved this follow-up. I cannot believe how it all came together & then just... cliffhanger. It wasn't the worst cliffhanger I'm sure, it helps that Not Of Our Sky is out... Hmm, you should really read all three.

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated this book:




And finally a giveaway...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Detective: Love Triangles (with a review)!

Firstly can I apologize that this is my first blog post this week? I actually have some drafted but I'd confused myself... I was supposed to post twice this week for the Indie Self-Published Author Event & think I still will! So stick around & enjoy this post...

The Book Detective by Divergent Gryffindor

The Book Detective is a meme put together to recommend the books we recently found out about from the blogs we follow or Goodreads which come under a specific category.
This week we're discussing recent finds/reads which have a love triangle!
Well, it's...

LOVE TRIANGLES this week!

What have I found...?

I was just taking an online stroll and passed an author's door which is fimilar to me. That house, in the middle of the street, has nice smells of books, pringles & the sound of Geeky TV, Joey Graceffa's 'Anna Sun' cover... This isn't about the household as it's on  the Holmes street you find a love triangle.
Peter Karlsson, Simon Harper and Lizzie Holmes...

May I please point out the reason I'm about to write a mini review in a book detective? I found this before most other people & then was like, "YOU DIDN'T TELL US!" And then I read it. It had a love triangle in it. Well, of sorts.
I finished this book in a day which isn't just because it's absolutely at least 99% felicitous (love triangle or not) for me. It's really short. Probably the shortest book to have a love triangle in ever that is, it's got 77 pages & every single one of them engrossed me. It will take you about 2 hours to read and if you're a book vacuum, even less.
I always marvel at it but when short stories or novellas have amazing characters I'm just like, 'SCORE!' The voice of Lizzie is memorable and honest but somehow there's a thin layer of mystery in the tale woven in with comedy. I relate to Lizzie even though her experiences are very different. I pity her at points and understand her responses. I think this is a tale which is sweet and the story doesn't feel rushed. One week can change everything and I just want more... Surely, there isn't only one week that causes change?
The Holmes were a family with a Dad who is better than their Mum, a sister who is selfish and totally cruel. I just want to take her brains, rearrange them & put them back. I'd rather have two walking stomaches than one and a grouchy, kindness-lacking sister. I loved how Peter had to come and understand the family and then I appreciated much of the deep insight that occurred as a result. He also came to understand England & this stands out to me in UKYA. Peter is from Sweden and he's turned up on their doorstep and he finds a place which is English and proud. Lizzie has a sense of place and I loved the setting as no, it's not a part of England I'm familiar with. It's so much better to read about another place and feel characters connection to the place than just peeping at Google Earth now & again to compare one place to another.

How many times should I read this in my lifetime? Or rather, does 100 times sound OTT?

It wasn't all about the place or the character, it had some quotes which made me want to start blubbing they were so gorgeous. Can I have Peter (is it weird to have book boyfriends with a name pronounced the same), Lizzie? I'm assuming you want Simon. He has SWAG. And yes, the 'S' stands for stars, obviously. *melts again* ‘Being amongst rough lives and confusion does not make you less, it only makes your beauty shine out more clearly.’ (Location 1187).
All the scenes seemed to be written brilliantly but eeek... The scene that quote comes from.  This love triangle is mainly for juxtaposition, I reckon. I'm OK with that because... well, I just am.

May I point out that this book is free. I've always had a feeling Sharon is insane. WHY is this book a freebie? It's worth more than I ever thought a novella could be. I'd pay more for this than I would for most whole books. I mean, seriously... It's at least worth the price of a coffee.
Especially if a follow-up occurs... Well, I know how I fix this:

Hello Sharon (or other reader which will feel no obligation to do anything).

So, I want to know which books had love triangles which you really, really liked... Even if it wasn't because of the love triangle!
Share with me below, please :D

Given 4.5 (compromised as it's a short- not quite 5.)

Book Promo [#9] Giveaway for Runners (INT)

Today I need to tell you about a book which is really exciting... That might not be all but well, you'll see.



That trailer advertises Runners succinctly, but here's further details so you're not left wondering...

RELEASED... this week (7th/8th)!
Series: ý  
View all my reviews (because I really meant to review it for publication date*)!

Sharon Sant's debut novel, Runners is a futuristic novel with subtle dystopia which young adult readers who are looking beyond the Hunger Games will be compelled by.

   

Also available through Immanion Press (publishers), The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Amazon US (UK linked above) & ebook formats will be avaliable from ecopy retailers soon. ELIJAH is nothing special. He’s just a skinny kid doing his best to stay one step ahead of starvation and the people who would have him locked away in a labour camp – just another Runner. But what he stumbles upon in a forest in Hampshire shows him that the harsh world he knows will become an even more sinister place, unless he can stop it. As past and present and parallel dimensions collide, freedom becomes the last thing on his mind as he is suddenly faced with a battle to save his world from extinction. But before Elijah can find the courage to be the hero the world needs, he must banish his own demons and learn to trust his friends. And all the while, the sinister figure of Maxwell Braithwaite looms, his path inextricably bound to Elijah’s by a long dead physicist, and hell bent on stopping Elijah, whatever the cost. | Information supplied from Sharon's site (Sharon is 3/4 indie published so far hence why she's here today during the Indie month, lol) | ~Runners by Sharon Sant

Today it's not all talk of a book, if you want Runners all you need to do is jump through some hoops, which may include some free entries as I assume some of you are following this blog by now ;) You might not be of course in which case you know what to do to make me smile...
*Especially since I wasn't able to review it (I'm not even three quarters through), only host this giveaway. It's because I've been so busy, school work (I even got PE homework this week!), rehearsals & it goes on. I just feel so... annoyed. But as long as you guys don't mind? :L

a Rafflecopter giveaway

T&C apply.

Have a great weekend & good luck in the giveaway!

Book Promo [#6] Not Of Our Sky

A book by one of my best Twitter friends... She's not just friendly but a great author too!

Tweet Sharon Sant...You coming to the launch? [Event]

and also look at the beautiful cover for this book by her. It's being revealed today. Make it a reveal in style?

RELEASED MAY 2013!

Series: ☑
THE LAST BOOK AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE SERIES LINK HERE:
   

| Sharon's site |  JACOB fights for his life and Ellen faces her toughest decision yet: whether to finally reveal his true identity to his parents. For Jacob is one of the Watchers of Astrae, a race of beings with extraordinary powers, and sworn to protect the natural order of the universe. But Jacob has broken one of Astrae’s oldest laws and chaos threatens to cover the Earth. Alex faces the fall into darkness that has long been prophesised. Her only ally is Makash, their bitter and twisted uncle, and Jacob has already succumbed to the shadows. Who will be there to catch her? With the first part of the ancient prophecy already coming to pass, it seems their only hope lies in the second part – the riddle of the star that will bring them back to the light. But what does it mean? And why do Jacob, Alex and Ellen all dream of the same lighthouse, night after night? ~Not Of Our Sky

P.S: Don't worry- the cover is going up tomorrow by request of Sharon. You'll see the review of more books by Sharon soon. Until then, read them yourself. Get them here (kindle).
Have you heard...?

Reviewing... [20] Sky Song

...This is the book you want to win. This is the book I wanted to read. I read it.

Reviewing [20] Author: Sharon Sant Recommended for: slightly pre-YA/YA (about 12-22). Source: Kindle (free promotion on Amazon).

Prophecies have happened before?...
OK, well... we have guides for the person that's probably
had songs written about them 1000 years ago!

I was considering giving this 4.5 books as it was as short as a real novel can be. It just passed that short story line... But hey, Sharon doesn't like to waste her words. Perhaps she has a similar premise to One Thousand Words for the Trilogy XD
It worked. No section bores me and none of it seemed false or badly executed.
Another thing that seemed genuine was Sant's own race of Alien-type humans (they aren't time lords). She managed to create these and keep them as part of the novel, but not always, in perfect measure.
With astral-travel you manage to discover two worlds entwined with prophecy. Normally I'd say that's a boring idea, especially if one was Earth... But maybe the prophecy in Sky Song wasn't just are a way of upping the MC! Honestly, Jacob doesn't have to spend 100 pages denying it or searching for more information. Instead he realizes that although he, and everyone, thought he was a genius but he might have to take the 'Ioh For Dummies' pamphlet and read it at his wonderful school. (I like that school. The fact that guys like Luca are popular is actually interesting) He doesn't find that songs have been written about him (see above). If he did, who would let that go to his head? Not me.
As for Ellen... Coooor.
I don't really know if Ellen was popular or not but I might as well mention that's she the Crackle to the Snap & Pop. SNAP, CRACKLE... Uhh, Hermione. No, Ellen's not. You might be interested to know that Jacob is that intellectual one crossed with Harry from what I can imagine... She's certainly not Ron but perhaps she's a Ginny. In fact that might be Ellen's middle name.
Anyway, it's the dynamic that matters and this dynamic is effective, believable & you may see why... It's just easy to imagine the relationships and I love how they all remain level-headed most of the time (even when it seems like some heads don't contain only one mind). If they didn't I'd probably be very sad.
I don't know what I expected the trio to be like but they weren't what I imagined. They were a lot more easy-going and didn't deceive each other as if their life depended on it. I'm going to leave you guessing what it's like- I guarantee you'll love it! The relationship may not feel completely wrapped up (in fact it's probably more open that the plot) but it's in a series. On further thought, that's not just it. It means it's more realistic. Relationships don't "wrap up"- they're far more complex than destinies! Gosh.
What I am going to do is read the next one & I don't care that Sky Song didn't end with a killer cliffhanger. I'm left feeling that more would benefit me not just for the sake of it as such.
Are you fed up for trying to find a remedy for cliffhangers? Is it the next book?
Perhaps you should just pick up Sky Song by...
The Lovely Hybrid Book Queen.

Amy Bookworm rated this book:

Book Promo [#5]: WITH GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW- Sky Song Trilogy

WELCOMING...

one of my best Twitter friends (and her books!).
You can follow her as part of the Rafflecopter (much more also) and win her books* too! Both Sky Song and Young Moon...

1  or  2

 

Sky Song covers. We're wondering... Which cover do you prefer?

They have already been released & Sharon Sant is looking to giveaway copies of both ebooks* to one lucky winner. So, you want two books*? That's right! You could win them (it's international)!

Anyway... I'm interviewing Sharon on the above book (yes, with two covers) and herself (you like that too... right?). If you'd like to find out more about her & these books go to Sharon's site.

True Or False?:

Luca was based on a childhood friend.
True! Luca was based on an Italian boy that was at my infant school. He was only there for a few months but I adored him. I never found out where he went when he left.

Jacob was originally a girl.
True! When I first had the idea for Sky Song, it was a story for much younger readers and the main character was a little girl. Lucky for Jacob that I shelved that idea…

Ellen is your extrovert character who is a vital ingredient in the potion that is the... SKY SONG TRILOGY**!
True and False. Ellen is definitely a vital ingredient. By the time you get to book 3, you’ll realise just how vital she is. I’m not sure she’s really an extrovert, though, that’s definitely Luca’s territory. But she is a very tough character with the strongest sense of morals of the three. She keeps the other two in check.

You dislike the process of creating minor characters who aren’t supposed to shout ‘IMPORTANT SOON!’**
True! I do quite dislike inventing minor characters. I always want to give them personalities and stuff to do when all they really need to do is walk past my MC on the street!

Questions:

Is there anything you'd like to say to your teenage self- would you mention being a published author? What would your past self think of that?
My teenage self would be running around the room screaming like a crazy person if I could tell her that people would be reading her books. I’ve always wanted to write or sing for a living. I was always too nervous doing public performances, so writing won. My teenage self was a little convinced she could be an actress too. She did auditions for a place on a performing arts course at Manchester University. The only problem was, she couldn’t act! Needless to say, she didn’t get the place. So I’d tell my teenage self to stick to the writing and not give up, because one day it will all work out.

Can you rate self-publishing and trad-publishing out of 10 as you’ve done both please?

Out of 10 is tough. I love self-publishing because you get to set your own deadlines and decide what you write and how you write it. If I wanted to write a time-travelling romance about howler monkeys on a boat in the Atlantic, I could, and nobody could stop me (it’s likely that nobody would buy it, but I could). I love the creative process, and the control you have over each project from start to end. The power to make it as perfect as I can lies with me and I get out what I put in, which makes me work that much harder. At the same time, traditional publishing is nice for that very reason – I don’t have to worry about formatting my book or designing a cover or laying it out for publication or even editing and proofing it (although I do). I can hand it over to the publisher and let them get on with it while I get on with writing another book. There’s a validation that comes with being published by someone else too, and that’s very good for the ego! If someone out there is prepared to risk money on putting my book out, I must be doing something right. So there are pros and cons for both.

What is the hardest part of {a book} to write?
The first draft takes the most concentration. They always get off to a flying start but if I don’t keep up the momentum they get abandoned. Making the plot fit together can be hard. For example, in the book I’m writing now, I know that the protagonist has to get down a certain dark alley to be attacked. You might think that’s a simple thing, but there has to be a convincing reason why she’d be in that dark alley, knowing what she knows about the man who may be lurking down there. So I need to come up with that reason and get her there. I still haven’t found it!

Describe your book in 10 words or less.
Love, loyalty, mortal danger, shocks, parallel dimensions** and time-travel.

Do you have a fictional crush and if so, who?**
Seriously, how can you even ask me that? I have hundreds! In fact, my crush list is legendary amongst my friends. It does include The Doctor, obviously, but only the last 4 regenerations. At a push, I might do the fifth Doctor too.

Which character (if any) is most like you?
It has to be Luca. He’s always joking, but he hides his insecurities behind his humour. He’s pretty easy going, though, and will help anyone if he can. He loves his family and he loves food. He’s a total flirt, but not in a sleazy way, he just can’t help
it. That’s all me!

If you don’t already know, what star sign do you think your main character is?**
This is quite hard. I have a vague idea that Jacob is one of the youngest of his year, so I’m thinking a July birthday. He’s not a Gemini; I know that for certain from the way he acts, so I’m going for Cancer. He has a strong love and loyalty for his family and friends and has a kind heart, and they are all traits of that star sign.

Thanks Sharon... I know my questions were weird & there were points I was really excited (marked as **) so I'm really glad I got a chance to throw my questions at you- even if the last one might've been nicked of you... And you called it hard ;) Who doesn't believe in Karma?

I just realized, talking about boyfriends of the fictional (I should've said bookish for a shorter list that wouldn't include Colin/Merlin, eh?) variety that I may end up having two called Luca... Yes, that's right folks! You can see my rather ancient list here. By ancient I don't mean that it includes a guy who is over a thousand years old... But I do love The Doctor! Who doesn't?

SKY SONG + YOUNG MOON Series: ☑ BOOK 3 IS TO BE RELEASED SOON***

You can only not enter (or win) if:

- You're under 18 without parents permission (there is still only one entry per household).

- The email address we'll send these ebooks* supplied by Sharon doesn't belong to an individual over 13. Please use parent's with permission, again.

- If your entries are verified (not cheats). Winner will be checked.

- You contact us back with email address (we'll tweet you if necessary & get it DM'd) within 36 hours.

*Ebooks are provided in PDF. You are free to convert, but not redistribute, this PDF. If you have Sky Song already we may be able to reach an agreement of sorts! I say this because many will have it... It's touring in August & you get a free copy... if you get there NOW. Link on image.

There must be a reason it's booking up fast... What could it be?

What the man told him was too incredible to believe, yet Jacob did believe it. On some deep unconscious level he had always known it to be true. He was an invention, a fictional character. Jacob Lightfoot didn’t exist. *** The giveaway will have ended by then so if you would like Book 3 early all you have to do is review these books before it comes out the next month. I promise, it's that easy! If you don't win you can always read the sample of Sky Song & see what you think (the whole novel is less than 200 pages so why just have a sample?) I'd love to see some more reviews pop up & who knows what you'd get after just reviewing Sky Song?
If you have time after all that you can comment here too (if you don't have a Twitter you'll know it's helpful if you do!)  You don't have to, it's not like there's a choice between books or anything...
Think that's it! Be honest, support indie & good luck!