Welcome. You've come to see Mr. Book Wonder? You probably love books, eh? Admit it. You have bookworms! That's great to hear because this is the right place for you. By the way, I'm Von. I blog about books, talk about books, and I love books!
For review requests, author interviews, guest posts, book tours, and other book promotions please read my policies before dropping me an email at mrbookwonder@gmail.com.
Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. It spotlights upcoming book releases that I’m eagerly waiting.
RELEASE DATE. June 11, 2013
PUBLISHER. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
SYNOPSIS.They needed the perfect soldier: one who could function in every situation without fear, sympathy or anger; who could assassinate strangers and then walk away emotionally unscathed. So they made Boy Nobody - a teen with no name or history. The perfect soldier.
Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school, in a new town, under a new name, makes few friends and doesn’t stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend’s family to die—of “natural causes.” Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target. But when he’s assigned to the mayor of New York City, things change. The daughter seems so much like him; the mayor smells like his father. And when memories and questions surface, the Program is watching. Because somewhere, deep inside Boy Nobody, is somebody: the kid he once was, the teen who wants normal things like a real home and parents, a young man who wants out. And who just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program’s mission.
I’m totally sold with just the blurb! I knew that this will be an action-packed book! I can’t wait for 2013 to come! I’m absolutely positive that Boy Nobody is at the top of my 2013 reading pile!
Was the book interesting? What are you waiting for? Share your thoughts below.
Book Tale is an exclusive feature here on Mr. Book Wonder where authors write a story or anything about how their novels came to be, where it came from, or who or what inspired it.
Today I have author Phillip W. Simpson to talk about the reason behind writing Rapture trilogy.
WHY THE RAPTURE? DEPICTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY AND USE OF CHRISTIAN THEMES IN LITERATURE AND MASS MEDIA. First, I must apologize for the title. It sounds like the subject matter for a college paper. It is, however, something I wish to discuss because there has been a certain amount of controversy and certainly discussion over the first book in the Rapture trilogy.
As an author, you are never going to please everyone. Just looking at my reviews (especially those on Goodreads) tells me that. Some people loved the book. Others (fortunately in the minority) hated it. The bottom line is that liking an author or their writing is so subjective. What appeals to one person may not appeal to the next. The subject matter of a book also has a tendency to polarize people. This, without doubt, is the case with the Rapture Trilogy.
For those who haven’t read the book, allow me to summarize the premise.
Rapture is a YA novel based on the events that unfold after the devout ascend to heaven. They will rise into the sky leaving unbelievers, those who are less devout, and sinners behind. It states in the bible that at some point in the near future:
“…the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.”
Directly following the Rapture is a seven year period known as the Tribulation. Those who have been left behind essentially endure ‘hell on earth’ during those seven years. The world is racked by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and all other manner of natural disasters. Demons stalk the Earth by night, capturing the remaining humans and either converting them to worship of the Devil, or killing them. Most humans have fled the cities and now hide in caves deep in the mountains. It is a post-apocalyptic world in the truest sense of the word.
The world is now very hot, almost hell-like in its oppressive heat. Clouds are perpetually in the sky. It continually rains ash. There are fires everywhere. Plants and animals are dying. Food is scarce. The remnants of humanity are fighting for survival. There have been massive earthquakes which have damaged or destroyed many buildings. Every volcano in the world has erupted. The moon (when it can be seen) is blood red. There are no stars in the sky.
The story focuses on an 18 year old teenage boy, Sam (short for Samael – a biblical name for a powerful demon). Every second chapter is a flashback to his youth at different stages, gradually answering questions that arise during the chapters set in the present day.
Sam was raised in the town of Jacob’s Ladder, Utah. He is half demon. As a child, he was smuggled to Hikari - a Japanese sword master and demon expert. Sam is brought up as his son and trained as a samurai. Hikari has a beautiful daughter, Aimi, who becomes Sam’s training partner.
Hikari is tasked with preparing Sam for the Rapture and subsequent Tribulation that he knew was coming. Sam will be left behind to fight for the innocent. Sam is now a master with the Katana and Wakizashi (Japanese swords – the long and the short) and unarmed combat. His swords are made of iron which demons are especially sensitive to. Sam can only touch the hilts because they are made of steel. Hikari knows only too well that when the Rapture happens, he and Aimi will be rise up, leaving Sam behind. Demons are not welcome in Heaven.
So that’s the premise.
Let me make one thing perfectly clear though: my intention was never to preach. All I wanted to do was tell an exciting, interesting story which had a bit of a twist and was a different take on anything currently out there in book land. I like to think I accomplished that goal. My beliefs are my own and I certainly wouldn’t presume to tell other people what to think. I’m really not that arrogant (no, really).
So that was my objective when I started writing Rapture. Sure, it has a Christian theme in that I’ve used the Rapture as my stepping off point but that’s all part of my world building. I’ve also tried to explore themes such as nature vs. nurture. It’s also about love and hope and perseverance. What’s so wrong with those things? These are the subjects of countless books and movies.
Which brings me nicely to depictions of Christianity in mass media. I think people underestimate how often you see Christian themes or events in books or movies.
Let’s start with books. There’s Dante Alighieri’s Pardiso (of the Divine Comedy) and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. In recent times (and off the top of my head), there’s the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis where there’s certainly Christian themes in there. The books by Dan Brown. Then there’s the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. These were some of the bestselling books of all time. From recollection, I believe the series has sold over 63 million copies. They even made the books into a game and I hear there’s talk of a movie. Even Stephen King has dabbled. A character in the Stand is suspiciously Satan like (Randall Flagg).
Of course, there’s every other demon versus angel book (and there are many of them), catering largely for the YA market. What people sometimes forget is that if a book has demons and angels in it, logically it also has Heaven and Hell. If that isn’t a Christian concept, then I don’t know what it is.
As for movies (and I’m a huge movie buff), think of Omen (and the other Antichrist movies featuring Damien). There’s End of Days (featuring Arnold Swarzenegger), Constantine, Priest, Hellboy. The television series, Supernatural. Field of Dreams (starring Kevin Costner), believe it or not, is a film in which Heaven is symbolized by a baseball field. The list goes on. And on.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that Christian themes or content are far more prevalent than you’d probably believe. It’s not until you start thinking about it do you actually realize how much of what we read or see is loosely based on these ideas. The attraction of these types of media are—in my opinion—universal. Regardless of your beliefs, they are intriguing, fascinating and incredibly entertaining. And you never know, you may learn a thing or two. I know that I did when I was researching the Rapture trilogy.
SYNOPSIS.The Rapture has occurred, just as the Bible predicted. The faithful have risen up to Heaven. Those left behind are in a living hell.
Earth burns, hell-like in its oppressive heat. Every volcano in the world has erupted, and tsunamis and earthquakes continue to devastate the planet. Clouds continually rain ash onto the scorched landscape, sparking fires all around. Plants and animals are dying. Food is scarce. The night sky is devoid of stars, and the moon - when it can be seen - is the colour of blood.
The remnants of humanity fight for survival. Most have fled the cities and now hide in caves deep in the mountains. By night, demons stalk the Earth, capturing the remaining humans and killing them - if they’re lucky. The less fortunate are converted to worship of the Devil, and ushered into endless hell.
Eighteen year old, Sam (short for Samael) was raised in the town of Jacob’s Ladder, Utah. It is appropriately enough near to a place of natural scenic beauty called Devil’s garden. He finds himself alone, unable to rise up with his family because he is half demon. His mother, a devout Christian, was seduced by Satan and conceived his child. She smuggled the boy to an old friend Hikari, a Japanese sword master and demon expert. Since then, Hikari and his daughter, Aimi, have been all the family Sam has known.
Now they’re gone, and Sam must set out on the mission Hikari charged him with long ago: to help all the humans left behind. Armed only with his beloved Japanese swords and his wits, Sam wanders the post-apocalyptic world alone, separated forever from everyone he loves. Cursed by his demonic heritage, he must now embark on a quest that will take him across the US to the City of Angels.
There he will confront his destiny. There he must fight to save a friend … and the souls of the living.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Philip W. Simpson is an author of mostly children’s books—both fiction and non-fiction.
His YA novel RAPTURE (the first in the RAPTURE trilogy) was released Sept 1st, 2011 by Pear Jam books. It is a dystopian/post-apocalyptic story about the end of the world featuring demons, angels and a half-demon protagonist caught in the middle. RAPTURE was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel award for best Youth novel. TRIBULATION, the second book in the RAPTURE trilogy, is scheduled for release in October, 2012. The final book, APOCALYPSE, will be out in late 2012 or early 2013.
Currently, he is a full-time elementary (primary) school teacher, a full-time writer, a full-time husband and a full-time father. Before becoming a writer, he tried several other career options. He joined the army for a bit, gained a Masters in Archaeology, owned a comic shop, became obsessed with martial arts and oriental weapons and turned down a job at the British museum.
He is married to Rose and they have a son named Jack and two border terriers, Whiskey and Raffles. When not writing, he enjoys fishing, reading, playing football (soccer) and drinking single malt Whiskeys.
GIVEAWAY
1 SIGNED COPY OF RAPTURE
To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter.
Today, I’m taking part on a blog tour for an amazing book called Luminosity written by Stephanie Thomas, whom I will share a brief story about herself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Stephanie Thomas has been writing ever since she could put letters together to form words. When she was a small child, she would present her mother and father with self-made newspapers filled up with make believe stories and pictures. Her love for writing followed her all throughout her schooling, where she entered and won writing contests of all sorts. Stephanie decided to become an English teacher and completed her B.A. at The Pennsylvania State University. While teaching, she later went on to get her Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University. She completed her very first manuscript during her graduate studies, and by the end of the program, she had completed two more.
Stephanie is quick to tell anyone that she’s a born and raised Philadelphian, and her heart will always belong there. She moved to Baltimore with her husband, and they’ve been living there for the last five years with their dog, Sailor, and their rabbit, Buns (aka “T Sizzle”).
SYNOPSIS.My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.
The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.
But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.
GIVEAWAY
1 SIGNED COPY OF LUMINOSITY
SWAG
To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter.
Giveaway is open to U. S. residents only—and also if you live outside the U. S. borders and have a U. S. address.
SYNOPSIS.Two years after watching her kidnappers go to prison, Naomi Jensen is still in love with one of them. Jesse will be released in a few years, and Naomi knows college is the perfect distraction while she waits. But when her new friend Finn makes her question what is right and what is wrong, she begins to wonder if Jesse is the one for her… until she discovers he’s out on parole. Naomi must sort through her confusion to figure out where love and freedom truly lie—in Finn, who has no connections to her past, or Jesse, who has just asked her to run away with him.
Pieces is a companion to The Breakaway and can be read independently, if desired.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Michelle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She loves the seasons, but late summer and early fall are her favorites. She adores chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in whatever time she can grab between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life.
THOUGHTS ON THE COVER. I never heard of this book before until now. But I will love to read Naomi’s story especially in the first book, Breakaway. Being kidnapped and at the same time falling in love with your kidnapper, sounds like an amazing contemporary story.
What do you think of the cover? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Book Hoards is inspired by the In My Mailbox of The Story Siren.This feature showcases the books I’ve received, bought or borrowed from friends.
The last hoarding I did was in April so expect me to feature many books I got since after April.
FOR REVIEW
Confessions of A Teenage Hermaphrodite by Lianne Simon (Paperback)
Chrysalis Chronicles: The Eyes of The Desert Sand by Edwin Wolfe (ARC)
Masks of The Lost Kings by Tom Bane (Paperback)
Heirs of Prophecy by Michael Rothman (Paperback)
Tools of Prophecy by Michael Rothman (Paperack)
Xor: The Shape of Darkness by Moshe Sipper (Paperback)
Jabin and The Space Pirates by Bev Allen (Paperback)
Conjure by Lea Nolan (E-book)
Earth by Shauna Granger (E-book)
Air by Shauna Granger (E-book)
Water by Shauna Granger (E-book)
Timeless by Michelle Madow (E-ARC)
The Star Child by Stephanie Keyes (E-book)
Dead Radiance by T. G. Ayer (E-book)
Careful by Isobella Jade (E-book)
Stitch by Samantha Durante (E-book)
Color of Snow by Brenda Stanley (E-book)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. My thanks go to Lianne Simon; Edwin Wolfe; Leslie of Worthy Marketing; Michael Rothman and Goddess Fish Promotions; Moshe Sipper; Bev Allen; Elana of Entangled Publishing; Shauna Granger and YA Bound; Michelle Madow; Shilpa of Inkspell Publishing; T. G. Ayer; Isobella Jade and YA Bound; Samantha Durante; Shane of Itching For Books; and Nicole of Tribute Books.
WON
Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt (E-book)
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Hardcover)
Genus by Jonathan Trigell (Paperback)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. My thanks go to Precious of Fragments of Life and Scholastic Canada.
BOUGHT
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Paperback)
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Paperback)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. My thanks goes to Book Sale.
FREE
Iron King by Julie Kagawa (E-book)
Iron’s Prophecy by Julie Kagawa (E-book)
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa (E-book)
How about you guys? What books have you received, bought, or borrowed this week? Leave your comments below.
14 November 2012 at 12:06PM with 
