An Intense Emotion Filled Ride // REVIEW: Life In A Fishbowl by Len Vlahos

Title: Life In A Fishbowl
Author: Len Vlahos
Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Part of a Series?: No, A Standalone
I Got A Copy Through: Bloomsbury India (THANK YOU!)
Buy Links: Amazon IN || Amazon US || Amazon UK || Wordery || Barnes and Noble || Google Play Store || Infibeam || The Book Depository || Kobo

Blurb Description: Fifteen-year-old Jackie Stone is a prisoner in her own house. Everything she says and does 24/7 is being taped and broadcast to every television in America. Why? Because her dad is dying of a brain tumor and he has auctioned his life on eBay to the highest bidder: a ruthless TV reality show executive at ATN.
Gone is her mom's attention and cooking and parent-teacher conferences. Gone is her sister's trust ever since she's been dazzled by the cameras and new-found infamy. Gone is her privacy. Gone is the whole family's dignity as ATN twists their words and makes a public mockery of their lives on Life and Death. But most of all, Jackie fears that one day very soon her father will just be . . . gone. Armed only with her ingenuity and the power of the internet, Jackie is determined to end the show and reclaim all of their lives, even in death.
Told through multiple points of view--including her dad's tumor--acclaimed author Len Vlahos deftly explores what it really means to live in this brilliantly written tragicomedy.

A terminal cancer patient SELLING his life to the highest bidder? 

And that bidder is a television network that intends to make a reality TV show about his death? 

SIGN ME UP.

When I heard about this books from the lovely people at Bloomsbury, I knew that I had to have it. 

And now, about half an hour after I finished, I'm... Befuddled? A mix of emotions I can't decipher? And I can't tell if I'm in love with this book, or just wish it was more. 

Jared Stone was a normal man. A part time graphic designer and part life longish father two two teenage daughter, his life was perfectly normal. Until, that is, he finds out about the high grade multiforme glioblastoma growing in his brain that has given him only three months left to live. 

And so, to ensure that his family will be well provided for without him there, he puts up his life for sale on eBay which gains the attention of a cyber-savvy nun, a billionaire looking for anything that will give him a high, people trying to help and a TV network. 

Soon, the Stone household is infested with cameras, crew, producers, directors and the eyes of millions of Americans all of whom are trying to watch a man fade from all that he is into nothing. 

Told in multiple points of view - Jared Stone, Sherman Kingsborough (the billionaire), Sister Benedict, Ethan Overbee (the producer) Deirdre, Jackie and Megan Stone and the tumor, Life in a Fishbowl is one roller coaster that will leave you a blubbering bundle of emotions.

While the book started off rather lightly, switching between viewpoints so fast I could barely keep up or feel anything for the characters, I soon got used to it, and the book was an intense portrayal of loss in the eye of the camera. One of the things I REALLY LOVED was that Jared's TUMOR had its own viewpoint that was actually quite unique and interesting.

The only part of the book I didn't understand was the lack of focus on the emotional ending. All we really heard about the Stone family's decisions was that they cried. And then they cried some more, but there was NOTHING else, and I wish there had been. 

I also sort of felt bad for the crew and the network? I've seen the show UnReal and I realise that what they were trying to do makes for good TV, but the family did sign a contract and well, I guess that since there was SO MUCH going on REBELLING against the network just didn’t seem really realistic. After all, CONTRACTS are BINDING?

All in all, it was a very unique book that was emotion filled that is DEFINITELY worth a read. 4 stars.

My first novel, The Scar Boys -- it's labeled as Young Adult, but I've never really liked labels -- published January 2014. It is, not surprisingly, a rock and roll coming of age story. No vampires or dystopian future, just a messed up boy and his guitar. (I have nothing against vampires or dystopian futures. I loved The Passage, The Hunger Games, and The Road.)
Scar Girl, the continuation of The Scar Boys' story, is due out from Egmont USA in fall 2015. 
I live in Connecticut with my super awesome wife Kristen, and our six year old son Charlie, and three and a half year old son, Luke, and I spend my days working at a small book industry non profit. 

What was the last "Reality TV" show that you watched? Are you a reality TV person, a documentary person or a fictitious TV watcher?

What was the last book on cancer that you read?

What do you think of Life In A Fishbowl? 

MORE PLEASE. NOW. // REVIEW: ReMade Season 1 Episodes 14 and 15

Titles: The Slow Fade (ReMade Season 1 Episode 14)
Author: Matthew Cody
Publication Date: December 14th 2016
Publisher: Serial Box Publishing
Part of a Series?: Yes, Episode 14/15 of ReMade Season 1
I Got A Copy Through: The Publisher (THANK YOU!)

Buy Links: Episodes are available in text and audio and can be enjoyed through the Serial Box App, at SerialBox.com, or wherever eBooks are sold.

Blurb Description: 
You live. You love. You Die. Now RUN. ReMade is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that will take readers past the boundaries of time, space, and even death.

This is the 14th episode of ReMade, a 15-episode serial from Serial Box Publishing. This episode was written by Matthew Cody.

After a long journey with many trials and tribulations, the teens had finally started to think they’d found someplace to call home. Little did they know the city of Arcadia was also someone. When she finally makes contact, it’s with a grim request – and how the group responds will have major consequences.

ReMade Season One: In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it’s not just because they all happen to die. “ReMade” in a world they barely recognize – one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle – they must work together to survive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they might be the last people on earth. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this exciting serial adventure. 

Titles:  The End Of The Beginning (ReMade Season 1 Episode 15)
Author: Kiersten White
Publication Date: December 21th 2016
Publisher: Serial Box Publishing
Part of a Series?: Yes, Episode 15/15 of ReMade Season 1
I Got A Copy Through: The Publisher (THANK YOU!)

Buy Links: Episodes are available in text and audio and can be enjoyed through the Serial Box App, at SerialBox.com, or wherever eBooks are sold.

Blurb Description: 
You live. You love. You Die. Now RUN. ReMade is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that will take readers past the boundaries of time, space, and even death.

This is the 15th episode of ReMade, a 15-episode serial from Serial Box Publishing. This episode was written by Kiersten White.

Things move quickly after Holden initiates the shutdown sequence of Arcadia. Questions swirl as they grab supplies and hurry to stay ahead of the oncoming caretakers whose circuitry seems programmed to kill. With danger closing in, the time has come to run. True, they have a map – though to what they aren’t quite sure. 

ReMade Season One: In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it’s not just because they all happen to die. “ReMade” in a world they barely recognize – one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle – they must work together to survive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they might be the last people on earth. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this exciting serial adventure.

 Season One will unfold across 15 episodes beginning September 14^th, with a new installment dropping every Wednesday until the season finale on December 21^st. Jump into this digital serial, available in both text and audio, and find out what the future of fiction holds.

Before you start this review, you should download you FREE copy of Book One in this AWESOME season here.

Or, you can read my review of Episode 1, Shadows and Dreams, written by Matthew Cody here,  Episode two, Hungry by Andrea Philips here, Episode Three, Home, Perilious Home here, Episode 4, The Most Dangerous Game here Episode 5, Umta here, Episode 6, Reality No-Show here, Episode 7, Mourning Train here, Episode 8, End Of The Line here Episode 9, Whiteout here, Episode 10, Mirror Of Fate here, Episode 11, We're Dead In This Ghost Town here and Episode 12, Modern History, here and Episode 13, Memories of Arcadia, here.

Let's be honest, I'm only a one little bookdragon who would gladly die under the weight of her TBR Pile and who has NO SELF CONTROL when it comes to books. So, it doesn't come as a surprise to me (and it probably to you as well) when I say that well, I binge read through these last two #ReMade episodes SO FAST, I have no idea how to differentiate the both of them.

Hence, the joint review.

I started this series out in September when it released after the lovely people over at Serial Box Publishing, asked me to read and review it on here. WELL, HOW COULD I RESIST? Book EPISODES? That's like my two favourite pass times COMBINED!

Both of these Episodes were WOAH. Fast paced, intense and filled with this FEAR coursing through you, wondering what would happen to the teens, whether they would be attacked by the caretakers, would they leave the city, if they did, would they even make it out? BASICALLY, THERE WERE A LOT OF QUESTIONS. And while we got the answers, ReMade ends of a HUGE cliffhanger that will leave you DYING for season two.

Oh, and also, a PARTICULAR PERSON that I loved dies (no spoilers) and my HEART IS BROKEN. I don't think I've quite processed it, because it happened in the final scene, but DAMN this character was one of the BEST. *cries*

All in all, this is one series DEFINITELY  worth immersing yourself into, especially if Dystopian Societies, Survival and The Maze Runner are your thing!

 ReMade is a serial presented episodically in 15 parts by Serial Box Publishing.

In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it’s not just because they all happen to die.  Remade in a world they barely recognize – one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle – they must work together to solve the mystery and stay alive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they are our only hope. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this thrilling serial that combines contemporary YA with classic Science Fiction to fling you headfirst into adventure.

Matthew Cody hails from St. Louis and holds a Master’s Degree in Theater from the University of Alabama with a focus on Shakespeare. He is a graduate of the Clarion Writers Workshop and currently resides New York City with his family. His published works include the award-winning Powerless and The Supers of Noble's Green series, the Robin Hood re-imaging Will in Scarlet, and his current series The Secrets of the Pied Piper. MatthewCody.com. @Matthew_Cody.

 

Kiersten White is the NYT bestselling author of the Paranormalcy trilogy, the Mind Games series, Illusions of Fate, The Chaos of Stars, In the Shadows with artist Jim Di Bartolo, and the upcoming historical reimagining, And I Darken. She has one tall husband and three small children and lives near the ocean, where her life is perfectly normal. She also gives the world’s most awkward hugs. kierstenwhite.com. @KierstenWhite.

Serial Box produces and publishes fiction serials, blending story production and distribution practices from television, book publishing and narrative podcasting. These team-written original serials span a range of genres including sci fi / fantasy, espionage, contemporary and historical drama, post-apocalyptic, etc. Serial Box delivers episodes to fans’ digital devices every Wednesday over the course of 13-16 week seasons. Each episode is available in ebook and audio and takes about 40 minutes to enjoy. Learn more at Serial Box.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and our blog. 

Have you heard of Serial Box Publishing? What do you think of Episode Books, and would you read them? 

Do you like The Maze Runner? What is YOUR favourite Dystopian Book?

Stacking The Shelves #24 - The One Where I Sort-Of Broke My Book-Buying Ban

Hi Everyone!
Last Sunday, my WONDERFUL Friends decided to come home and well, surprise me for my birthday (which went away three months ago. #punctuality) and for my "birthday" gift, they gave me an Amazon Gift Card. 

While I do appreciate the thought, I waited three months for an OH SO THOUGHTFUL... Gift Card? I guess I'm just wishing they TRIED MORE, but well, I got to buy books while I only SORT OF broke my ban?

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by the bloggers at Tynga's Reviews and over the last week, I bought:

BOUGHT:

1. One by Sarah Crossan:
I'm absolutely in LOVE with the way this sounds - conjoined sisters and the lives they lead. I've heard that this book will break my heart and that I will never read a book like this and so I HAD TO OWN IT. 

REALLY REALLY hoping it lives up to the hype.

2. The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot:

There was an AWESOME sale on Amazon where all these books were for about 140 rupees (around $2) for paperbacks and ACK. Which self-respecting bookworm could EVER pass up on a deal like that?

I also recently read Book 4 in The Boy series, The Boy Is Back, which I LOVED and I knew I needed to own the rest of it. 

3. Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

This was ALSO a $2 deal and ACK. I adore all Meg Cabot books- they're such light, easy reads and WHO can pass them up. 

I have a vague recollection of reading this book when I was twelve, but then I don't think I understood ANYTHING, so hopefully soon, I'll be giving it a read.

4. Every Boy's Got One by Meg Cabot:

Same as above, except I think that this one sounds THE BEST of all. I absolutely love cynic-y boys and this one has exactly that.

SURPRISE MAIL:

So, my best friend moved away to do his Undergrad in the US which was super sad, until I realized I could send all kings of US mail to him. The first thing I sent him was my CROOKED KINGDOM PRE-ORDER SWAG and after he didn't receive it for months, I thought for sure it was lost, until yesterday, when he handed me this shiny gold bubble mailer and I SQUEALED!


The Package Contained:

1. A SIGNED BookPlate by Leigh Bardugo
2. A Pouch with Crooked Kingdom embossed in Gold
3. Crooked Kingdom DICE GAME! 
- These have all the characters on the six sides of the dice over standard numbers
4. Rules to play the Dice Game

ACK. Swag from the Grishaverse was ON MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST, and I am SO BEYOND HAPPY WITH IT.

What did you stack onto your shelves this week?

I can't wait to check out your stacks this week, so please do leave me your links!

Also, have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HOLY WOW // REVIEW: Memories of Arcadia by Andrea Philips (ReMade S01E13)

Title: Modern History (ReMade Season 1 Episode 13)
Author: Andrea Philips
Publication Date: December 7th 2016
Publisher: Serial Box Publishing
Part of a Series?: Yes, Episode 13/15 of ReMade Season 1
I Got A Copy Through: The Publisher (THANK YOU!)

Buy Links: Episodes are available in text and audio and can be enjoyed through the Serial Box App, at SerialBox.com, or wherever eBooks are sold.

Blurb Description: 
You live. You love. You Die. Now RUN. ReMade is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that will take readers past the boundaries of time, space, and even death.

This is the 13th episode of ReMade, a 15-episode serial from Serial Box Publishing. This episode was written by Andrea Phillips.

Arcadia knows what it means to be lonely; she’s had no visitors for an awfully long time. So when a group of haggard teens tumble unto her streets, she welcomes then with open arms and plays host the best she can remember. Of course, they have no idea she’s there watching, listening, helping. But she doesn’t mind – after all, hers is half lost anyway. 

ReMade Season One: In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it’s not just because they all happen to die. “ReMade” in a world they barely recognize – one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle – they must work together to survive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they might be the last people on earth. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this exciting serial adventure.

 Season One will unfold across 15 episodes beginning September 14^th, with a new installment dropping every Wednesday until the season finale on December 21^st. Jump into this digital serial, available in both text and audio, and find out what the future of fiction holds.

Before you start this review, you should download you FREE copy of Book One in this AWESOME season here.

Or, you can read my review of Episode 1, Shadows and Dreams, written by Matthew Cody here,  Episode two, Hungry by Andrea Philips here, Episode Three, Home, Perilious Home here, Episode 4, The Most Dangerous Game here Episode 5, Umta here, Episode 6, Reality No-Show here, Episode 7, Mourning Train here, Episode 8, End Of The Line here Episode 9, Whiteout here, Episode 10, Mirror Of Fate here, Episode 11, We're Dead In This Ghost Town here and Episode 12, Modern History, here.
*Spoilers ahead*

There's no real way to review this episode without spoiling the narrator, and what you will guess the minute I tell you who the narrator is. so I guess I have no other choice.

I went into this episode thinking about who the narrator would be, but I could NEVER HAVE GUESSED.

The title, Memories of Arcadia, refer to the Artificial Intelligence that runs the city, and this is all about her. We finally learn WHAT HAPPENED, how the teenagers got to where they are, where the rest of humanity is (or isn't) and why the city they're living in seems lived in, but there's people around.

I ABSOLUTELY loved Arcadia, the AI, and all her quirks. I adored the scene with the chocolate chip cookies, I LOVED how she saw the different characters in the ReMade team in a way that we didn't and how we saw a lot of fledgling crushes bloom into tiny romances, and I ADORED how they explained the caretakers from Arcadia's point of view. 

And the ending. ACK.

I can't wait to see what Arcadia wants with Holden. *runs away to start Episode 14!*

 ReMade is a serial presented episodically in 15 parts by Serial Box Publishing.

In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it’s not just because they all happen to die.  Remade in a world they barely recognize – one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle – they must work together to solve the mystery and stay alive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they are our only hope. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this thrilling serial that combines contemporary YA with classic Science Fiction to fling you headfirst into adventure.

Andrea Phillips is a transmedia writer, game designer and author. She is on the writing team for season 2 of the urban fantasy serial Bookburners as well as ReMade. Her debut novel is Revision, an SF thriller about a wiki where your edits come true. She has also worked on iOS fitness games Zombies, Run! and The Walk; The Maester's Path for HBO's Game of Thrones; human rights game America 2049; and the independent commercial ARG Perplex City. She also writes an ongoing column about video games called Metagames for Strange Horizons. Her nonfiction book A Creator's Guide to Transmedia Storytelling is used to teach digital storytelling at universities around the world.

AndreaPhillips.com. @Andrhia.

Serial Box produces and publishes fiction serials, blending story production and distribution practices from television, book publishing and narrative podcasting. These team-written original serials span a range of genres including sci fi / fantasy, espionage, contemporary and historical drama, post-apocalyptic, etc. Serial Box delivers episodes to fans’ digital devices every Wednesday over the course of 13-16 week seasons. Each episode is available in ebook and audio and takes about 40 minutes to enjoy. Learn more at Serial Box.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and our blog. 

Have you heard of Serial Box Publishing? What do you think of Episode Books, and would you read them? 

What do you think of ReMade so far? 

Top Ten Things I OH SO WISH Will Magically Land Under My Christmas Tree (Top Ten Tuesday #21)

Hi Guys!

I have exams going on, and I need to run away and finish five submissions the minute I finish typing up this post, but well, this is a WELCOME break. 

One of the reasons I don't like living in India (OTHER than the fact that all cool bookish events happen HALF THE WORLD away) is the fact that WE DON'T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. 

In any case, I still have a wishlist (DUH.) and last year I also gifted myself The Lunar Chronicles among other stuff (books) and so, while I won't have a tree for SOME KIND SOUL to leave me presents, here are the top ten BOOKISH THINGS I would KILL FOR this season.

 1. An OwlCrate Subscription:
I found this BEAUTIFUL book subscription box last year and can I just say I NEED ONE? They always have the best of bookish goodies and the best books, and EVERYTHING IS JUST SO AWESOME. I have been dying to be a part of this community, but it's just WAY too expensive.
The box costs about $30 plus there;s a $20 shipping fee, which goes WAY over my budget. Whoops.

Still, TOP on my wishlist.

2. Behind The Pages Store Lip Balms:

I AM OBSESSED WITH EVERYTHING GINA MAKES. Not only is she the sweetest person EVER, her products are AWESOME. I'm ESPECIALLY fond of the Rhysand lip balms and soaps, the ACOMAF Bookmarks and even the Feyre ones. (Basically ANYTHING Night Court Related.)

If you haven't guessed, YES, A Court of Mist and Fury is THE BEST THING EVER.

 3. EVERYTHING From Evie Seo:

Another AWESOME designer I discovered a year ago, Evie Seo designs THE BEST PRODUCTS EVER. I already own her #booknerd pouch and her I Want To Read Tote, BUT I NEED MORE.

I NEED ALL OF IT.

I think my next purchase will be another Tote. Or A Mug. Or A Throw Pillow. Sigh. This is why I need EVERYTHING.

 4. Floating Bookshelves:

HOW COOL ARE THESE. I'm sorry, but I NEED THEM. I'm imagining putting these all over my room, with my favourite series' floating all over, and I feel this INTENSE NEED TO OWN IT NOW.

These are my favourite kind of MINI Bookshelves, and well, I'd LOVE to hear what you think of it!

 5. Six Of Crows/ Grisha Swag:
While a whole lot of books have GREAT Swag, there is NOTHING I've wanted more than the GORGEOUS Grisha and Six Of Crows Swag. I LOVE the Character Poster, the tattoo set and the buttons. I WANT THEM.

I also recently finished Crooked Kingdom, and IT SLAYED ME. I can't believe we'll never return to the world. *continues mourning loss of heart*

 6. OwlPost Subscription Box:
I only recently discovered this BEAUTIFUL Subscription Box, located in Pakistan (which is just above India, Geographically) and ACK. They're a LOT cheaper than the OwlCrate (see #1) and definitely more affordable to me. I will definitely be a customer soon, just as soon as I replenish my money from my previous Story Trunk subscription box.

7. A DSLR Camera:
In all fairness, I'm going to be getting one of these next year, at around April as I have two semesters of photography in college, but CAN I HAVE IT NOW PLEASE.

Not only do I need it for college, but also for my bookstagram feed, which you can check out here.

 8. ALL THE BOOKS (DUH):

While I do want a LOT OF THINGS, Any and ALL books will leave me ONE HAPPY POTATO. I mean, my TBR Pile is CRUSHING me, but I've never been happier about it. The thought that I have so many new world waiting to dive into gives my unlimited joy, just as I'm sure it must do for you!

 9. A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN:
Here is a post that accurately describes my feelings on the matter:

10. All my BOOKMAIL to arrive safely:

I don't know about you, but I live in the PERPETUAL fear that the boogie monster is eating my mail/ the post office is in on a conspiracy to NEVER GIVE ME BOOKS/ my mother is hiding them because of "exams" but well, I NEED ALL MY BOOKMAIL TO ARRIVE SAFELY for this to be a (non-existent) but Happy Christmas!

WHAT IS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHLIST?

I'm sending out some Christmas Emails (with some cool artwork), so if you want one to brighten your day further, just shoot me an email at athousandwordsamillionbooks@gmail.com

HERE'S WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! (With the hope that you get everything you want)