On June 27th, 2013 I had the absolute pleasure of doing a Cover Reveal for the first book in Janelle Stalder's new sci-fi/dystopia series, SWITCH (New World Series #1). Today, I am proud to be a part of the Blog Tour that's showcasing this amazing book!
Series - New World Series
Series Placement - #1
Author - Janelle Stalder
Genre - NA/Dystopia/Sci-fi
Release Date - August 27, 2013
eARC Provided by Author
Craves the Angst Reveal Link
Book Blurb:
All’s fair in love and war.
Note: This book is for mature audiences due to sexual situations, violence and strong language.
Reviewers Note: I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 Unforgettable Spellbinding Stars!
Absolutely Magical! Janelle Stelder Mesmerizes You With This Addictive Read!
The Review:
I love Janelle Stalder’s writing. She always creates realistic worlds steeped in imagination and drama and she always combines a motley cast of characters who are fun and intriguing. This book was no different. She builds a complex, dystopian world where characters are suffering at the hands of a greedy tyrant and where good and evil face off. But like so much of her layered writing, good and evil are never black and white. Both sides are colored in variant shades of grey where good can sometimes hold darkness and evil can sometimes have a ray of light. That is very much the case with Switch.
Characters...
Young Charlotte’s home is invaded by New World soldiers. Leading the charge is Roman who is seeking information on Charlotte's father, accusing him of being involved with the rebels... and who has unfortunately abandoned Charlotte and her mother to face the soldiers alone. Roman begins to question the mother but upon Charlotte answering questions that Roman had yet to voice out loud, he realizes Charlotte for the treasure she could potentially be. Giving her the ultimatum of joining the New World army or death, Charlotte has to choose between a traitorous path or no path at all. With no one left to protect her, she must face the her new world alone. This is her story...
I totally LOVED Charlotte's characters. She was strong if not a bit misguided. But at such a young age, she had a difficult decision to make. And even then, her life was a lonely one. She existed behind the ruse of a different name and a mask the majority of her time, having very little interaction with other people. She formed a new family amongst the enemy in Roman and Ludwig, at first because of survival but I think she ultimately grew to care for them. However, she still closed herself off and decided to stay detached from the world as it was too much to bare. When she’s asked to go out and spy on the lowers, she’s terrified and doesn't know how to interact with them but soon finds herself engaged in a wondrous new world of laughter, friends and even love. And she’s in the position once again, to have to choose a side.
Pete and his merry band of rebels were fun! I loved watching them interact and receive Dinah, accepting her into their fold. She was able to shine while in their company and their lives were completely different than the one she has at headquarters. They were free loving and tried to enjoy life yet never forget their cause and what it meant.
Pete was an amazing hero. He was strong, caring and devoted to his family and friends. But he also could see past the blurred lines and had his sights set on Dinah, even knowing she could potentially destroy everything. He was willing to take the chance and I loved him for that.
The Romance!
Pete and Dinah were super sweet! Any time they were in a scene together, my little heart swooned. They were passionate when together and wistful when apart in their forbidden love. And every time they kissed, I melted! I wanted a happy ending for these two. They needed and deserved it!
Blurred Lines...
And here is the wonders of this author's talented writing come into focus! How she can make you love the enemy and dislike the heros.
Ludwig, Roman and Weapon X were supposed to be the bad guys but I found myself captivated by the little family they had formed. They seemed to genuinely care for one another, even if their purposes were nefarious. Roman loved Lotty as a sister and he cared and looked after her and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by them. Ludwig is set on dominating the world and crushing anyone in his path but he has a soft spot when it comes to his family.
The rebels are supposed to be the good guys but they have a Captain in their mists that also has it in his mind to rule. The rebels are supposed to be about taking back the world and giving it to the people but there are players in their factions who apparently missed the memo and want to take what Ludwig has stolen, so they can be the rulers. Everyone else is caught in between!
This is what I mean when I say good versus evil is never simple in Janelle Stalder’s books. She’s fantastic at creating mosaic situations, where anything could happen!
This is drama, heartache and adventure at its finest. Two opposing side, two very different dynamics, coming together despite the odds and finding something beautiful amongst the rubble.
Wish List...
There were a few clarification I wanted from this book that I didn’t get. First, how was Ludwig able to “flip the switch” and what is his endgame? How does Weapon X have mind reading abilities and is she the only one of her kind? How does Douglas know how to protect against her ability and how did he teach it to the rebels? How was it no one other than Pete noticed Weapon X was female? There were a few instances where I would have loved a better explanation of the events unfolding but the author has said that all will be revealed little by little throughout this series! Each character and their back stories will be addressed as well as their motives, so.. YAY!!!! Bring on the second book!
The Wrap Up:
As with her other books, Janelle Stalder’s remarkable gift of writing superb story lines, well developed and enchanting characters and a penchant for world building thats uniquely crafted to feel real and fantastical all at the same time has seeped its way into this incredible read and has me anxiously awaiting the next book... especially after that intense, nail biting cliffy! This is a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next chapter!
Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013.
Eden (Eden #1)
Eden - West (Eden #2)
Brush Strokes (Contemporary Romance) – Early 2014
Masked (Book Two, New World Series) – 2014
Elysium (YA Fantasy Spin-off of the Eden Series) – 2014
All’s fair in love and war.
Two thirds of the world's population has been wiped out, devastated by the worst war earth has ever seen. Still standing amongst the ruins is a mind reader who finds herself on the wrong side of the war. Everyone does what they must to survive. When the rebels bent on bringing down the New World leader start to rise up, it is her job to make sure they stay down where they belong. That is, until one rebel sneaks past her defences and into her heart. Love will blossom from the ashes, but will it be enough to save them, or will it mean the end of them both?
Note: This book is for mature audiences due to sexual situations, violence and strong language.
Reviewers Note: I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely Magical! Janelle Stelder Mesmerizes You With This Addictive Read!
The Review:
I love Janelle Stalder’s writing. She always creates realistic worlds steeped in imagination and drama and she always combines a motley cast of characters who are fun and intriguing. This book was no different. She builds a complex, dystopian world where characters are suffering at the hands of a greedy tyrant and where good and evil face off. But like so much of her layered writing, good and evil are never black and white. Both sides are colored in variant shades of grey where good can sometimes hold darkness and evil can sometimes have a ray of light. That is very much the case with Switch.
Characters...
Young Charlotte’s home is invaded by New World soldiers. Leading the charge is Roman who is seeking information on Charlotte's father, accusing him of being involved with the rebels... and who has unfortunately abandoned Charlotte and her mother to face the soldiers alone. Roman begins to question the mother but upon Charlotte answering questions that Roman had yet to voice out loud, he realizes Charlotte for the treasure she could potentially be. Giving her the ultimatum of joining the New World army or death, Charlotte has to choose between a traitorous path or no path at all. With no one left to protect her, she must face the her new world alone. This is her story...
Quote Spotlight...
After, it was like nothing could touch her behind the walls she had built. It was the only way to survive now. Be strong, or be killed. She chose to be strong.
I totally LOVED Charlotte's characters. She was strong if not a bit misguided. But at such a young age, she had a difficult decision to make. And even then, her life was a lonely one. She existed behind the ruse of a different name and a mask the majority of her time, having very little interaction with other people. She formed a new family amongst the enemy in Roman and Ludwig, at first because of survival but I think she ultimately grew to care for them. However, she still closed herself off and decided to stay detached from the world as it was too much to bare. When she’s asked to go out and spy on the lowers, she’s terrified and doesn't know how to interact with them but soon finds herself engaged in a wondrous new world of laughter, friends and even love. And she’s in the position once again, to have to choose a side.
Quote Spotlight...
“What are you doing?”
He smiled, shoving his hands in his jean pockets and rocking back on his heels. “Watching you.”
A blush spread over her cheeks. “Why?”
Because you are beautiful and I can’t help it, he answered silently.
Pete and his merry band of rebels were fun! I loved watching them interact and receive Dinah, accepting her into their fold. She was able to shine while in their company and their lives were completely different than the one she has at headquarters. They were free loving and tried to enjoy life yet never forget their cause and what it meant.
Pete was an amazing hero. He was strong, caring and devoted to his family and friends. But he also could see past the blurred lines and had his sights set on Dinah, even knowing she could potentially destroy everything. He was willing to take the chance and I loved him for that.
Quote Spotlight...
“I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you,” he breathed.
The Romance!
Pete and Dinah were super sweet! Any time they were in a scene together, my little heart swooned. They were passionate when together and wistful when apart in their forbidden love. And every time they kissed, I melted! I wanted a happy ending for these two. They needed and deserved it!
Quote Spotlight...
“I love you, Charlotte. I know we have a long road ahead of us, but there’s no one else I’d rather walk it with than you.”
“Ditto.”
Blurred Lines...
And here is the wonders of this author's talented writing come into focus! How she can make you love the enemy and dislike the heros.
Ludwig, Roman and Weapon X were supposed to be the bad guys but I found myself captivated by the little family they had formed. They seemed to genuinely care for one another, even if their purposes were nefarious. Roman loved Lotty as a sister and he cared and looked after her and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by them. Ludwig is set on dominating the world and crushing anyone in his path but he has a soft spot when it comes to his family.
The rebels are supposed to be the good guys but they have a Captain in their mists that also has it in his mind to rule. The rebels are supposed to be about taking back the world and giving it to the people but there are players in their factions who apparently missed the memo and want to take what Ludwig has stolen, so they can be the rulers. Everyone else is caught in between!
This is what I mean when I say good versus evil is never simple in Janelle Stalder’s books. She’s fantastic at creating mosaic situations, where anything could happen!
This is drama, heartache and adventure at its finest. Two opposing side, two very different dynamics, coming together despite the odds and finding something beautiful amongst the rubble.
Wish List...
There were a few clarification I wanted from this book that I didn’t get. First, how was Ludwig able to “flip the switch” and what is his endgame? How does Weapon X have mind reading abilities and is she the only one of her kind? How does Douglas know how to protect against her ability and how did he teach it to the rebels? How was it no one other than Pete noticed Weapon X was female? There were a few instances where I would have loved a better explanation of the events unfolding but the author has said that all will be revealed little by little throughout this series! Each character and their back stories will be addressed as well as their motives, so.. YAY!!!! Bring on the second book!
The Wrap Up:
As with her other books, Janelle Stalder’s remarkable gift of writing superb story lines, well developed and enchanting characters and a penchant for world building thats uniquely crafted to feel real and fantastical all at the same time has seeped its way into this incredible read and has me anxiously awaiting the next book... especially after that intense, nail biting cliffy! This is a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next chapter!
Official Release Date - August 27th, 2013
So Mark Your Calendars and Add This Incredible Book To Your Reading List!
About the Author:
Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton,
The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.
Contact the Author:
Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Amazon
....
Other Works by Janelle Stalder
The Eden Series
Book Blurb:
Trapped within the cruel world of hormones and bullies, fifteen-year-old Aiden is convinced life has more to offer him. His instincts are proven correct on the night he is awakened by a voice calling to him from outside his window. As he sleepily peers into his yard, his eyes slowly focus on a woman who says she is there to take him to Eden. Aiden is about to fulfill the life purpose he never knew he had. It is in Eden, a land on the brink of war, where Aiden will finally learn to trust himself and those around him. Accompanied by Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer, Elisa, Aiden is soon thrust into a battle to save Eden. Meanwhile Elisa, the only girl in the King's Army, is in the midst of her own struggles. Betrothed to a man she has no intention of marrying, Elisa is caught between the need to prove herself and her desire for true happiness. And now that she has met Aiden, she is more confused than ever.
In this action-packed fantasy tale, romance, adventure, and intrigue surround Aiden as he learns just what he is capable of when he discovers confidence and courage.
My Goodreads Review Link
Aiden has been through his second battle in the magical world of Eden. The victory is short lived and Aiden is sent racing toward his friends in the Capital. After being back in Eden with the Riders, he is eager to reunite with Wolf, Elisa and Logan, although he doesn’t realize just what he’s returning to. Surprises await him when he arrives in the Capital; his close-knit group of friends is slowly falling apart. On top of it all, another battle is just around the corner, one that will change everything.
Rain has made her choice, and now she is in some unknown fortress with the feared sorcerer, Aziz. She wants nothing more but to please him, but being his Queen isn’t as easy as she thought. While trying to learn sorcery, and dealing with Aziz’s advances, Rain is finding her new life a bit overwhelming. Just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, she discovers a secret of Aziz’s, and it is nothing she could have expected.
Rose has supported Callum throughout their journey, but now that the final battle is just around the corner she is faced with a hard reality. Everything she has gained with him could be taken away. Is she willing to live the rest of her life without him? Can she just stand by while he destroys everything, including himself? Will he ever be able to find peace? Will she?
In the third installment of the Eden Series fates will be decided, and the battle between brothers that has been a decade in the making will finally come to an end. Only one of them can be High King. The battle starts now.
Book Blurb:
New beginnings, new conflicts, and new adventures arise in the second installment of the Eden Series, Eden-West.
Months after his initial journey to Eden, Aiden is learning to cope with his own transformation. His social status has changed, his friendship with his best friend Ethan is in jeopardy because of it, and worst of all, he has heard absolutely nothing from his new friends in Eden. What has become of the world he fell in love with? Are his friends safe? Is the war over? With no answers, and no hope for contact, Aiden decides to focus on his life in his world. Just as he makes this decision, he encounters a familiar bright light and thinks he knows exactly what it means. Except the light isn't at all what he expects and neither is the person behind it. When Aiden returns to Eden, it is to a whole new part of that special world, and a whole new set of adventures.
Weeks after Aiden was returned to his own world, Elisa is sent to Nysa, the revered Southern city, to retrieve the one thing she'd rather avoid - Wolf. Captain Turk instructed her to get in and get out - but that is easier said than done. When she finds her missing friend, she also stumbles upon a great deal of trouble. This trouble goes by one name - Markus, the leader of the Sun People.
Follow all your favourite characters as they ready themselves for battle and fight for a world threatened to be destroyed.
Eden - South (Eden #3)
My Goodreads Review Link
Book Blurb:
The betrayal that tore a family apart. Two brothers bent on destroying the other. A whole world on the brink of war.Aiden has been through his second battle in the magical world of Eden. The victory is short lived and Aiden is sent racing toward his friends in the Capital. After being back in Eden with the Riders, he is eager to reunite with Wolf, Elisa and Logan, although he doesn’t realize just what he’s returning to. Surprises await him when he arrives in the Capital; his close-knit group of friends is slowly falling apart. On top of it all, another battle is just around the corner, one that will change everything.
Rain has made her choice, and now she is in some unknown fortress with the feared sorcerer, Aziz. She wants nothing more but to please him, but being his Queen isn’t as easy as she thought. While trying to learn sorcery, and dealing with Aziz’s advances, Rain is finding her new life a bit overwhelming. Just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, she discovers a secret of Aziz’s, and it is nothing she could have expected.
Rose has supported Callum throughout their journey, but now that the final battle is just around the corner she is faced with a hard reality. Everything she has gained with him could be taken away. Is she willing to live the rest of her life without him? Can she just stand by while he destroys everything, including himself? Will he ever be able to find peace? Will she?
In the third installment of the Eden Series fates will be decided, and the battle between brothers that has been a decade in the making will finally come to an end. Only one of them can be High King. The battle starts now.
Eden - East (Eden #4) Coming October 2013!
Check out the Goodreads Book Blurb!
Upcoming Projects:
Eden-East (Book Four, Eden Series) – October 2013Brush Strokes (Contemporary Romance) – Early 2014
Masked (Book Two, New World Series) – 2014
Elysium (YA Fantasy Spin-off of the Eden Series) – 2014
GIVEAWAY!
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Hi Hazel. Hopped over from Goodreads to say hello. Following your blog now. It's always great to meet a fellow word lover.
ReplyDeleteI have my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed to win this amazing book. You've convinced me I have to read Switch!
Thanks so much for the invite and for sharing.
Hi Laura! Thanks so much for stopping by. I've been a huge fan of your blog for a while now so this is an honor ;) I hope you get a chance to read this one. You'll definitely love Switch in all its yummy goodness. I wish you tons of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteHi Hazel!! Thanks so much! I'm so excited about Switch. Can't believe I won! I visit your blog often and always enjoy your posts too. Couldn't resist trying to win Switch and thrilled to be able to read it. I'll let you know when I do my review. It'll be fun.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Laura!!! I know you're going to love Switch. I can't wait to see what you think of it. Im a huge follower of your blog also. Its nice to be able to share the love and hang out with the blogging community. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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