Free ebook : Run to You Part 1 by Clara Kensie (US only)

Run to You Part 1: First Sight is currently free at the Harlequin store. It's not available to UK customers so I assume it's US only. (It's is £1.19 UK Kindle, £1.99 Kobo).

Part One in the riveting romantic thriller about a family on the run from a deadly past, and a first love that will transcend secrets, lies and danger…

Sarah Spencer has a secret: her real name is Tessa Carson, and to stay alive, she can tell no one the truth about her psychically gifted family and the danger they are running from. As the new girl in the latest of countless schools, she also runs from her attraction to Tristan Walker—after all, she can't even tell him her real name. But Tristan won't be put off by a few secrets. Not even dangerous ones that might rip Tessa from his arms before they even kiss…

Review: True Fire by Gary Meehan

True Fire by Gary Meehan (April 2014, Quercus, ISBN: 1782069135)

Notes: The following review is written by Amanda Gillies who reviews crime fiction on my Euro Crime website. You can read  her crime reviews here and her YA reviews here.

Review: This book is simply glorious! A wonderful adventure and a real fight of good against bad, TRUE FIRE is the first in an exciting new YA trilogy and tells the story of Megan, who loses her home and her family when she is only 16. Not knowing where she can turn for help, or even who to trust, as things are not always as they seem, Megan sets out to discover why her village was destroyed around her and to also rescue her twin sister from her kidnappers. What she finds out casts a shadow on everything she has ever known and believed in. Her society’s priests and revered religion might not be the truth after all. And what about the dreaded witches? They came and destroyed the land once before, burning everything and killing millions of people. Now the witches are on the move again and the land is heading towards more bloodshed. Megan must learn to be brave in order to survive. She must also learn how to use her sword to defend herself, and others, as she finds out exactly why she is at the centre of what will turn out to be the worst war that her land has ever known.

As well as being a gripping story, TRUE FIRE is about an ordinary girl. Although the story is about witches, there are no magic powers in the air. Megan has to use her wits and guts, not spells and second sight, to keep herself alive. She is scared and unsure of what to do, as well as devastated by the violent death of her grandfather. The reader is able to identify with Megan and you end up willing her along, cheering when she manages to use her sword properly and being really relieved when she escapes from the foe.

If you like reading adventures that have ordinary people as the heroes then you are going to love this story. The ending is dramatic as well as bitter sweet. I can’t wait for the release of the second book in the trilogy so that I can find out what happens next!

Highly Recommended.

Amanda Gillies

Harry Potter Short Story

News of a Harry Potter short story, set when the gang's in their thirties.

Can’t get enough of Harry Potter? Then this is for you. Since March, best-selling author J. K. Rowling has been writing original stories about the imaginary 2014 Quidditch World Cup Finals for Pottermore, the online home for the world of Harry Potter.

Rowling shared her latest Pottermore.com story exclusively with TODAY.com. Written in the voice of the fictional Daily Prophet's gossip correspondent Rita Skeeter, this post centers around the reunion of Harry Potter and his friends at the Quidditch World Cup Finals.

Read the short story at Today.com

Wells & Wong Short Story by Robin Stevens

Over on We Love This Book, you can read a free short story by Robin Stevens: The Case of Lavinia's Missing Tie, which is set before Murder Most Unladylike (out now).

Read it here.

Free Audio Book: All Our Yesterdays

Sync are offering two free audio books per week over the summer. You only get a week to download them but then they can be played at any time afterwards. This week's selection is available from June 5 – June 11 and includes:

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
By Cristin Terrill
Read by Meredith Mitchell
Published by Tantor Audio

This audiobook is only available in the US and Canada.

Description:

From Cristin Terrill, a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice. “You have to kill him.” Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain. Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present–imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called “the doctor” while war rages outside. Marina has loved her best friend, James, since they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. Em and Marina are in a race against time that only one of them can win.

Download All Our Yesterdays here.

Free ebook: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Rachel Caine's Glass Houses is currently free on UK Kindle. (I think it might also be free on iTunes.)

WELCOME TO MORGANVILLE. JUST DON’T STAY OUT AFTER DARK.

Morganville is a small town filled with unusual characters – when the sun goes down, the bad come out. In Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows – one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

For Claire Danvers, high school was hell, but college may be murder. It was bad enough that she got on the wrong side of Monica, the meanest of the school’s mean girls, but now she’s got three new roommates, who all have secrets of their own. And the biggest secret of all isn’t really a secret, except from Claire: Morganville is run by vampires, and they are hungry for fresh blood…

Free ebook: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Julie Kagawa's The Immortal Rules is currently free on UK Kindle.

My Vampire Creator Told Me This: ‘Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being.

The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?’ I didn't then, not really.

I DO NOW.

Free ebook: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Richelle Mead's Bloodlines is currently free on UK Kindle.

The first book in Richelle Mead's bestselling Bloodlines series, set in the world of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series - NOW A MAJOR FILM. A pulse-pounding world of magic, alchemy, vampires and true love awaits . . .

Sydney protects vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.

But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.

The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one . . .

In addition this week Amazon had a sale on selected children's and teen titles.

Free E-Novella: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer is currently free on UK Kindle and at Kobo.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn't have much power. That's okay-she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He's an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily's family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily's family doesn't just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

Elemental is a prequel to the Elementals series which begins with Storm. Storm has been out in the US for a while but gets its UK release on 17 April.

Divergent Freebies on Kindle

Inside Divergent - The Initiate's World is currently free on UK Kindle.

Illustrated with more than 100 photographs – many never before seen – this eye-catching volume takes you inside the film version of Divergent where you'll discover the factions, meet the initiates and enter the thrilling dystopian world.

Follow the journey from the aptitude test to the Choosing Day Ceremony; then fall into the Dauntless Pit and witness the rigours of life in the Dauntless compound. 

INSIDE DIVERGENT is a thrilling glimpse into the initiate’s world.



I mentioned a while ago that Veronica Roth's Free Four was free for

Kobo and it is now also available for free on UK Kindle.

Fans of the Divergent series by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled by this short story told from Four’s perspective.

This brief story explores the world of the Divergent series through the eyes of the mysterious but charismatic Tobias Eaton, revealing previously unknown facets of his personality, backstory and relationships.

Hot Key buy E Lockhart's We Were Liars

From Book Trade, news of a UK publishing deal for E Lockhart's We Were Liars:

Emma Matthewson, Editor-at-Large at Hot Key Books, has acquired UK and Ireland rights in National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart's YA novel WE WERE LIARS.

The book is already hotly anticipated in the industry as one of the top titles for 2014, and Hot Key Books will publish on 15 May, within days of Delacorte USA. They aim to make this one of the most talked about global launches of the year.

Described as: 'Thrilling, beautiful, and blisteringly smart ... utterly unforgettable' by John Green, WE WERE LIARS is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel that follows the tragic destruction of a wealthy, privileged family in New England.

A major sales and marketing campaign will support publication, including mailing out proof copies which are being produced within a week from the book's acquisition, as well as a big trade buzz-building campaign, including a dedicated helpline that booksellers can call to talk about the ending. The consumer launch will include a 'live read' on Twitter using the hashtag #wewereliars where readers will be asked to tweet as they read, plus blogger and vlogger outreach, promoting the global tumblr site wewereliars.tumblr.com and 'takeovers' on key consumer websites.

Sarah Odedina, Managing Director, says: 'Everyone at Hot Key Books is so excited and energised by having this breathtaking book on the list. It is a one-sitting heart-pounding read. It is quite simply unique and we know we are going to have a spectacular time bringing it to the attention of readers.'

Publishing Deal - Abbie Rushton

From today's The Bookseller, Abbie Rushton's debut, Unspeakable has been bought by Little, Brown and will appear under the Atom imprint:

Unspeakable tells the story of a the relationship between Megan, who hasn’t spoken for a year, and Jasmine, a new girl at Megan’s school.

Atom said it is committed to publishing important YA novels that deal with a range of contemporary and challenging issues, and Unspeakable tackles the themes of selective mutism and same-sex teen relationships.

“When I started to read Unspeakable I was gripped; by the time I had finished I was certain I'd found a fantastic new voice for UK YA,” said Agar [commissioning editor at Atom]. “The writing draws you in immediately and difficult topics are handled with ease. Unspeakable is a thriller, certainly, but it's the assured handling of first love and complicated friendships in this debut that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.”

Free Ebooks from Sainsbury's (J Wilson & J Patterson)

It was announced in The Bookseller yesterday that Sainsbury's are giving away some ebooks by Jacqueline Wilson and James Patterson when you buy own-brand cereal:

E-books by Sainsbury’s has teamed up with Penguin Random House to give away “millions” of free copies of Jacqueline Wilson and James Patterson e-books, in a promotion planned to last two years.

The supermarket's e-book arm is offering children the opportunity to download a free copy of Wilson’s Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather (Random House Children's Books) and Patterson’s Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life and I Funny (Arrow) when they buy any packet of Sainsbury’s own-brand cereal from today (29th January).

Customers can enter the unique voucher code, or scan the QR code displayed on the cereal packet at www.sainsburysebooks.co.uk to download the book to a tablet or smartphone.

Shout Magazine - Free Book

The current issue (518) of Shout magazine comes with a free copy of Ask Amy Green: Love And Other Drama-Ramas by Sarah Webb:

Free Kindle book: My Soul to Take

I've only just noticed that Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take is currently free on UK Kindle.

This is the first in the Soul Screamers series and I reviewed it when it was released in the UK in 2011.

Free ebook (short story) from Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth's Free Four, a short story set in the Divergent world is currently free as an ebook at Kobo and Sainsburys (ie epub). It's 49p at amazon.co.uk at the moment.

Fans of the Divergent series by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled by the knife-throwing scene from Divergent, now told from Four’s perspective. This brief story explores the world of the Divergent series through the eyes of the mysterious but charismatic Tobias Eaton, revealing previously unknown facets of his personality, backstory and relationships.

Publishing Deal - Holly Smale

A new publishing deal was announced yesterday for Holly Smale:

Roald Dahl Funny Prize finalist Holly Smale, the author of the biggest children's debut of 2013, GEEK GIRL, has signed a new three-book world rights deal with HarperCollins. Negotiated by Elizabeth Clifford, Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins Children's Books,  this new deal sees Holly's publishing extending to six titles.

The GEEK GIRL series champions loveable self confessed geek Harriet Manners as she struggles to navigate the glamorous yet ridiculous world of fashion. 

The best in the business at launching home-grown talent, HarperCollins Children's Books has seen GEEK GIRL off to a flying start. This trendsetting debut coined a new sub-genre 'clean teen' in the children's market. 

First published in March, GEEK GIRL is 2013's highest-selling UK debut in the children's and teen market. The hotly anticipated sequel , MODEL MISFIT, followed in October and series sales in the UK total over 100,000 copies.

Elizabeth Clifford said, "Holly has conquered the market with her fresh funny 'clean teen' series and looks set to dominate the charts for many years to come. I'm absolutely thrilled to sign up more GEEK GIRL books with the brilliant Holly Smale."  

Read the whole article at Book 2 Book.

Review: Lawless by Jeffrey Salane

Lawless by Jeffrey Salane (May 2013, Piccadilly Press, ISBN: 1848123213)

Twelve-year-old M Freeman has been home-schooled up until now but is then sent on an interview to the secretive Lawless school. She passes the interview and is immediately thrown into a new life. She barely has time to say goodbye to her mum (her father having died in a plane accident) and home before being whisked away in a limousine with her “guardian”, a teenager called Zara.

The journey to the Lawless School is very eventful and introduces M to the concept of the Fulbrights – a group opposed to Lawless and who attack the pupils at every opportunity.

After a headlining-grabbing few days, M settles down to learn along with her small group of friends. But Lawless is not just a private school, it's a private school for offspring of criminals who want to keep the family business going. This is all news to M but she soon feels at home and wants to learn about her mysterious father who is well known at Lawless.

Thus begins a twisty adventure tale with M not knowing whom she can trust, including Zara and one of the teachers - Miss Watts - who had been close to M's father. The school setting gets left behind as M runs her first heist - in Europe – and it's action all the way, the ending leaving you wanting more.

Lawless is billed as book one so I hope there's a sequel as there are many loose ends*. M is a resourceful, clever main character – perhaps too clever for her years – and the villains a bit megalomaniacal, but this was a fun read and with no bad language or even romance this is a suitable read for younger teens and below.

*breaking news - Justice is out in April 2014.

Kobo Offer on Catching Fire

Kobo has a deal on Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins at the moment.

Currently £2.84 but with the code CATCHINGFIRE75 it's just 71p.

This offer ends on 27 November.

Review: A Double Helping of the Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger

The Secret of the Fortune Wookie by Tom Angleberger (Sep. 2012, Amulet Books, ISBN: 1419705172) &
The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett by Tom Angleberger (Sep. 2013, Amulet Books, ISBN: 1419710451)

Review: After finishing a very downbeat Scandinavian crime novel I decided I needed something light and funny to read and fortunately I had The Secret of the Fortune Wookie and The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett, books three and four in the Origami Yoda series in my library book tbr.

As with the previous two, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda and Darth Paper Strikes Back they take the form of case files ie lots of short chapters from different pupils at McQuarrie Middle School collated by Tommy and annotated/doodled on by Harvey and Kellen.

With the absence of Dwight and his Origami Yoda it's Sara's turn to dispense Jedi wisdom via her Fortune Wookie and the case file is, is the Wookie as good as Yoda? Also what is happening with Dwight? He's at a new school and has had a personality transplant to a “normal” person but is he happy? And will he come back to McQuarrie after he's served his suspension?

In Jabba, rather than one finger puppet, many required are they, as the gang, form the origami rebel alliance to bring down the evil empire of FunTime, a new and tedious learning programme brought in to improve their test scores which has replaced all their non-academic modules such as drama and robot making. Each of the contributors to the case file has their own origami figure puppet – Tommy has Foldy-Wan Kenobi – and all must recruit more of their fellow pupils to the cause.

I really enjoyed these two books, they make me smile. I now feel I'm getting to know the individuals – Sara, Tommy, Kellen, Harvey, Dwight and more who contribute to the case files. I love the Star Wars theme and there are lots of clever doodles in the margin. The gang have to face a serious problem in Jabba and it's not resolved yet; I'll have to wait until next year's Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue to find out if they succeed.

Also available is Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling which shows you how to make many of the origami finger puppets and doodles and much more. It also comes with some coloured sheets of paper in it.