Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Emily Suvada, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!
If you woke in the world of The Kalelah Series, what is the first thing you’d do?
The story takes place on Earth, in what seems vaguely like current times. There’s been a revelation that threatens everything we think we know about who we are and what we believe. It also forewarns of a cataclysmic attack. So, my first move would be to bury something as deeply in the ground as I could. And that something would be some small proof that my family and I existed. It’s a self-absorbed response I guess. The right thing to do, of course, would be to help the people around me with their panic. But in the world of Lost Arrow, people don’t usually do the right thing.
If The Kalelah Series is turned into a movie, who would you pick to play the main characters?
I remember when the film adaptation of Interview with a Vampire came out and Anne Rice was despondent over the casting, particularly in the choice of having Tom Cruise playing Lestat. But as a reader and viewer, I thought the film was quite good. So, writers and producers and directors and audiences don’t always see things the same way. But since we’re fantasizing here, I’ll pretend a) that the screen version of this story is something that actually happens and b) that my thoughts on the subject matter.
For Hanta Laird, the story’s self-righteous antagonist, Lena Headey would be hard to beat. Except by maybe Charlize Theron. Both have the chilling ability to make doing the terrible thing seem perfectly appropriate.
Jan Argen, Captain of the Kalelah, I think needs a young Idris Elba. He played Stringer Bell on The Wire. He’s someone who can do strong, principled, and seriously troubled at the same time.
Trin is super brainy and too young for his job aboard the Kalelah and his role in trying to set things right. I think Jovan Adepo who played Cory in the film production of Fences has the right amount of grit and innocence.
Sarah Long, the most important for last. This is her story and her journey from someone emotionally and almost literally lost at sea to someone who must shoulder the task of saving the world. Mia Wasikowska would be amazing. Her work in Alice in Wonderland was incredible.
Which book from your childhood or teenage years has stuck with you as an adult?
J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. I read it first in high school and I still pull it off the shelf every few years. I’ve insisted both my kids read it. To me, it’s the most compelling portrait of human longing I’ve ever read. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is drawn with such remarkably enduring characteristics, it’s hard to imagine him ever losing his relevance.
You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?
Ray Bradbury, Cormac McCarthy and the aforementioned J.D. Salinger. All three are on my Writer Hero list. I read their books slowly, hoping to actually understand how they managed what they did. I never do, of course. That’s the way of heroes.
What’s on your writing desk?
A giant teakwood palm that holds paper, a clay jar my daughter made for me that holds black pens and pencils, and a laptop. It’s very sparse and neat. Things have to be in order before I can work.
BAM. You’re a superhero. What’s your superpower?
I think today you’d want coding superpowers, right? I mean all the big, bad things seem to be happening in the digital space. Cyberwar, financial hacking, Twitter. A hero who could hack through all that crap would be the next Superman. No, it’s not very cinematic. And it’s certainly no Thor, from a Make the Ladies Swoon standpoint. But sometimes a hammer isn’t your best option.
What book in The Kalelah Series was your favorite to write?
Three, Jagged Arrow, was the hardest and for me the most satisfying. Even though I’m a dedicated plotter who writes to a plan, making everything come together at the end in some sort of elegant and satisfying way is always the biggest challenge. And I think it’s the thing people really remember. If they hate the ending, that’s pretty much the last taste in their mouths. So, for me, getting the third book right was everything. I was also better by then. I knew the characters better by book three. I could think like them more naturally. That new-found facility didn’t help with the challenges of threading the plot needles, but it helped with the writing.
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Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new novels from Kara Cooney, Justin Timberlake, and more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!
What can you tell us about your new release, The Forgotten Child?
The Forgotten Child is a paranormal mystery starring a 25-year-old reluctant medium who gets pulled into a decades-old cold case after being contacted by the ghost of a little boy. There are spooky elements featuring ghosts, a splash of romance, and a bit of humor mixed in. While there are dark moments in the book, I wouldn’t label it as horror. Though, if you’re a bit of a chicken like me, it might be best to read it with the lights on!
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I’ve always had a love of stories. I attempted my first mystery when I was 10 or so. All I remember was that the smoking gun that was going to blow the case wide open was a can of cat food. I didn’t start seriously writing until my freshman year of college, neck-deep as I was in science classes. When I was supposed to be taking notes on physics and organic chemistry, I was sitting in the back of the room writing about fairies and trolls and magic. I love getting lost in worlds other people create, and I think some part of me has always wanted to create worlds for others. Thankfully, cat food cans are far less important in my books now.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
I would love to have a chat with Maggie Stiefvater. I don’t have any specific, burning questions for her; I just think she would be a fascinating person to get to know. She’s an artist, a musician, and a writer—and she’s exceedingly good at all three. Her Twitter feed is quite funny—that’s a feat in and of itself, as far as I’m concerned. (I’m terrible at Twitter.) I believe either she or her kids have had a few run-ins with ghosts, too, so I would love to learn more about that. Listening to people’s ghost stories is one of my favorite pastimes.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
Writing really helps get me out of my own head. I realize that sounds odd, since the stories are in my head, but when I’m writing, I’m transported somewhere else. I’m not thinking about my job or that I need to do laundry or the fact that I’m still a season behind on Game of Thrones. I’m in some other world or some other part of the country. I’m on a pirate ship or a campus for kids who can see the future or hunting ghosts.
What is a typical day like for you?
I’m a dog walker for my day job (yes, really), so I’m out walking 5+ miles a day. Sometimes as many as 14 miles during the summer. I’m either listening to audiobooks (I usually listen to 50 or so a year) or I’m drafting my next book on my Word app. Have to make time for writing when your time is limited! In the evening, I’m working on my books, or editing for my clients. In short, I’m always in desperate need of a nap.
What scene inThe Forgotten Child was your favorite to write?
Some of my favorites were the ones from the POV of the (dead) serial killer, Orin Jacobs—who the book starts with. It was “fun” to slip into the mind of someone who’s totally different from myself. His were often the easiest to write, too. Not sure what what says about me!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
“Try even if it scares you.” I’m someone who is constantly thinking of the worst-case scenario for everything. It’s an anxiety thing, I think. It’s easy to get derailed from making a choice when you’re scared of what the outcome might be—or being scared of the unknown in general. So I allow myself to come up with as many horrible scenarios as possible before I make a decision. Really let my creative mind run amuck. But if the worst thing I can come up with as a potential outcome is something I think I can handle if said ridiculous, not-likely-thing were to happen, then I go for it. Even if I’m scared. That’s what I did when it came to publishing The Forgotten Child. I was terrified, but did it anyway. And I wasn’t immediately attacked by a vengeful ghost, so my worst case scenario didn’t come true.
Melissa Erin Jackson is the author of the new book The Forgotten Child.
Connect with Melissa
Author Page
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What can you tell us about your new release, Secrets?
Secrets is book one of my new dark romance trilogy, Web of Sin, with a mysterious, dark, dangerous, and sexy anti-hero Sterling Sparrow and a feisty, independent heroine who has been surrounded by secrets her entire life. The only one with the answers is Sterling. She wants to uncover those secrets, but at what cost?
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I believe I always wanted to write, though I didn't begin writing until 2010. It began as a release for me. I never imagined people would buy my books. I credit John Grisham for bringing me back to reading and JR Ward for her novella that discussed her writing. Her experiences gave me the courage to write from my heart, to be different.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Number one always remains Gone With the Wind. I love that book.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
Greg Isles. I would ask him how he comes up with such great story lines. While I enjoy romance, thrillers have always been my passion. In writing, I combine the two into my dark romances.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
I love getting lost in a story. The characters come to life and my job is simply to write the words they give me.
What is a typical day like for you?
I'm most creative in the morning. After coffee and breakfast with my husband, I disappear into my office. If I'm writing, I could be there for 8 - 10 hours. If I'm between writing, then I'm marketing, on social media, and interacting.
What scene in Secrets was your favorite to write?
My favorite is the scene where Sterling and Araneae meet for the first time. The chemistry is off the charts and there is so much tension.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
"Want what you have." To me it's all inclusive. Don't look around at what others have and desire that. Look at what you have, what you've accomplished, your family, your friends and desire all of it.
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What can you tell us about your new release, Game Piece?
I wanted to do a change-up from the usual police procedurals I’d authored – this time, to have the killer and the crimes directly impact the protagonist and his family. It’d be more of a cat and mouse game leading the detective in deeper before he realized the nature of the game.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
My desire to write novels came from reading a series of crime fiction by Michael McGarrity and thrillers by John Grisham. McGarrity being a former law enforcement officer and Grisham being a former lawyer gave me the spark to decide to write crime fiction using my prior police experience and legal background.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Dead or Alive by Michael McGarrity
The Testament by John Grisham
Total Control by David Baldacci
Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy
Indigo Slam by Robert Crais
What's your favorite thing about writing?
First, creating all the disasters for the protagonist to see how he/she manages to overcome them, then, typing the words The End.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
My first guest would be John Grisham. I’d ask him about his expedition to Brazil to conduct research for his novel The Testament.
What is a typical day like for you?
I spend the morning replying to emails, reading the news for any inspirational storylines. In the afternoon, I write until my wife says its time to quit and have dinner.
What scene in Game Piece was your favorite to write?
If I had to name one I enjoyed most writing, it’d be the final chapter – the final solution. I don’t want to provide a spoiler so I’ll leave it at that.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
It’s one I learned from my police lieutenant—supervisor back in the day: Never ever assume anything.
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October was an incredible time to be a reader thanks to all the exciting new novels from bestselling authors! There were so many page-turning novels that captivated us from cover to cover this month. If you want to catch up on the books everyone was talking about, here are our choices for the buzziest books of October! Happy reading!
Release Date: October 16, 2018
At thirty-six, Hope Anderson is at a crossroads in her life. She has been dating her boyfriends for six years and there are still no wedding plans in sight. To make things worse, her father has been diagnosed with ALS. She decides to spend a week at her family's cottage in North Carolina to ready the house for sale and think about her future.
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Blair and Bristol Bellamy’s parents agreed to let their daughters spend spring break in Oahu, but they never anticipated that only one of them would come home… Their vacation takes an unexpected turn when Blair wakes up on the beach with no purse, no shoes, and no memory of what happened. To make things even worse, her sister has vanished into the night.
Release Date: October 2, 108
Virgil Wander is cruising along at medium altitude when his car flies off the road and into Lake Superior. He survives the crash but his language and memory are altered. The world around him is no longer familiar. Virgil is now living a new life and trying to piece together his history the lore of his broken town.
Release Date: October 2, 2018
The fourth novel in the New York Times Bestselling Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs... The monstrous threat that nearly destroyed the peculiar world has been defeated and Jacob Portman is back where it all began, in Florida. The main difference is that this time Miss Peregrine, Emma, and their peculiar friends are there too. And they are trying their best to blend in.
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Nothing ever happens in the metropolis of Pinion, Minnesota. That was until the mayor of sorts and his friend come up with a plan to put Pinion on the map. They heard of a place where a floating image of the Virgin Mary turned the whole town into a shrine and the pilgrims needed food and shelter. What could go wrong? When a dead body is found, they realize it is just the start of their troubles.
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Everyone’s path is mapped in the enchanted city of Panduri. Everyone’s destiny has been decided at birth. Matteo is the second son of Panduri’s duca and is eagerly awaiting his time to take his place as a Legendary Protector. But his older brother has pulled rank and forces Matteo to take an unexpected path. A life of his own.
Release Date: August 31, 2018
It is a global spectacle of triumph and anguish. A pageant of violence and drama. America’s game has become the world’s favorite pastime, it is now more than just a game and a secret society known as the Octagonal is using it to change the world. She is not just the latest superstar of the WFFL. She is the future of humanity.
Release Date: October 13, 2018
It’s a little complicated and confusing having a hot boss. But all I have to do is resist for a few months. I fly out to Paris in January to chase my dream of being an artist. But did I mention my hot boss was also my high school crush? Well, sort of. At first, I wanted to crush him with gooey affection. In the end, I just plain wanted to crush him. Now he is back he might as well have a “do not touch” sign on him.
We wanted to share with you some of our favorite audiobooks we’ve been listening to in October. Our playlist includes a little something for everyone, from mystery, literary fiction, young adult, science fiction, and romance. Grab your headphones and happy listening!
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Malice is the gripping psychological suspense novel from USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Jaynes. In this new audiobook, listen to how a perfect life suddenly becomes a perfect nightmare for Dr. Daniel Winters.
Release Date: October 23, 2018
We are huge fans of the Throne of Glass series by New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah J. Maas, so we couldn't miss the epic and unforgettable conclusion to this young adult series. You can follow Aelin Galathynius's journey from a slave to the king's assassin, to the queen.
Release Date: July 31, 2018
We always fall head over heels in love with bestselling Author Jo Watson's romance novels and Love to Hate You was no exception! This audiobook tells the tale of Sera, who is usually a good girl. But when that stranger from one wild night ends up being her boss...things start to get interesting.
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Release Date: October 9, 2018
The New York Times called this latest release from Tana French "Her best and most intricately nuanced novel yet." The new audiobook thriller follows Toby, who is left for dead when he surprises two burglars in his home. Trying to recover from his injuries, he takes refuge in his family's ancestral home. But when a skull is found in the garden, Toby must face the possibility that his past may not be what he thought.
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Release Date: October 2, 2018
It's hard to resist a new Jodi Picoult novel and we were incredibly excited to pick up her latest. A Spark of Light is a powerful audiobook that tells a white-knuckled narrative but tells it reverse-chronological order. It's a great listening experience and one not to miss.
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Release Date: October 8, 2018
In the mood for something fun and sexy? Once Upon a Wild Fling is the solution! Not only can you fall for the love story between Roxy and Miles, but this audiobook also includes a bonus short story, A Little Big Rock, which was produced exclusively for audio with a full cast narration!
Take a look at this month’s selection of bestsellers now in paperback! October had a great selection of bestselling books to check out from thrilling mysteries to enthralling literary reads, and insightful biographies. Pick up these latest paperback books by bestselling authors Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Clive Cussler, Jojo Moyes, J.R. Ward, Debbie Macomber, Brandon Sanderson, and many more!
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Richard K. Morgan is the New York Times Bestselling Author of science fiction novels. His is best known for his exciting book Altered Carbon in the Takeshi Kovacs series and has recently released a new novel, Thin Air. If you are searching for some new science fiction novels. check out these books to read if you like Richard K. Morgan!
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Get all three books in the bestselling Kalelah Series by Marshall Ross. The set includes Lost Arrow, Fallen Arrow, and Jagged Arrow... Seven miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean lies the answer to humanity's oldest question. When geologist, Sarah Long, uncovers the truth, hell comes to the surface with it.
Release Date: September 22, 2018
Book two in the bestselling Third World Series... Ever since Elizabeth was captured by terrorists and infested with a strange parasite, James Fischer will stop at nothing to rescue her. When he finally finds her, he finds himself thrown into an even more dangerous mission... stopping a crazed cult leader from being immortal.
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Kiran is a young, reckless, and wild cadet at one of the most prestigious and promising educational institutions. Her sense of adventure means she's never short on stories. Some of them illegal, at times dangerous, but always exciting. Then she was kidnapped... She has been sent back to her native planet and forced to marry the toughest warrior by the law of the strong.
Release Date: October 16, 2018
The second book in the Interdependency series by New York Times Bestselling Author John Scalzi... The Interdependency is on the verge of collapse. Entire systems and human civilizations are being left stranded as the ability to travel between stars is disappearing. Emperox Grayland II is willing to take desperate measures to ensure the survival of billions.
Release Date: October 1, 2018
A one-child policy is ruthlessly enforced in a near-future United States. Everyone follows this Rule of One. Ava Goodwin is the daughter of the head of the Texas Family Planning Division. And she has a secret. A secret that her mother died to keep. She has an identical twin sister, Mira.
Release Date: October 18, 2018
In the final for his freshman year, Kaiden must take the hardest and deadliest test the Nexus Academy has ever devised. To make things worse, they have also opened it up for player-vs-player action, where even your partner can get skill points for stabbing you in the back.
