GIVEAWAY! Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Tori Scott and I are hosting a giveaway for the most awesome UNDER THE NEVER SKY by the even awesome-r Veronica Rossi! This story is going to blow minds come the new year, and we had to be a small part of promoting it. Contest is International. Leave your email in the comment. Check below the form to find out more ways to enter. Good luck!

Hardcover, US, 400 pages

Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins

Buy From Amazon Here

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Wow. This story started with a bang. The action gripped me right from the start, and then the world and characters wouldn’t let go. I was truly impressed by the originality. At first it was hard to envision the Smarteye those inside the dome wear, but being able to see it from Perry’s POV helped clarify. Normally I’m not a fan of third person narrative, as it tends to distance me from the characters. But Rossi did an amazing job bringing the reader into this world, and her writing style is clear and descriptive, making it easy to relate and sympathize with Aria and Perry.

The chaotic world under the Aether sky was brilliantly executed. Rossi created a turbulent environment that scared me and made me want to live there at the same time. The buildup between Aria and Perry was wonderful, too. I loved how their relationship began, the distrust and loathing they held for one another. It was comical at times--others passionate. I felt it was perfectly paced, and I can’t stress enough how much I adore Perry. This is an amazing story, with real, vivid characters, and one that you don’t want to miss out on.

MINIVIEW with Veronica Rossi

Sunrises or sunsets? 

Summer sunsets and winter sunrises.  

Rock or Pop, or some other crazy type of music we've never heard of? 

Glam rock. Kidding. Actually, I'm not. I do love a good 80s ballad, but I'm totally omnivorous when it comes to music. I love it all.

Name one book that no matter how many times you read it, you always cry like a baby. 

Hmm. Tough one. I reread Austen quite a bit, but I don't necessarily cry. I think the last time I teared up in a book was when Prim died in Mockingjay. That was brutal.

Make sure to check out Veronica's links to learn more about UNDER THE NEVER SKY, and like her Facebook fanpage to get a free excerpt!

Author Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Destiny's Fire Cover and New Countdown

Thank you to everyone who came out for the new cover reveal at The Story Siren's blog yesterday! I have to say, it blows my mind how many people felt this strongly. I'm in love with the new cover, and happy that this is all over. I'm ready to get back to edits and writing and a billion other things.

Here is the final cover and a spanking brand new countdown widget. I really need to start sleeping so I can stop making them. I promise. This is the last ;)

Countdown Button

I updated the Dez button countdown (revealing eye color since cover already did that ;) And for whatever reason, it's stretching it =( So here's the new code so it's not all funky looking . . . Just click the "get widget" button. Also updated the original character button for those who like fire. Cause, I like fire, too ;)

 

And because I often have insomnia and I spend way too much time with my characters . . . another button just for the fun of it. Check out the rest of the character buttons here! (Swoon-worthy boys, is of course what I meant ;)

Just Cool

Carol Oates, author of SHADES OF ATLANTIS and EMBER, sent me the sweetest email with a graphic she made for DESTINY'S FIRE. I LOVE it! The thought was so kind, and I'm reminded every day how awesome my friends are. Carol, you rock! Thank you.

Kick the Industry When it's Down

Or, take it easy guys, times are hard . . .

So, my book took a beating yesterday at its official cover reveal over at the The Story Siren's blog. I don't think I've ever seen a cover draw so much negative attention. I was (and can you blame me?) pretty torn up. Every writer puts countless time, effort, sweat, tears, and blood into their manuscript. Yes blood. It's a painful process that at times can be very rewarding. Yesterday was not one of those days for me.

The fact that I agreed with most of the comments there didn't stop me from bawling my eyes out, though. Every author has visions of what their first book's cover will be. We're dreamers. This is part of who we are. But after you release that manuscript from your arms, and it actually gets picked up, it no longer belongs to you anymore. It belongs to the readers. Destiny's Fire now belongs to every person that will ever read it. It's your baby, and as much as I want to coddle it and continue to grow it, I've let it go.

The emails and DM's I received yesterday was rewarding, however. To know that I had such an amazing support system, and that people who have read the story backed it up that much. That was awesome. Thank you, guys. Sincerely. And as angered as some people were over the situation, I have to agree that everyone has a right to their opinion. As I said, the book belongs to the readers now.

With that being said, the readers spoke, and the industry listened. Thanks to the overwhelming response, my publisher has decided to take another stab at creating a cover that fits the story and characters. I want you guys to know this. Most (frankly ALL) publishers would NOT do this. The wonderful people at Omnific Publishing care about their readership and their authors. I was overjoyed they cared this much for me and Destiny's Fire. It's amazing to have that kind of support in your corner.

Here's another tidbit. Creating the cover for DF is no easy feat. Young Adult/Steampunk/Paranormal Romance/and whatever else I tossed into the mix, is not an easy cover to design. I believe the cover artist did a great job with the Steampunk element. But truth, yes, the girl was not the best choice for Dez. However, I normally don't pay much attention to the cover girl when I'm reading a story, as I tend to create my own image from the author's description. Regardless, the DF cover would be challenging to any artist, I believe.

I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on what YOU would think would make a great cover for DF. The ARCs have gone out for the blog tour, and I know many are busy catching up on other review books . . . but based on the blurb, and maybe from some who have had a sneak peek, what do you think? Maybe a cover contest? How would you guys feel about having an awesome prize for whoever creates the best fit? Would love your thoughts on this. And thank you to everyone who spoke out (honestly) yesterday, who has had an impact on this story. I will always want to know what the readers think. Good or bad, as this grows an author and, I believe with the help of the Internet, the industry, too.