THE BOOK BUTTERFLY - A YA Book Site for Reviews, Author Interviews, Giveaways, and Much, Much More!

"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.” - William Styron


Thursday, November 26, 2009

SWOON Six-Month Anniversary Event & Contest!


SWOON Six-Month Anniversary Event!
An Intimate Interview with Sin & Dice
by Nina Malkin

SWOON—a novel of possession, betrayal, revenge, obsession and pure, impossible love—celebrates its sixth-month anniversary this month. Protagonists Sinclair Youngblood Powers (aka Sin) and Candice Regan Dice Moskow (aka Dice), and author Nina Malkin, hail BOOK BUTTERFLY for hosting this Q&A, as well as all SWOONIES for their continued interest, enthusiasm and general passion for our story. SWOON has proven to be a success thanks to readers and bloggers who found it, loved it, and shouted from the (metaphorical) rooftops that it must be read. We hope you’ll continue to spread the word on SWOON...but right now, ask away…

Aurora: Sin, Dice, if you could choose only three words to describe your feelings for each other, what would they be?

Dice: Whoa, just three? Sin, you want to go first?

Sin: No, no, ladies first, always.

Dice: Gee, thanks. All right. My feelings for Sin are intense…absolute….eternal...

Sin: Damn, woman! You took the best ones!

Dice: Oh, shut up—there are plenty of other adjectives.

Sin: Very well. I’d describe my feelings for Dice as boundless…primal… true…

Kate: I have a question for Dice. What is your biggest regret in regard to your relationship with Sin?

Dice: Well, some terrible things went down in the town of Swoon, CT, that Sin was responsible for—I regret I couldn’t prevent them. But as to our relationship, I have no regrets. None. I fell for Sin because I believed in his humanity from the get. Trouble was, it took him a minute to believe in it.

Sophia: Sin, do you have any regrets about what you did to the people of Swoon?

Sin: Indeed. I do now. But at the time—and I say this not as excuse, only as explanation—I was a monster, slavering, soulless, intent only on revenge.

Dani: If you could, would you go back and change anything?

Sin: The “correct” answer, the one that would heighten my approval rating, is “yes, of course.” Only I cannot honestly utter it. People were hurt because of me; people died. But that was their destiny. I’ve come to accept that much is beyond my will, that certain events are fated.

Carrie: I have a question for Sin. If you were given the choice to either go back in time and live out a normal life with Hannah in the past, or continue having a future with Dice in the present, who would you choose to spend your life with and why?

Sin: An easy one, dear lady: I would spend my future with Dice. Because she is the woman I now love, and together we have been through so much, but also because if I learned one thing from my latter day experience in Swoon it is that the past is past.

Brittany: Sin, if you, Dice and Hannah were in the same time, who would you be more attracted to?

Sin: Interesting prospect, Brittany! Let us assume we were all at a party. Hannah—that coppery hair, that silvery laugh—likely would have caught my attention first. She was, not solely by 18th century standards, an accomplished flirt, a lady who hadn’t much in terms of wealth or status but knew full well she could beguile any man. Perhaps we might have chatted, danced a reel. Yet were Dice in the same room, I couldn’t have fully focused on Hannah. Quietly, forcefully, Dice would have called to me, and surely I would have heeded that call.

Fantastic Book Reviews: This question is for both Sin and Dice: What do you like most about each other and what annoys you the most?

Dice: Ha! Sin? Annoying? Just that he’s got an ego the size of Jupiter. As to what I like best, I’d have to answer in threes. When Sin was a ghost, I fell for his charm and wit, his mischievous nature, although it came out through my cousin in some scary ways. In golem mode, his conviction was so strong—twisted as it was, I had to admire that. And as a boy? My boy? The way he loves love. To Sin, love rules. At his core, that’s what he’s always been about.

Sin: Another facile one. Her nobility. Dice…what’s the expression? Dice does not play. She does not tweak things to her own advantage. She is honest, forthright. I know that however I may come to her, whatever I may do, she will treat me squarely and consider what’s best for all, even if that means putting herself last. Of course, I suppose that’s what’s most vexing about her, too. When you love someone who’s truly inherently honorable...let’s just say Dice sets the bar rather high.

Cassie: Sin, when you were in control of Pen’s body, were you able to communicate with her? It seemed like there were times when she was “herself.”

Sin: I was conscious of Pen every moment I possessed her, but she wasn’t aware of me, at least as far as I could tell. Much of my time inside her—when she was, as you say, herself—I was busily absorbing 21st century society, learning the ropes as it were. And I was also…well, plotting…

Jess: Sin, what did you love the most about being in the present time period (besides Dice, of course)? Were there things you really hated?

Sin: The endless array of choice is incredible. A dozen different flavors of Gatorade! A dozen Gatorade alternatives! We did not have electrolyte replacement in the 1700s. Aside from that, technology, which I deem a blessing and a curse. It makes for such convenience, yes, but at what cost? Often, Dice and I will get questions to our romance counseling service about whether or not to “text” someone, and frankly it rankles me. Why text when you can talk, when you can touch? Put down the damnable gadget and look into your true love’s eyes!

Kim: What was the full significance of the spanking in the corn maze? Sin, were you trying to show Dice the control you had over her heart?

Sin: Ah, the infamous spanking scene! Yes, Kim, you’re partially correct. I did put Dice across my knee to demonstrate authority—although it was a front, of course; I had no dominion over her, and she had it all over me…she simply didn’t know that yet. I sought to bend her to my will, so that she might not discover her power.

Dice: Only that’s not all. See, Sin’s “crime” was forcing people to confront aspects of their natures that they hid from the world and from themselves. With the spanking, he was simply showing me that I had that in me—me, who was so tough, so street, secretly longed to be humbled. Sin gave me a bliss I’d never willingly admit to wanting. That’s why, afterwards, I was so furious—and so euphoric.

Anonymous: Dice, how is Pen doing in the aftermath of everything that happened while Sin was around?

Dice: I appreciate your asking. Some people think SWOON is the story of Sin and me, but it’s Pen’s story, too. As for how she is, she’s Pen! You know, Rubber Girl, she could bounce back from anything unscathed. Right now she’s at UConn, she thinks she may become a kindergarten teacher—which of course she’d be great at. Oh, and she cut her hair—she’s got a full-on pixie, and it looks great.

Faith: I have a question for Dice: Do you think Ruby really wanted you to drink that concoction you guys were brewing up with all the dangerous items that would’ve killed you?

Dice: Oh…Ruby. Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. I think Ruby was lonely, and she really missed me—she was trying to seduce me in a way; she just wanted me with her. I loved Ruby, love her still, but she was that particular kind of damaged person who could never cop to her shit, take responsibility. It was always other people to blame: guys, her mother, me.

Anonymous: Dice, what was it like to fall in love at last sight instead of first? What was it like to have Sin walk out on you? And Sin, why did you leave Dice? Will you ever come back to her?

Dice: Ladies first, I assume?

Sin: Indubitably.

Dice: Okay…umm, it’s complicated. Much as I loved Sin when we were technically together, I loved him more the second I realized it could no longer be that way. My love became too big for my body, too big for my brain and my heart. The way I feel now—the way Sin and I are now—it’s like a bruise that won’t heal. A love bruise, in a special place. Every time I touch it, it hurts. And that’s a good thing…

Sin: You see, Dice and I are not apart; we’re just not together in the literal sense. Our bond is akin to that between a soul in life and a soul in death—very deep, very intricate, more acute, perhaps, than a traditional face-to-face relationship. It’s true that I ache for Dice in the flesh; I ache for her tangibly, her breath, her kiss—I do. But this is what we have now. I do not question it. I cherish it.

Trista: Sin, where did you go? Are you coming back?

Sin: Ah, Trista, let me see if I can—

Dice: Sin, wait. Trista, look, we get this question a lot. But like you, I’m a big reader. And I’ve found some books tie up nice and neat at the end, and that’s fine. SWOON isn’t that kind of book,. The finale is ambiguous so that the “what happened?” becomes yours to decide. The story stays with you, and belongs to you; you become part of the process, and can make up endless endings. “The End” is not the end…

Nia: So is there going to be sequel to SWOON?

Sin: Another oft-posed question. The simple answer is no—at the moment there is no plan for an ink-and-paper sequel. Dice and I cannot fathom why; the novel is successful—multiple printings, some fifty thousand copies in circulation, various international sales—and our website and love advice column consistently get hits. Yet the publisher hasn’t commissioned the sequel readers crave. Still, SWOON the sequel, indeed SWOON the series, does exist, as it pertains to what Dice just said about our story existing, persisting, insisting in the minds of readers. So we call upon you to make it up, pass it on, turn it into something sweeping and viral. Since I assure you, for us, Dice and I and you, the saga most certainly continues.

Thank you to Sin and Dice for stopping by to answer these questions!

**CONTEST**

Nina Malkin has graciously agreed to give away one signed, personalized copy of

SWOON

to a lucky winner!


TO ENTER:

Leave a comment about the interview or the book

BONUS ENTRIES:

+1 Did you ask Sin & Dice an interview question in my previous post? Let me know in your comment.

+1 Promote this post on any social network of your choice (twitter, facebook, myspace, etc) You get one bonus entry for everyplace you link/post to.

Contest Ends 12/17 and is open to all US and Canadian residents only. Thank you!


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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Book Review: Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL BY SUZANNE SELFORS
Publication Date: August 21st 2009 by Walker & Company

SYNOPSIS: From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . .

REVIEW: Much like a steaming hot cup of your favorite java, Coffeehouse Angel is a comforting, light hearted novel perfect for sitting back and savoring the moment with. One early morning, Katrina, a young teenager, looks out the window of her grandmother's coffeehouse and sees a homeless man sleeping by the dumpster. Katrina selflessly takes pity on him and brings him a cup of coffee along with something to eat. Unbeknownst to her, the man is not homeless. He is really a handsome messenger angel named Malcolm who is merely resting in between assignments. Katrina's selfless good deed earns her the right to her heart’s most intense desire. Sounds like a dream right? But if you only had one wish, would you really know what you wanted most to use it on?

Although a bit meek at times, Katrina’s caring, sweet nature did make her very lovable. I also thought her character was highly relatable when it came to comparing herself with her overachieving classmates and best friends. At one time or another most girls can probably relate to the problems Katrina had. There is so much pressure on teens to know “what you want to do” with the rest of your life and I thought Selfors did a great job delving into those feelings and issues. This is a great passage from the book that provides quite a bit of insight into the pressures kids face today -


"Our main focus as teenagers, according to just about everyone, is to jam-pack our lives with activities so that we can get into an Ivy League college and therefore succeed in life. Because that's the way it works. Weak application = crappy college. Crappy college = crappy job. Crappy job = crappy life. In other words, poverty, alcoholism, obesity, and depression. It's enough stress to make your hair fall out."
The idea of a celestial or supernatural creature who comes along and grants wishes is one I have read about in other stories and folk tales. But Suzanne Selfors has definitely made Coffeehouse Angel her own with the picturesque, Scandinavian town of Nordby, a quirky cast of lovable characters and a heart warming, heavenly infused budding romance between a messenger angel and a kind hearted teenager. The cultural aspects of the town of Nordby really gave Coffeehouse Angel a little something extra special too. I enjoyed the fairy tale inspired locale with cuckoo clocks and painted murals on the buildings, instead of your average American city. I also loved reading about Christmas traditions like the peanut butter filled pine cones and the Solstice Festival. One thing I couldn't quite wrap my palette around were the eggs in the coffee and the sardine sandwiches though!

Although the tone of the story is light hearted, there are deeper lessons of forgiveness and self identity in Coffeehouse Angel. One of the underlying themes seemed to be that if you were always wishing for something better, what kind of life is that? Katrina knows her grandmother’s business is in danger of going under at any minute. Does she want to use her one wish to save the coffeehouse? I liked Katrina’s growth process and how in the end, she didn’t wait for a wish to come around and magically make things happen for her. For me, that was the best part of the novel.

Coffeehouse Angel is the perfect book to curl up alongside with on a rainy dreary day. It will infuse your heart with warmth and make you smile. So go on and take a sip of this feel good, coming of age romance. You won’t be disappointed.


Born in Munich, Germany in 1963, Suzanne attended Bennington College and graduated with honors from Occidental College in Documentary Film Production. She received an MA in Communications from the University of Washington. She lives with her husband on an island in Washington state where they are raising two children, a dog, a cat, and a flock of messy chickens. To learn more about Suzanne, visit her at her Official Website.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday: Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner

THIEF EYES
BY JANNI LEE SIMNER
PUBLICATION DATE: APRIL 27TH 2010 (Random House)

After her mother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Haley convinces her father to take her to Iceland, where her mother was last seen. There, amidst the ancient fissures and crevices of that volcanic island, Haley meets gorgeous Ari, a boy with a dangerous side who appoints himself her protector.

When Haley picks up a silver coin that entangles her in a spell cast by her ancestor Hallgerd, she discovers that Hallgerd's spell and her mother's disappearance are connected to a chain of events that could unleash terrifying powers and consume the world. Haley must find a way to contain the growing fires of the spell—and her growing attraction to Ari.

Janni Lee Simner brings the fierce romance and violent passions of Iceland's medieval sagas into this twenty-first-century novel, with spellbinding results.


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.



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Monday, November 23, 2009

Character Interview with Ever from the Immortals Series!

Today, I'd like to welcome Alyson Noel, author of numerous books for teens and adults. She is the bestelling author of Evermore, the first book in the Immortals Series and it's follow up, Blue Moon, which has garnered numerous praise and debuted at #1 on The New York Times Bestseller List. Shadowland, the highly anticipated third installment in the Immortals is in stores now! To celebrate the release of Shadowland, Alyson has graciously agreed to answer questions in character as EVER from The Immortals series!

Ever, you suffered a near-death experience, only to awaken with psychic powers. All of a sudden you had the ability to do things like hear other people’s thoughts and know their life story by touch. What would you say is the best thing about having psychic powers and also, what is the worst?

Well, when I first woke up and realized what happened I was horrified. I was sure I was being punished for causing the accident that killed my entire family. But now that I’ve moved past all of that, I have to say that I do like seeing auras because it gives me a hint as to how people are feeling, and I love being able to communicate telepathically with Damen! Though I’m still really uncomfortable with hearing random thoughts. Sometimes even your best friends think some not so kind things about you and it requires a pretty thick skin, or, in my case, a really strong shield and quantum remote!

If you were given the opportunity to see Riley once more, but only for a very brief moment, what would you want to tell her?

Oh, I think about this everyday! I think about her everyday. And sometimes I miss her so much I can’t stand it. I guess I’d just want her to know just that—that I love her and miss her and think about her all the time, and also how sorry I am for keeping her with me for as long as I did and not letting her move on with her afterlife. I’d also want to tell her to not worry about me—because even though I can’t really see her, I sometimes get the feeling that she’s trying to reach me—and, well, I just want her to know that while I may be making mistakes, I’m also learning from them, so just to get on with having the best afterlife that she can, and hopefully, someday, we’ll find a way to see each other again.

What do you miss most about your family? If you had one more day with them, how would you spend it?

I miss the times that I took for granted before. You know, the small moments you never really pay attention to until they’re gone forever. Listening to Riley sing along to her iPod in the car—her voice all screechy and loud and off key; going on long walks with Buttercup and my dad; helping my mom make her special recipe brownies; and just knowing that they were always there for me when I needed them—even when I thought that I didn’t.

What in your opinion is the greatest thing about that mystical place called Summerland?

In a word—everything! Seriously, between the manifesting, the Great Halls of Learning, that vast fragrant field—it’s all good! Damen was right, it’s magical and addictive, and sometimes I’m tempted to ditch all my problems and live there forever. But I can’t, it’s not right. Tempting, but not right.

If you had the option of picking one famous person throughout history that you wouldn’t mind coming back to reincarnate as, who would you choose and why?

Marie Antoinette because her life was so fascinating and glamorous and filled with drama and excitement, and even though it ended tragically, knowing what I know now, that death isn’t really the end, I think I could get through it as brave as she did. Also, since she and Damen were friends, I’d still get to hang out with him!

Since this is a book blog, I have to ask you, what are your favorite novels? Is there one book you’ve read so many times, but will never get tired of?

I love old Gothic romances, and I’ve read WUTHERING HEIGHTS, JANE EYRE, REBECCA, and my mom’s old Victoria Holt novels so many times it’s kind of embarrassing!

What are your thoughts on physical immortality – would you say that it is more of a burden or a gift?

I’m not sure I’ve been at it long enough to say for sure! I mean, the idea of living forever right here on Earth still feels a little surreal to me. But when I listen to Damen’s stories of hanging out with people as varied and diverse as Michelangelo, Einstein, and The Beatles—well, that really does seem pretty cool!

But then, when I think about all the good-byes I’ll have to say to Sabine, Miles, and Haven and anyone else I become friends with—well, let’s just say I’m really dreading that part . . .

Can you give us your thoughts on the obstacles you and Damen are going to be facing in Shadowland?

Well, as you know, I messed up. Big time. But still, I really didn’t have much of a choice! I mean, Damen was clearly dying—he was pale, weak, barely breathing—you should’ve seen him! And Rayne was totally creeping me out with the way she was hovering over him and telling me not to come inside her little magick circle! Not to mention how she’s never been very nice to me and how, well, how just plain weird she is. And, btw, I’m still not convinced I can trust her—but don’t tell her I said that even though she probably already knows. But anyway, since Roman was the only one with a real and quick solution, I really felt I had no choice but to take the gamble. I mean, seriously. What would you do? Your sixteen, your soul mate is dying, and you have only a handful of seconds to decide whether to trust creepy person number one or creepy person number two—anyway, the thing is—I didn’t totally lose, because it did work! Damen didn’t die. Well, maybe he did, but it was only temporarily, and I brought him right back which was the whole point, right? Now I just have to find a way to tell him what I did (so not looking forward to that!), and as soon as that’s done, I have to find a solution because there’s no way Roman is winning this one. He may have got me at my weakest, most vulnerable, fear and guilt riddled moment, but I’m stronger now. I’m no longer that girl. I’m not saying I’ll never make another mistake, but what I am saying is that Roman better watch his back . . .

Thank You Ever (and Alyson) for stopping by. And if you would like to read something else really fun, check out Fantastic Book Review's Interview with DAMEN!


Shadowland by Alyson Noel
Publication Date: November 17th 2009

At the start of this breathtaking novel, Damen and Ever travel to Summerland in search of an antidote to reverse a powerful poison. But instead of the cure they seek, they find something far more sinister: the truth about their existence and the fate lying in wait of an immortal’s soul.

Now, with Damen fighting to save them from the Shadowland, Ever turns to magick, hoping to break Damen’s curse. Along the way Ever encounters the mysterious Jude, finding herself drawn to him in a way that will test her love for Damen like never before . . .

For more information on Alyson and her novels, please visit her Official Website, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and her Blog!

You can purchase Shadowland HERE.

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