Review: Impostor by Susanne Winnacker

Impostor
by Susanne Winnacker
Published by Razorbill
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Pages: 274
Source: Razorbill and Media Masters Publicity










Can Tessa pose as Madison . . . and stop a killer before it’s too late? 

Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she’s spent the last two years training with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities, a secret branch of the FBI. When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again.

Tessa hates everything about being an impostor—the stress, the danger, the deceit—but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she’d do anything to keep. Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.

My Thoughts

I love when a book takes me by surprise and makes me rethink my opinion of a genre that I don't typically read. Impostor has done just that. I'm not particularly drawn to science fiction but the synopsis of Impostor really piqued my interest and I decided that it was a book that I must read. The opening scene grabbed my attention showing exactly how Tessa could use her ability to get out of a deathly situation and it was completely believable that I just knew that I would be able to lose myself in this story.  

Once Tessa begins impersonating Madison, the intensity of the story is immediately elevated because she doesn't waste any time trying to discover who has murdered these people in the small town. She doesn't try to ease into this new role because she must find the killer before he finds her. And the scariest part - EVERYONE is a suspect. Just as Tessa was searching for clues, I found that I was trying to figure out who the killer could be. But it isn't so easy because Tessa as Madison discovers that Madison had a lot of secrets of her own and she may not be as innocent as everyone thought.

As much as I was invested in the mystery of the story, I was also interested in the familial aspect of Tessa as Madison and how she was going to fit into this family who was going through a traumatic situation without giving herself away. Tessa knew what really happened to Madison and had to deal with the guilt that she felt while she was actively lying to them. They showed her (as Madison) love and compassion that she never really received from her own family. Reading these passages of the story took me out of the science fiction realm which I think contributed to why I liked reading this book so much.  

There are many layers to Impostor that are clearly a set up for the continuation of a series. Usually I find this somewhat distracting because I will try to figure out where that will lead the plot line. Yet even with all of the foreshadowing, this story feels complete on its own and doesn't end with a cliffhanger. 

Impostor is a thrilling read - full of danger, suspense, horror, and a little bit of romance (because you can't leave that out). If this is science fiction, then give me more please. I can't wait for the next book!!
 
Disclaimer: I received this book from Media Masters Publicity in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Unexpected Forever (Teaser #3) by Heidi McLaughlin

On Friday readers finally got to see the cover of My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin. Here it is again because I can't get enough of it. 

I like the two  images and how the one of Harrison in the foreground shows that this is his story and weight of what his future may be. And how the one in the background alludes to the HEA.

And now to share another teaser of My Unexpected Forever.

Teaser #3

I turn off the water and pull the shower curtain back. I step out onto Quinn’s white mat that turns red when it’s wet. It makes it look like you’re bleeding. He likes it. Thinks it’s funny to scare people with. I put my towel over my head and rub my hands back and forth to dry my hair.

When the door swings open, I peek through the small opening of my towel. Katelyn is staring back at me, her mouth dropping open as her eyes travel down my very wet and naked body.

“Oh fuck,” she says covering her mouth, but not her eyes. She’s totally checking me out and I’d be an idiot to say it’s not turning me on. I take my time as I step into my sweatpants that no longer tie and hang low on my waist. Yeah, I know what I’m doing. It’s time to play dirty.

“Um…” I start laughing.

“I’m sorry…” Katelyn shakes her head, breaking eye contact with me. “I spilled my coffee and Quinn said you were in the shower-- ”

“So you just had to come in and see for yourself?”

“No… um… the uh… upstairs.”

I step forward, pulling her slightly so I can shut the door and lock it. I turn up the volume on my mp3 player so the kids can’t hear us talk. “My shower is being remodeled so I had to use Quinn’s.”

“Makes sense.”

“Why didn’t you run out of here when you saw me?” I ask just loud enough for her to hear me.

“I don’t know,” she whispers, her eyes penetrating into mine. I can’t take it anymore. I lean back against the counter and pull her between my legs.

Need more of Harrison and Katelyn? 
Check out the first two teasers of My Unexpected Forever.

Teaser #1

Teaser #2

Lost in You - Out Now!

Forever My Girl - The Beaumont Series #1 

My Everything - A Beaumont Series Novella

My Unexpected Forever - The Beaumont Series #2 - September 1, 2012

A USA Today Best Selling Author

An Amazon Best Seller

A Barnes and Noble Best Seller

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

        

Please follow me on Bloglovin' - hope it's not too late!!

I'm usually not one to wait until the absolute last minute to get things done, but that is what has happened. About a month ago I added the Bloglovin' widget to my blog, but I didn't post about it, but I meant too. Now that GoogleReader is going away I ask my readers continue to follow me via BlogLovin'. Just click the link below. I'll thank you lots for it!!! 

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

THANK YOU!!!!

Cover Reveal: My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

Heidi McLaughlin has given her readers a couple of teasers for My Unexpected Forever but today is THE DAY. We finally get to see the cover. Well . . . . . I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek. And I'm not ashamed to say that there were a few tears.The back cover really got me. I cannot wait to read Harrison and Katelyn's story. And now  . . .

THE COVER

ebook

Expected publication: September 2, 2013

I expected a life of music.
I expected to raise my son.

It took one look to make everything change.
I never expected happiness.
I never expected to find her.
I never expected to feel desire.
I never expected I’d be a family man.
I never expected to be loved.
I never expected to fall in love.
They say you should expect the unexpected. I didn’t realize my unexpected would be the forever kind.

Get the countdown widget below

http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/countdown-pro/my-unexpected-forever

Heidi McLaughling is offering My Unexpected Forever up for pre-buy for those attending the Naughty Mafia Rocks Vegas 2013. Pre-buy: http://bit.ly/11JRWEP

Pre-buy My Unexpected Forever for August delivery: http://heidimclaughlin.com/buy-books/

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling novel, Forever My Girl.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook | Blog 

And if you missed them, check these out!!!

Teaser #1

Teaser #2

Lost in You - Out Now!

Forever My Girl - The Beaumont Series #1 

My Everything - A Beaumont Series Novella

My Unexpected Forever - The Beaumont Series #2 - September 1, 2012

A USA Today Best Selling Author

An Amazon Best Seller

A Barnes and Noble Best Seller

 

        

Giveaway: Absent by Katie Williams

Absent

by Katie Williams

Published by Chronicle Books

Publication Date: May 21, 2013

Pages: 184

Ages: 14 & up

When seventeen-year-old Paige dies in a freak fall from the roof during Physics class, her spirit is bound to the grounds of her high school. At least she has company: her fellow ghosts Evan and Brooke, who also died there. But when Paige hears the rumor that her death wasn't an accident--that she supposedly jumped on purpose--she can't bear it. Then Paige discovers something amazing. She can possess living people when they think of her, and she can make them do almost anything. Maybe, just maybe, she can get to the most popular girl in school and stop the rumors once and for all.

I recently finished Absent and let me say that it is a book that everyone definitely should read. Katie Williams takes a ghost story and twists it all around, leaving the reader (yes me) wondering - did that really just happen? I'll have my review posted next week. Check out some early praise below and then enter my giveaway.

“Sharp, poignant narration will keep readers engaged and entertained.”—Publishers Weekly

"A thriller... which leads to an unexpectedly transcendent and moving finale.” —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be engrossed until the very end"—School Library Journal

“Compelling combination of ghost story, mystery, and unconventional romance.” —The Horn Book Magazine 

"A suspenseful mystery that sneaks up on you." —Booklist Online

Katie signing copies of Absent for the giveaway

Giveaway Details:

Must be 18 years or older to enter

Enter via Rafflecopter 

one winner will be selected

prize provided Chronicle Books 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thank you Chronicle Books for providing this wonderful book for the giveaway. 
Make sure to stop by the other blogs participating in the Absent Blog Tour.

Yesterday's Stop: Bananas for Books
Tomorrow's Stop: YA Book Shelf

Bookstore Memories and writing A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger

A Trick of the Light
By Lois Metzger
Published by Balzer + Bray
Hardcover: 208 pages
Available: June 18, 2013
 

Description
Mike Welles had everything under control.

He was a good student, an outfielder on the baseball team, a good son, a loyal friend. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they're getting confusing at school. He's losing his sense of direction, and he feels like a mess.

Then there's a voice in his head. A friend, trying to help him regain control. More than that: The voice can guide him to become better and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.

Writing with devastating power and precision, acclaimed author Lois Metzger gives us the story of one young man's battle with his own shadows -- a spare, stark, and vital tale of the way in which the things we build to protect ourselves can threaten to destroy us.

 A Trick of the Light is out today and I am honored to host author Lois Metzger on my blog. When I asked her to share her favorite bookstore memory from the perspective as a reader or a writer, she shared that they don't necessarily have to be separate. 

Welcome Lois Metzger!!

It was the year after college. I was living on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, California, working as a "temp," which meant I got sent out on a new office job every few days. Mostly I was a typist, but I also filed, ran errands, answered phones, took messages.

On my block on Telegraph Avenue, there was a Laundromat I went to regularly and, right next to it, a tiny science-fiction bookstore I would linger in while the clothes were spinning. It was basically a narrow horseshoe-shaped hall with books floor to ceiling; you just made your way down one aisle and came back up the other way. There were ancient issues of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Astounding, Galaxy, and anthologies such as Harlan Ellison's Dangerous Visions, and musty old paperbacks, some of them Ace Doubles, which meant you could read an entire novel, flip the book over, and then read another novel. I don't even remember that store's name but it had a profound effect on me.

Now, I'm a science-fiction fan from way back. My junior year at the State University of New York at Buffalo, my writing teacher was the legendary SF (please, never sci-fi) writer Samuel R. Delany. He asked me if I'd ever heard of the Clarion Writers' Workshop, which was just for science-fiction writers. I said no. He told me to go there. So I did, for six weeks during the summer of 1975, at the campus of Michigan State University, in East Lansing. A new teacher came every week (my year, there were Samuel R. Delany, Joe Haldeman, Gene Wolfe, Roger Zelazny, and the final two weeks were co-taught by married writers Kate Wilhelm and Damon Knight). My classmates included Robert Crais, Kim Stanley Robinson, and Gregory Frost, who've gone on to great things (and I'm very proud and happy to say we are still friends after all these years). I also wound up living with Kate and Damon briefly; they had a bunch of kids from previous marriages and I always felt like one of them.

So for years I read a lot of science fiction, and wrote a lot of science fiction, but there was one writer who always scared me: Philip K. Dick. I thought he would be too "out there" for me, that his alternate worlds and shifting realities would make my head hurt.

One day, while doing laundry, I headed into that tiny SF bookstore. This time, at the end of the narrow hall, I picked up an almost-crumbling issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction. There was a short story called "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." Wonderful title. And it was by Philip K. Dick. I bit the bullet, stood there and read it.

Okay, I was hooked. It was so imaginative, and funny, and had so twists and turns -- a bit dizzying, but it didn't make my head hurt. It has to do with implanted memories, and suppressed memories, and people who are not who they say they are. That story, later the basis for the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Total Recall and the Colin Farrell 2012 remake of the same title, has inspired me to this day.

My new book, A Trick of the Light, is about a 15-year-old boy, Mike Welles, who develops an eating disorder. He has a voice in his head. This voice urges him on to destructive behavior. It tells him not to eat when he is famished. It tells him to exercise when he is exhausted. It tells him to reject the people who love him, because they are not trustworthy. This voice is the narrator of the book.

When I started writing A Trick of the Light, it was a more conventional narrative. Mike, from the beginning, had a voice in his head, which interrupted his thoughts and actions, but Mike told his own story. As the novel deepened and got more complicated, the voice became more of a presence and took up more "air time." Finally, in one of many rewrites, it became the narrator.

It occurred to me that this was kind of strange, to have the voice in someone's head be the narrator of a book. But I had read a lot of Philip K. Dick by then, including what's now my favorite of his, Time Out of Joint, about a man living in a totally fake environment (though it appears to be an ordinary, dull-as-dishwater suburb), surrounded by people who are all "in on it." So I figured, strange is okay. Strange is good. Strange is what makes the alternate world go round. I had found the way to tell Mike's story.

© 2013 Lois Metzger, author of A Trick of the Light

Author Bio
Lois Metzger, author of A Trick of the Light, was born in Queens and has always written for young adults. She is the author of three previous novels and two nonfiction books about the Holocaust, and she has edited five anthologies. Her short stories have appeared in collections all over the world. Her writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Nation, and Harper's Bazaar. She lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and son.

For more information please visit http://www.loismetzger.com, and follow the author on Facebook

It was a Good Week in Books (2)

Bookish things that grabbed my attention this week:

• Super Pop! by Daniel Harmon Blog Tour is going strong. I shared my Top 7 Favorite Super Pop Top Ten Lists. One of my favorite posts from the tour so far is at Dear Teen Me and not just because of Daniel Harmon's use of Venn diagrams.
• The Unnaturalists author Tiffany Trent revealed the cover of her upcoming follow-up THE TINKER KING - available February 11, 2014.
• There was the cover reveal of The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe. I didn't even know she had a new book coming out anytime soon so this was a wonderful surprise.

 And if that was enough:

• Lauren Oliver shared a video announcement about her upcoming YA novel, PANIC - "it's super secret".
• Kate of Kate's Tales of Books and Bands is organizing Jennifer Echols Week: July 9th - 16th. Just in time for her upcoming novel Dirty Little Secret (available July 16th). I'm a fan of Jennifer Echols (Endless Summer is one of my favorites) and signed up to participate.

Other happenings:

•  I received my copy of Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham which I hope to read in time for The Broke and the Bookish Book Club. On Tuesday, I received a copy that looked like this: 
  
  By Friday I'd already received my replacement copy that is in perfect condition.
• I added Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend by Becca Ann to my TBR list after finding it at JennReneeRead blog. If it is anything like Kody Keplinger's The DUFF (which I wouldn't be surprised if it was inspired by it) - then I'm sure that it will be a funny and entertaining read.