Author Interview: J.J. Bonds

You may recall me gushing a while back about a book called Crossroads. Well, today I am very excited to have the author of Crossroads, J.J. Bonds, join me for an interview. Crossroads was her debut novel which released on November 10, 2011. Read on to find out more about this amazing series and when the next installment will be available.
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First off, could you tell us a bit about Crossroads?

            Crossroads is the story of Katia, an adolescent vampire trying to navigate her way through the prestigious and unfamiliar world of Crossroads Academy. While Katia does her best to remain isolated from her classmates, she quickly discovers that with a first class pedigree and a mysterious past, anonymity will prove impossible. As Katia struggles with a dark past she’s desperate to keep hidden, she finds herself pulled deeper into mystery she can’t explain and is forced to face her greatest fears or risk losing everything she holds dear.

What was the inspiration behind Crossroads? Did you love the vampire myth, or was it something else?

            I’ve always loved vampires so it’s only natural they’d find their way into my first book! Still, I wanted the Crossroads world to be a little different from everything else out there, so while there’s plenty of vampire lore to choose from, I wanted to put a unique spin on things.

What is your favourite part of the Crossroads world?

            It’s a tossup between the lavish parties and the martial arts training. The irony? I’m kind of an anti-exercise introvert. I think that’s why I enjoy writing these scenes so much. They’re so different from my own world and I can really let me creativity flow!

Katia is a character who is strong, independent and, yet, somewhat of a lone wolf. What inspired you to write a character like her?

            I’m a huge fan of YA literature, but I was a little tired of female characters who define themselves by the boys they love. I wanted to write a character who didn’t need a boy to make her whole and who could take care of herself. 

Will there be a sequel to Crossroads and are there any other projects you are working on?

            The Crossroads Academy series is planned to be a trilogy. I am currently working on book two, and although it remains untitled today, I hope to release it this summer.

What was your publishing journey like?

            Short and stressful! When I finished Crossroads I solicited about twenty agents and spent the next several weeks checking my email obsessively. A few of the agents did request more material, but ultimately, it didn’t work out. Most indicated that with the success of Twilight and some of the other popular vampire series on the market that it would be a tough sell. That’s when I decided to take charge of my own destiny and self-publish. I realized that I could do a lot of the publishing work and the marketing and that I could hire professionals for design and editing. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Do you have any routines you follow during the writing process?

            Routines? Not really. There’s a lot of outlining, note taking, and editing, but I don’t exactly have an established step by step process. Every day is a little different when I write so I just sit down and start where it feels right. So if that means writing new material or editing the same chapter for the sixth time, that’s what I do.          

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

            Don’t ever give up on your dreams! The road to publication can be bumpy and discouraging, but there are so many new outlets available to authors that with a little hard work and patience, you can take control and make your dreams reality. 

           

- FUN FACTS -

Vampires or werewolves?

            Vampires, of course! No werewolves at Crossroads. ;-)

Born a vampire or made a vampire?

            Definitely born. I don’t think I could pass up the inherent power and prestige given the choice.

Pen or keyboard?

            Keyboard for sure. I’m a lefty so between smudging my words (I’d have a permanent ink stain on my hand if I relied solely on the handwritten word) and not being able to write as fast as I think, I’m pretty sure I’d be chronically frustrated. To be fair though, I do take a lot of handwritten notes when I’m outlining, brainstorming, and working on character development.

Book or e-book?

            E-book every time. I travel a lot and am always on the go, so being able to download a book anywhere and read it on my Kindle or even on my phone is amazing.

Book shop or Amazon?

            Although I love my Kindle, I do miss book stores. There are so few left and I have a lot of fond memories of shopping for books with my mom growing up. Still, for me, it’s Amazon and digital books 9 times out of 10.

Thanks so much for the interview Komal! It’s been fun! I really appreciate the opportunity to share a little more about Crossroads with your readers!

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I am currently holding a giveaway where Kindle e-copies of Crossroads by J.J. Bonds are the fourth and fifth place prizes, so enter for your chance to win!

You can find more about J.J. on the following sites:

www.jjbonds.com
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Shelfari

Weekly Round Up (1)

This week I came across a lot of great posts in the blogging word, so I thought, "Why not do a weekly round-up so everyone can join in on the fun?"

I also want to welcome my new followers! I hope you guys stick around so I can get to know you all. Also, thanks to all the Campaigners who have been stopping by my blog this week. You guys are beyond awesome!

Blogging
- Lynda R. Young did a brilliant post about balancing your social network time. Yikes! I think she's onto me!
- I also did a guest post over at Mia Hayson's blog about Online Distractions for a Writer. If you haven't visited Mia's blog, you are missing out. She is a fan of graphical things, and jam and toast.
- Marji Laine did this helpful post on how to write the (dreaded) synopsis.
- 13 Ways to Impress an Agent? Super agent, Rachelle Gardner tells all.
- Alison Can Read finds the positive in Twilight copy cats.
- This post about Facebook made me laugh. I promise you will love it.

Book News
- Jessica Therrien's book, Oppression, came out this week. I'm currently reading it and loving it so far!
- The prequel to Jennifer L. Armentrout's popular Lux series is out! Shadows was an amazing read and I think I am falling more and more in love with Jennifer's characters.
- Have you seen these book covers? How gorgeous are they?

Giveaways
- Lori M. Lee is having a super cool giveaway! Go and check it out - you still have time to enter!
- There's another awesome giveaway over at Taryn Albright's blog. She's giving away some fab books and a critique.
- Finally, I'm holding a giveaway for reaching 100 followers. If you haven't already entered, go ahead. You could win some awesome prizes!

In Komal World
- I have read so many amazing entries for the first challenge of the Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. Seriously, I feel so lucky to have met such great writers. Each piece was so different and unique - I had a great time reading them!
- I've finished doing an interview with the lovely J.J. Bonds, author of Crossroads. That interview will be up on Tuesday.
- I'm currently working on revisions for my novel, Runaway Mortal. Revisions are hard! I'm also starting the first draft of the second book in the trilogy, Broken Angel. Second books are also hard!
- Yesterday I started reading Oppression by Jessica Therrien. It's got me completely hooked and the only problem is I can't read fast enough!

How was everyone else's week? Did you watch an awesome movie, visit a great blog, or are you reading something amazing?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

100 Followers Giveaway!

So, I just reached over a hundred followers and to celebrate I wanted to hold a fun giveaway! I'm really excited to get to know everyone and I try to comment on as many of your blogs as I can.

I also did a guest post over at Mia Hayson's blog about Online Distractions for a Writer so go and check it out! There are also some other great guest posts on Mia's blog from bloggers all through February.

Here is what's up for grabs:

First place: $30 e-gift card for Barnes & Noble OR Amazon
Second place: $20 e-gift card for Barnes & Noble OR Amazon
Third place: $15 e-gift card for Barnes & Noble OR Amazon
Fourth & Fifth place winners: Will receive a copy of Crossroads by J.J. Bonds for their Kindle.

All you have to do is be follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. The giveaway is open internationally and closes on March 1st. I will randomly draw the winners after then and announce it on my blog.

Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

First Campaign Challenge!

Yay! We received the first challenge for the Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. Here are the rules:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count. 

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)

• include the word "orange" in the story

• write in the same genre you normally write

• make your story 200 words exactly!

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Shadows crept across the wall as I lay in my bed and stared up at the ceiling, adamant that I would not look at the boy stationed by the door.

I frowned at my orange jumpsuit and picked at an imaginary bit of fluff. “You’d think they would make this in a more flattering colour. Lime green, butter yellow?”

When he didn’t say anything, I couldn’t help myself. I had to sneak a peek at him.

He was still there in the same position he had been in for the last four hours. It was a miracle he could stand there for so long. Not a single muscle twitched on his face and, I swear, he barely blinked. Now that was dedication.

“Do you like ice cream?” I asked as I shifted around so I was on my side. “I love it in any flavour. What about you?”

Silence met me and I continued in a nonchalant tone. “And don’t even get me started on sundaes. Yummo!”

With our conversation going nowhere, I sighed and lay on my back again. Several uneventful seconds passed by in which I considered yodeling to get his attention.

“Rainbow,” he said, “I like rainbow.”

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I managed to get 200 words exactly and included the word "orange"! I'm looking forward to stopping by everyone else's blogs! Leave a link to your post if you comment so I can stop by and check out your piece too. :)


If you liked my entry and would like to vote for me, I'm #90 on the linky list at Rachael Harrie's site.

Review: Destiny Binds

Destiny Binds - Tammy Blackwell
Genre - Young Adult Paranormal
Released - March 3, 2011

Scout Donovan is a girl who believes in rules, logic, and her lifelong love of Charlie Hagan. Alex Cole believes in destiny, magic, and Scout. When Alex introduces Scout to the world of Shifters, men who change into wolves or coyotes during the full moon and Seers, women who can see your most private thoughts and emotions with a mere touch, the knowledge changes everything and everyone Scout thought she knew.

Before I begin, I have to thank the awesome Erica Cope for recommending this book to me. See, I'm not that big on the whole werewolf/shifter thing so I tend to avoid these books as a rule. If Erica hadn't recommended it to me, I probably would never have read it and I'm so glad I did!

First of all, the main character, Scout, is witty and has great commentary on everything. She's the kind of MC you want in a book. She sounds and acts like a teenager, she has common sense and she asks the right questions. The supporting characters are all great too! There are two love interests, Alex and Charlie, but they're both written so amazingly well that I had a hard time deciding who I loved better. I also loved that Scout actually had two decent choices regarding her love life and that neither of them were bad boys, arrogant or jerks.

Speaking of supporting characters, there was also Jase, Scout's brother, who was just awesome too! It was good to see a sibling relationship that was actually well-developed. Scout's little sister, Angel, was also a delight to read about! Each character had a back story and, sometimes, even an anecdote which made you feel like you already knew them.

There is, of course, the whole werewolf thing going on but it was actually refreshing to read a story about teens who happened to be shifters and not shifters who happened to be teenagers (if you get what I mean). The ending just about killed me and I gasped and did a very cliche, "Noooooo!" I was devastated, I was torn and then I picked myself up and kept going. There is a brilliant cliffhanger at the end, so be warned.

Tammy Blackwell did an amazing job with Destiny Binds. I am so glad I read this and I cannot wait to read more of this exciting new series! This is another self-published gem!

Recommended: If you enjoy the werewolf myth with a bit of shape shifters thrown into the mix and great characters that you won't forget.

Review: Moon Spell

Moon Spell - Samantha Young

Genre - Young Adult Paranormal

Released - October 10, 2011

It’s bad enough feeling different among the human crowd, but feeling different among wolves?

No one said returning to her pack would be easy, especially after ten years without them, but seventeen year old Caia Ribeiro is unprepared for the realities of the transition. Raised in a world where kids aren’t scared by bedtime tales of the bogeyman but by the real life threat of enemy supernaturals who might come creeping into their community to kill them in their sleep, Caia is used to the darkness; she’s used to the mystery and the intrigue of the ancient underworld war she’s bound to by chance of birth. What she’s having trouble with are pack members treating her with wary suspicion, the Elders tucking secrets behind their backs, and her young Alpha, Lucien, distracting her with a dangerous attraction from her decision to uncover the truth.

But as the saying goes ‘the truth will out’ and when it does, Caia will only have so long to prepare herself before the war comes pounding on their door threatening to destroy the safe, secret lives of the wolves… and the girl they protect.

I really enjoyed Moon Spell despite the typical YA Paranormal formula it followed. Girl is new in school. Girl has super powers. Girl can do no wrong. Girl has two boys in love with her. I liked it because, for a self-published book, it was written well and I think the author did a great job of hooking you in and making you want to find out what happens next.

I decided to read this book based on the positive reviews of it. Honestly, I'm not that into werewolves or vampires so the premise has to be really good to convince me to read it. I'm glad I gave it a go! The main character, Caia, was intriguing and I was curious to find out what the mystery surrounding her was all about. Lucian was a good love interest but sometimes he seemed a bit overbearing with the whole "fated" thing.

The story about the Lunarmorte was very interesting and I hope we get to see more of it in the series. The bad guy was bad. Very bad. He made me squirm with his sadistic nature. There was also a fantastic twist about the hunter. I did not see that coming at all! Caia's development is also done well. She starts out as a timid character but grows so much and becomes stronger in the end.

Recommended: If you enjoy the paranormal genre with werewolves, magic and romance then this is for you!

Guest Post: Nadja Notariani

Fellow writers, you are in luck because the fabulous Nadja Notariani has stopped by my blog today to do a guest post!
I want to thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule (she is currently getting ready to release her third novel, The Third Fate) to talk to us about writing. I'll let her get to it!
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writ·ing

n.

1. The act of one who writes.

2. Written form: Put it in writing.

3. Handwriting; penmanship.

4. Something written, especially:

a. Meaningful letters or characters that constitute readable matter.

b. A written work, especially a literary composition.

5. The occupation or style of a writer.

6. Writings (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Bible The third of the three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures, composed of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. See Table at Bible.

writing [ˈraɪtɪŋ]

n

1. (Linguistics / Letters of the Alphabet (Foreign)) a group of letters or symbols written or marked on a surface as a means of communicating ideas by making each symbol stand for an idea, concept, or thing (see ideogram), by using each symbol to represent a set of sounds grouped into syllables (syllabic writing), or by regarding each symbol as corresponding roughly or exactly to each of the sounds in the language (alphabetic writing)

2. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) short for handwriting

3. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) anything expressed in letters, esp a literary composition

4. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) the work of a writer

5. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) literary style, art, or practice

6. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) written form give it to me in writing

7. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) (modifier) related to or used in writing writing ink

writing on the wall a sign or signs of approaching disaster

[sense 8: allusion to Daniel 5:5]

Writing.

So many emotions conjured with that single word. In some, it inspires dread, sweaty palms, palpitations. In others, it awakens the joy of exploration, the release of expressing freely, expertly. Some authors claim writing a necessity, an embedded need which must be granted release. Not so, for me. Writing is something I enjoy, a pleasure indulged.

Warning! Harsh truth ahead...

The act of writing is but one step in the marathon of crafting your novel. Enjoyable as this step may be, it is neither the first, nor the last in this wonderful, liberating, frustrating, drawn-out, satisfying process we call writing. You are probably wondering why I'm raining on the parades of eager storytellers everywhere, but I insist; I'm not. I am offering a safety net, of sorts, for when the process becomes overwhelming. Proper preparation is half the battle...

Insert disclaimer ...I'm sure there are those gifted few who 'wing-it' and find success dropping into their laps with a thud of satisfactory glee. It happens. The rest of us will have to mire through, taking the war on increasing word counts, plot decisions, adding tension, cutting unnecessary words, or finding the perfect adjective just as a battalion of soldiers must advance one hill at a time. It's a messy business. There are word casualties.

During the journey of creating, you'll laugh, you'll scream, you'll rant, you'll thrill. You'll make it. Believe it. But do yourself a huge favor first....Prepare.

When did you first know you wanted to write a novel?

I've always wanted to, but I didn't actually begin until I was 39 years old. Really. And I wish I knew then what I know now. (I'll probably say this same thing again in a year or two and think back on my naivete and lack of knowledge at this point in my writing career with a wistful smile...) So, if any of what I'm about to share helps even one writer...I'll be a happy Nadja.

Well Begun Is Half Done... (Has Mary Poppins ever been wrong?)

* Take the necessary time to plot and plan. K.M. Weiland's book, Outlining Your Novel, is a wonderful resource that I highly recommend. Keep a notebook, a file on your computer, sticky-notes, whatever works for you, tracking all the details of your story. Trust me...You'll be sooo glad you did when you think, 'Now where did I have those characters meet? Was it _____ or ______? Was she wearing green or blue? Did I name that servant/neighbor/teacher Betty or Angie?' Having to go back through chapters and search for some minute detail is a real pain. Believe me...I've been that girl.

* Make a character profile packet on each major character. Rebecca Sinclair over at Eclectics has a fine example of a thorough 'vetting' of your hero/heroine, your protagonist, your side-kick. Have some fun with it! Crafting personality is so important to the likability/emotional availability of your characters. Add quirks, habits, likes/dislikes, mannerisms, and humor to your peeps. Readers will thank you.

* Find an HONEST, but POSITIVE group of writers/friends/readers and surround yourself. I need honest feedback as a writer. It's not always what I want to hear, but needful if I'm to craft the best novel I can. However, negativity is an entirely different matter. Mojo stealing, inspiration swiping, and confidence busting, this irksome trait is one I recommend you distance yourself from.

* Start shopping for a cover designer early. There's more to a cover than the image(s). You'll need a clear idea of what your characters look like, your setting's details, and a blurb written for your designer to create the best cover he/she can. Create a folder to store images you like during the build-up. Don't limit yourself to a couple, a setting. Think details! Text colors, fonts, unification between the different elements you want to showcase in your cover. Whether we agree or disagree, the fact is, an unattractive cover can inhibit sales even if a jewel of a story resides underneath.

* Seek out beta readers. Take your time. Read writing samples if they are a fellow author, and don't be afraid to ask questions. No matter how you respect someone, if they don't enjoy the genre you are writing in, they aren't the beta reader for you. Also, beta for fellow writers. Even if you don't have the confidence to line edit, you can offer ideas and thoughts on storyline, pacing, flow of dialogue, etc. It will help your writing, training your eye and ear to discern what you like - and don't within writing style, aid you in identifying plot holes/weaknesses, and sense where a story lacks that special something that Wows readers.

I had the fine opportunity to beta for a writer I didn't know well last summer - and it was incredibly satisfying. That main character is still in my heart - dark and humorously wretched as she was. While not my favored genre, I went into the challenge with an open mind. I offered honest opinions - commenting on the things I loved as well as those I didn't. It was an extremely positive experience, and promoted growth in me as a writer.

* If you aren't a grammar queen, hire an editor. Look at local universities, or ask around at fellow writers' blogs. Someone is sure to make a recommendation. Request references and/or samples of their work if they are unknown to you. A true professional won't be offended. Better to find and eradicate those errors before your publish date!

* Set goals. Break your work into tasks.

A) Loose plot details

B) Character development

C) Research

D) Outline

E) Chapter Content

F) The Writing

G) Cover/Blurb

The above is a quick breakdown to illustrate my point. Now, allow yourself so many weeks per task. Set those goals. Post them on your blog and ask your friends to hold you accountable. Push yourself. If you struggle with motivation, joining a group may be a good idea for you. Checking-In with A Round Of Words In 80 Days is a fabulous tool which encourages scheduled and regular posting, re-assessment of goals, and honest evaluation of progress. It also offers us community with fellow writers, encouragement, and opportunities to learn about upcoming classes, great new craft books, and 'exponential reading power' - (Fellow bloggers will link to interesting articles, highlighting those 'gems' we might otherwise have missed out on).

* Celebrate along the way. Wrote the first chapter? Celebrate.

Named your characters?

Completed that daunting outline?

Nailed a scene that had been giving you fits?

Captured an elusive emotion in smart dialogue?

Found that perfect image for your hero?

Celebrate. Share your joy. It encourages others.

* Relax.
Achieve at your own pace. Push, but don't get anxious. Strive, but don't compare yourself with others. Dig deep. Skipping/skimping steps may get you to the finish line more quickly, but is that your true goal? Your heart's desire? Or is it crafting the best possible novel you can?

With hard work, dedication, persistance, and faith, you can craft your novel. Here's to success! ~ Nadja
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Nadja Notariani (1971- Current)

Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition. Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.

Nadja currently resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania and published two novels in 2011, Claiming The Prize and Her Dark Baron. The Third Fate, a paranormal romance is due out in spring, 2012.
The author can be found at her website, on facebook, or through email, and enjoys hearing from readers.

You can find Nadja at her home on the web at nadjanotariani.blogspot.com.

11 Questions Meme!

The awesome Kathleen Doyle at Writing, Reading and Life has tagged me in a meme. Answering questions about myself? Not my strong point. It only took me around fifty attempts to write my 'About Me' page. Once I've answered her questions, it is my duty to tag 11 other bloggers (one of them must be from the Writers' Platform Building Campaign) and ask them a brand new set of questions.

My Questions:

1. On average, how often do you look in a mirror (practicing faces for your writing does count!)

Probably 3-4 times a day. *Frets* Is that too much?

2. What is your weirdest/strangest/most interesting habit? Be honest!

Okay, here goes. I do this weird thing where I mix two random types of food together and actually enjoy it. Some of my discoveries are fried fish with vanilla ice cream, strawberry jam sandwiches with cheese and mango with chilli and salt.

3. If you could go anywhere in the UNIVERSE, where would it be and why? (Fictional places are totally part of the universe.)

I would go to Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Who doesn't?

4. What fictional character do you hate with a passion?

Ooh, good question. There's this character in Thorn Queen (by Richelle Mead) who does something to Eugenie at the end of the book that I loathe. He gets what he deserves though.

5. Upon landing on a deserted tropical island, you realize you have only one thing to help you survive! What is it?

I am such a boring person. I say water!

6. What do you hoard collect?

Animals! That's how I ended up with three Siberian Huskies and three cats.

7. You’ve just landed on a brand new, never before discovered planet. What do you name it?

I have this thing for "colour" names. I'd probably name it something like Auramine or Cyan.

8. Fill in the blank: I am proud of myself for finishing the first draft of Runaway Mortal!


9. You have half an hour to cook a meal for your family/friends/people. What do you make?

Something Mexican. Chicken enchiladas or a burrito.

10. You’ve just been asked to give an impromptu speech on any subject. What do you talk about?

Books, of course! Reading them and writing them!

11. Is there life beyond our planet?

Of course! (His name is Daemon Black)

Taggy time! Here are the bloggers I have picked for this meme!

Erica Cope
Michelle Flick @ Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS!
Nadja Notariani
Gina Carey
Bee @ Dreamcatcher's Lair
Mia Hayson @ My Literary Jam and Toast
Nichole Chase
J.A. Yang
Rachel Bateman
Amber @ Adventures in Amberland
Ghenet Myrthil


Your Questions:
1. Who is your favourite fictional couple?
2. Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?
3. If you could be in any book or film, what would it be?
4. What are you allergic to?
5. Complete this sentence: I am the best at ____________!
6. What is your pet peeve?
7. What is one type of food that you could eat forever and not get sick of?
8. Rollerblading or rollerskating?
9. Imagine you got a brand new dog. Would it be a boy or a girl and what would you name him/her?
10. What's your ultimate overseas destination?
11. Was it Colonel Mustard in the Study with the Wrench?


Here comes the fun part! Answer your questions and tag 11 bloggers with your own set of questions!

I look forward to reading your answers!

Review: Fury

Fury - Shirley Marr

Genre - Young Adult

Released - May, 2010

Let me tell you my story.
Not just the facts I know you want to hear.
If I’m going to tell you my story,
I’m telling it my way.
Strap yourself in...

Eliza Boans has everything.
A big house.
A great education.
A bright future.
So why is she sitting in a police station confessing to murder?

There were so many great things about this novel that I don't know where to start. First off, let me just say that I haven't read anything quite like this before. There is so much complexity and so many layers to this book and once all those layers fell away, you were left with such an amazing, heart-wrenching conclusion.

Eliza is one of those characters who has flaws. Many, many flaws. The biggest one? She killed a person. But that is not the story. No, the story is about WHY she killed a person. The story is about the mistakes you make as a teenager and how you grow from them. In this instance, Eliza has to grow from a death that she brought about.

The characters are well thought out and I like how they each have their own part to add to the story. The story is told in a combination of flashbacks and the present so you are left turning the pages, eager to find out what comes next. What really holds the story together is Eliza's unique voice. Despite the situation she is in, she has a sense of humour and that's what really stands out.

This book is a little hard to track down as Shirley Marr is an Australian author, so I have included a link to her website where you can purchase Fury.

Recommended: This book is a cross between Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars but a lot better!