Friday, March 19, 2010

Rules, Books, and ARCs

Hey all! Poking my head out for a minute to let you know about some giveaways. (Because, yanno, if I can't give you good content at least I can give you free books.;))

Sarah MacLean, the author of the awesome The Season (YA) and upcoming Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Adult) is doing a fun series on her blog where other authors come and offer Nine Rules for their books' worlds. Today is me! However, the other guest posts are all fun, so you may want to look for some of your favorite authors, like Tera Lynn Childs, Toni Blake, and Kerrelyn Sparks! (And there are more to come!) She has oh so kindly put all of the "Nine Rules" posts here! Additionally, on my entry (hereherehere!!) Sarah is giving away a copy of Wings! All you have to do is go tell her your favorite flower!

My lovely ladies at L8BloomerOnline have been running a contest for a SPELLS ARC for the last couple of days, but this morning they announced that they are giving away TWO ARCs! Double the chances to win one! And all of the details are HERE!

And since I can't just send you to other people's blogs for giveaways, I'm doing two here as well!


For all you contemporary realism fans out there, I have one signed copy of Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron up for grabs! This is a fabulous book for guys or girls, with lots of heart and Indie rock music!! And on top of that, it's written by a guy of incredible awesomeness who is one of the best Dads I know. Jon is the man! If you want to enter for this one, leave a comment with your favorite song!

And next, unsigned, but also unreleased, I am giving up my ARC of Mistwood, by Leah Cypess. I don't give away a lot of ARCs because I have this thing for them. I LOVE ARCs! And even though I also generally buy the book after it comes out, I still keep the ARC. (I have a special shelf.:)) But you guys, I have to give this one away because it is so good! It comes out April 27th, so it's only a little bit early, but, seriously, people, you want to read this book!



Here's the description from Amazon:

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

To enter for this one, comment and tell me which animal you would most like to be able to turn into.

You are welcome to enter one contest or the other, or both. No hold barred.:D Contest ends Monday morning . . . . GO!:D

Ciao!

93 comments:

Sherry said...

Yay I can't wait to read Mistwood! It looks amazing!

If I could turn in to any animal it would have to be a water animal, maybe a dolphin. I used to swim competitively and to be able to speed through the water like a dolphin does would be amazing! :)

Land animal would have to be a Lion. They just seems so powerful!

Thanks so much!

Sherry

Angelique said...

Mistwood sounds great!!

And I would want to be able to turn into an owl, I've always loved them...to be able to fly silently through the night...
Plus, they're associated with Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and of course I equate books with wisdom SO...being the book lover I am, owl seems like the perfect choice :)

Unknown said...

Yes, I love giveaways! Both books sound great. Put me down for both.

My favorite song EVER is Heart Shaped Box from Nirvana

I guess I would have to say if I could shift into anything my favorite would be.... a cheeta, top of the food chain baby and they can run very fast.

Heather said...

I'm so looking forward to reading Mistwood! This book sounds excellent. An animal huh, probably a tiger, a full tiger so I wouldn't have to hunt something down and kill it. Ick. :)

Jessica B said...

These books both look awesome! Thanks for the contest!

My favorite song...that's evil! There's WAY too many to just pick one! But, for now, I'm going with Survive by Rise Against-my all time favorite band.

I'd want to turn into an owl. Because owls look cool and they can fly. AND turn their heads around. They're just awesome.

shutupjessicasreading @ gmaildotcom

Lena1xoxo said...

OOOOH! Both of those are on my TBR list.

My favorite song is a cheesy one, but it's Breathe by Michelle Branch. The lyrics alone are fantastic.

As for turning into any animal, can the animal be make believe? Because I'd want to turn into a phoenix, like in Harry Potter. Hahaha, and if it has to be a read animal, I'd still want to be some form of bird. Eagle, maybe? It's all about the flying!

Thanks for the awesome contest!

-Lena
longhorn08fan(at)gmail(dot)com

Midnight Sapphire Books said...

Mistwood sounds awesome!!!

If I could shift into an animal, would choose a wolf, they are so beautiful and wild, just loved them.

Crystal Cook said...

Mistwood sounds amazing!
And the other one looks great too. Here are my entries.

If I could be any animal I would be a horse. Because, well I just love horses, I always have.

My favorite song ever is "This Never Happened Before" by Paul McCartney

Georgia said...

Oooh! ARCs make my tummy happy. I want to enter for both please.

I don't have a favorite song... I love too many of them, but this morning when I was going to QT to get a Red Bull I was rocking out to one of my favorites, White Balloons by Sick Puppies. Give it a listen, its good stuff. Another excellent song by Sick Puppies is All The Same. I must be on a Sick Puppies kick this week.

And for the second entry.... I think if I could transform into any animal it would be a bird or butterfly. Something with wings, that can fly free.

xoxo
Georgia

Lyla said...

Wow, they both sound so good! I have to try both :)

My favorite song is Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K. That band just makes genius.

If I could shift into any animal, I would shift into a woodpecker. I mean, really? I get to fly AND cling to tree trunks? I would definitely eat bugs for that privilege.

fredamans said...

I would most love to tun into a leopard. They are fast and fearless!

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

Anonymous said...

Both books look great, but, being as I love a good fantasy, Mistwood especially perks my interest. I am very much digging the cover for Struts & Frets, though!

Okee, favorite sing *right now* is Uprising by Muse. So powerful.

And I would want to be...a three toed sloth. Cuddly and weird and wicked cool claws all in one!

Beleth said...

I would love to read Mistwood :D!
I think that if i could turn into an animal it would be a big cat, like a panther or a leopard. When i was young i dreamed i lived with them lol

Thanks

Wicked Walker said...

I think i would pick a black panther...they are sleek and beautiful..but already can run FAST! That would be a thrill!

booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

ronna15 said...

I'd love to be entered on both contest!

My favorite music, well it varies every time, but right now it "This is War" by 30 Seconds to Mars. It's such an emotional uplifing song.

If I could turn into any animal, it would most definately be an eagle, because I've always wanted to fly!

Thanks for the contest Aprilynne!

-ronna
ronna15_ajkc@yahoo.com

Yamile said...

Mistwood looks so amazing! Love that cover! I have too many songs to mention only one, but lately, the one I listen to over and over again is "Try Again" by Keane. Gives me inspiration while I revise my WIP.
If I could, I'd turn into a falcon. I'd love to fly!

ninefly said...

if this is open to canada, please sign me up for both! =)

my favourite song atm: Ci Niao (Thorn Bird) by F.I.R [taiwanese band]
lovely vocals and even lovelier lyrics ♥

animal: peregrine falcon, cuz I wanna fly reallyyyyy fast lol

thanks!
ninefly(at)gmail(dot)com

Natalie Whipple said...

Favorite song for the time being: Far Away by Ingrid Michaelson.

Animal I want to be: A bear, that way I could be fat and hibernate all winter without anyone judging me.

Eggykay said...

I would so want to be camel--because then my passengers can only fall of sideways, and sometimes looking at things in a different point of view makes you see the road clearer.
And also, camels rock.

Tami said...

Mom Chops can't even get Graham Chops to loan her your autographed book! I had my weekend all planned, but I can see I'm going to have to go find me a copy of Wings so I won't be even MORE behind when your next book comes out;^)!

Unknown said...

Favorite song! That's a tough one; I love so many songs. Hm.

I'll go with "I Love The Rain The Most" by Joe Purdy. Great song.

As for the animal I'd turn into? Red panda, 100%. Completely adorable, but those things can tear your face off if they need to. Or maybe that's koalas?

TreeHugger said...

Mistwood sounds amazing! :)

If I could be an animal... then I'd be a flying squirrel. I love the wind, and alternating between flying and scurrying up the trees is something I've always wanted to do!

If I could be a water animal, I would be a whale, hands down! When Dory demonstrated whale talk in Finding Nemo, I knew it right then. :)

Red Boot Pearl said...

Horchata by Vampire Weekend, love this song...

Sara said...

Mistwood looks great! And I can't wait for your next book too!

I would have to pick an Orca I think. I've always loved them. Or maybe a horse. That would be amazing too, to run and jump like they can.

Bookgirl said...

My favorite song is Change by Carrie underwood. I love the message it gives and how it inspires me.

If I could be an animal it would have to be a mythical creature*. I could chose from any real ones they all are amazing and unique but I'd have to have something more exotic.

*fairy, mermaid, etc.

Bookgirl said...

PS any mythical creature would be amazing same any found on earth. I couldn't chose. It was be amazing to be any of all of the animals in stories and in the world.

D Swizzle said...

My favorite song ever is "all these things that i've done" by the killers.

if i could turn into an animal, i would turn into a fly, because they can just fly around and spy on people.

danielleeloko78@aol.com

Rebecca Wells said...

Okayyy...

Favorite song (of the moment): Ain't No Rest for the Wicked, by Cage the Elephant.

Animal-to-be: water: dolphin; land: wolf.

Angela Killpack said...

Mistwood looks like a great read! Can't wait.

I'd chose to be a panther or leopard. They can run really fast, they look great and they eat meat. :)

Anonymous said...

Hmmm... My favorite song is Complicated by Avril lavigne.


The animal i want to turn into the most is probably a penguin.

Thanks for having this giveaway!

yilingni@yahoo.com

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

I can't wait for Mistwood! If I could, I would change into an eagle because they can soar over the planet!

Ke'Shel said...

I haven't heard of Mistwood before, but after that description I am definetly putting it on my must buy list! And it comes out the day before my birthday!

If I could turn into any animal I would have to pick a dog. And not just any dog, but a mutt. Cause people always love on dogs and dogs can always be the ones to keep your secret. But dogs can also be your best friend and protect you.

Have fun in your cave! --Kelsey

Melissa Hurst said...

I'm really looking forward to reading Mistwood! It sounds like it is an amazing book.

I would like to turn into a swan. I've always loved them ever since I was little and I read The Ugly Duckling for the first time:)

Jen said...

Ooohhh Mistwood sounds so good :). I don't know if this is technically considered an animal, and it doesn't really exist but thats ok. If I could change into an "animal" I would change into a mermaid. I mean how awesome would it be to just live underwater and swim around all the time, and never have to come up for air. And all the humans would fantasize about you.... ;)
If I had to chose a real animal I would problably choose a lion, only because I absolutely adore the lion king <3

Dani. said...

Mistwood looks AMAZING! I cant wait to read it! :)

If I could change into an animal I would turn into a polar bear, mostly because I'm obsessed with them though! :p

Anonymous said...

I'd love to a tiger or panther. They both sound amazing.

Please put me in the MISTWOOD giveaway.

-Lisa B.

Michelle Santiago said...

mistwood sounds awesome! count me in for the giveaway!

if i can turn into any animal, it would be a polar bear.

molly said...

Oh! Yay!

I have more than one favorite song, but I will just pick one. It's fantastic! It's called Sweet Talk by Dear and the Headlights. I listen to it almost everyday. It's my number one most played song.

I think I'd like most to turn into an elephant. They're my favorite animal. They're HUGE! So most beings won't mess with them. They're cute! I just love them. I can already make a great elephant sound. So I'm totally on my way. They also travel in big herds and stay with their families which I think is really nice.

Lucinda S said...

Wow, Mistwood sounds GOOD!!! Okay....Hey, if I don't win (I probably wont), I'll just go and buy the book when it comes out.

So....If I had the power to turn into any animal, I must say I would become a bluebird. ^^ I used to imagine that I could fly when swinging on the swings at recess, that is, when I wasn't inside for chorus rehearsal. xD So, a bluebird would be perfect for me. I could fly, but I would also be able to sing, though not in exactly the way I do now. ^^ Though, I do wonder what would happen if I got a cold. What do birds sound like when they get colds? Do birds get colds? ....I get off topic.

Well, best of luck to everyone!

Linda said...

I have to say that i love foloving your blog ( i probably check if there are new post at least 2-3 times a day)!

So, if i could turn into an animal it would probably be a cat. They allways land on their feet, they are limber, fast and seem to have an ability to survive almost anywhere


As for the favorite song, it kind of depends on the mood of the day, but right now I have 3:

Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore
Vanilla Twilight - Owl city
and
The Call - Regina Spector (I can't get this out of my head, not that i realy want to, but i go around humming it all the time and I NEVER do that)

Sorry if it became a bit long (I blame sleep deprivation)


//Linda
(linda_michelle_@hotmail.com)

Alexandra said...

Oh I've been waiting to read Mistwood!

I would love to be able to turn into a cat because they're quiet, cunning, and cute or an eagle because then I could fly but not having to worry about predators.

Thanks for holding the contest!

Erica said...

Yay! Mistwood sounds awesome! =D

Well if the animal can be made-believe, I'd love to be able to shift into a hypogriff. They're proud creatures with beautiful wings, which means I'd be able to fly, and they have a good self-defense system.

But reality-wise, I'd love to be a leopard. Leopards are my favorite animal and also they're great predators. They're a lot like me as well, which would make sense for me to shift into them. ;)

I can't wait until May 4th! Spells!

- Erica

Becky D. said...

Favorite song: "Feel Us Shaking" by The Samples (the slow version). It is actually written about my hometown and whenever I'm homesick and missing the ocean, it makes me feel better. :)

angie said...

Thanks for the great giveaway! If I could turn into any animal it would have to be a house cat. They get to lounge in the sun all day, get attention from people only when they want, and can entertain themselves with a piece of string.
email bangersis(at)msn(dot)com

Unknown said...

Mistwood sounds AMAZING!

I think I'd like to turn into a Unicorn! A girl can dream can't she!

Tana said...

Oh me, me choose me! My favorite song? The Rose by Bette Midler (sp?). Haunting. It was my first dance song at my wedding.

Faith Anne said...

Hello Aprilynne!
My favorite song would have to be the Best Day by Taylor Swift because it talks about family in such a way that it makes you want to cry. I can relate to it because of the way my mom is always there for me, especially with my Dad in the military, and I am lucky. Most kids don't have parents like mine.
***
If I could turn into an animal, I would turn into a dove. Dove is the sign of peace so I've always thought it was pretty, and I've always wanted to fly.

Thanks for giving away the ARC's, it's so kind of you, especially because you LOVE them SO MUCH!

~Faith

Marny said...

Ooh, Mistwood sounds very interesting! I'll have to put it on my wish list, assuming I don't win. :) I would love to turn into a panther, or any type of cat.

Bidisha said...

Oh wow, both books sound amazing and I'd love to win!!

I don't have one favourite song..god, that's so hard. But, um, for now I'll choose the one I can't get outta my head - Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin.

Oooh, an animal. I want to be a mermaid but I guess that's not answering your question. Um..I'd like to be a panther 'cos they are fast, cunning and glamourously deadly!!

XD

Unknown said...

Wow these look like great books!

Song: It's Raining Men, by the Weather Girls (It's been my fav. since I was 10!)

Animal: I would love to change into an otter. Besides it being my fav. animal, I love how they are fun and carefree!!

throuthehaze said...

I would want to turn into an owl :)

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

breanna said...

If I could turn into any animal I would want to be a mockingbird. Mockingbirds can fly everywhere, so that way they can see the world. Also, I love how a mockingbird sings, so I wish I could sing like them.

breannna said...

My favortie song is Weightless by All Time Low

Nicole said...

Thanks for sharing this book, it sounds great! I think I'd like to change into a puma. I'd want to run so fast it feels like I'm flying.

~Nicole
niclovesbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

The Novelist said...

My favorite song right now is the Glee version of Dancing With Myself.

If I could be any animal it would be a lynx. It is one cool cat!

Here's praying for luck!

"Alex" said...

One of my favorite songs is: Playing God by Paramore. The music, the lyrics . . . Hayley William's amazing voice-- it all combines into one wonderful song!

If I could turn into any animal I'd turn into a cheetah. I've always loved running, and think this beautiful animal would be perfect for me! As the cheetah, I could be fierce and deadly, and I could run without fear of people judging me. :D

M_Fig =] said...

My favorite song is "Brick by boring Brick" by Paramore! I like most of thier songs. That was a hard one. And if I could turn into any animal...it would have to be a blank panther. Graceful, fierce, quick and beautiful. Awesome! =]

Hannah said...

I would love to able to turn into either something that can fly or breathe underwater...since I'm afraid of both. I'm all about breaking past my fears.

Brodie said...

Oh, oh, oh! I would love to be entered for both of them, they sound great =D (If this is open internationally!)

If I could turn into any animal I would choose a horse. For some reason I've had a strong affinity to horses and they are beautiful. And to just be able to gallop off at full speed into the sunset, feel the wind in my mane.. awesome!

Thanks!
hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com

Tara McClendon said...

I'm going to use the same answer for both: Pink Panther. The theme is classic and fun. And as for being a pink panther, I think it would be a conversation starter as well as fun endeavor. Plus I'd get to be sleek and fast.

Allison said...

Hey, thanks for doing this! I love contests, and Mistwood sounds great.

If I could turn into any animal, it would be a hawk, for sure.

Bets said...

My favorites are shapeshifters. ;) At the moment, I adore Jonathan Coulton's "You Ruined Everything." So very very true. And I would shift into an albatross. Works well for an introvert who is married to her soulmate and can't decide between sea and sky. :D

Anonymous said...

For the ARC of Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron, my favorite song... thats really hard but i guess i would have to pick Smile Like You Mean It by The Killers.

And if I could turn into any animal, this is going to be a little over used but i don't care, I would turn into a wolf.

Sharli said...

I'd choose a cat! I don't usually like them but it seem more practicall. I could go anywhere and no-one would even pay attention because I'd be just a cat! And then I could take over the world :D Genius, right??

Thanks for the giveaway!
entrelibros_blog at hotmail dot com

Kelsey said...

A cat! I love cats, and have one of my own (wish I could have more!).

Thanks for the contest!
Kelsey
krae991@yahoo.com

Angel Observations said...

A sea turtle. They live long and get to live in the beautiful, warm, blue oceans.

vonmorgan@yahoo.com

Trini said...

Oooh Mistwood is in my TBR pile and would love it!
An animal I would turn into would be a white winged horse just like Pegasus but female :) I love Greek Mythology and horses are so regal, strong, and beautiful.

Thanks!
Trini
abookloversreview@gmail.com

Llehn said...

My favorite song is Somebody by Depache Mode.

The animal I would like to turn into is an eagle so I can soar the skies.

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tori [Book Faery] said...

What animal I would shift into? A white tiger. I love tigers, and white tigers are beautiful!

Either that or I'd shift into a wolf, just so I could be a werewolf ;)


I would love that Mistwood ARC!

Unknown said...

Both of these 2 sound awesome! :) I have been craving Mistwood :)

HMM turn into...I think, it's going to sound nuts, but a Unicorn - I have loved them since I was a little girl, very little, and collect them - I have all kinds and to be able to turn into such a beautiful creature...WOW...

Thank yu soo much
Jenn

Jessy said...

Both of these sound like good reads.

If I could turn into any animal it would be a cat. I just always felt they had the life, sleep, suntan, eat and sleep. What could be better?

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I'd love a shot at "Mistwood"

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

Anonymous said...

Platypus. I would love to be a platypus, because then I could be like Perry and that would just be awesome. So...platypus :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes, and favorite song! I forgot that one. It would have to be...Hey, Soul Sister by Train. I love that song. I can listen to it over and over and over again and it always makes me happy beyond belief.

kristiclark said...

both please!

well, my favorite song is 'her eyes' by Pat Monahan.

and if i could shape shift to any animal, i believe it would be an owl. its a predator of the night. Their very beautiful and have so many different meanings to them. Their powerful and faithful. And i mean, they can pretty much turn their head all away around! their amazing animals.

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

My favorite song is Girls Freak Me Out by The Friday Night Boys!
Hmm... if I could turn into any animal it would be a fish because I could live in the ocean!

melissa @ 1lbr said...

Hm...I'm not sure which animal I'd want to turn into. Maybe some kind of bird. A smart bird that doesn't get eaten by predators very often. And one where the female isn't quite so ugly (what is it with the beautiful male birds and boring female ones?)

Anonymous said...

Tell us who wins Aprilynne!!! Yu said u would announce it monday morning!!! I am excited!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

misskallie2000 said...

I would love to read Mistwood. This looks like a great book.

I love water and would love to live directly on a large lake or ocean. Since I love water I would have to be a dolphin..They are so great to watch and full of fun.

My favorite song is Always, but I can't remember the singer (60 yrs ago)I'll be loving you, always.. With a love thats true, always..

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Joanna said...

wow! am i too late?

ok. i want Mistwood too!

so animal, i probably wantto be a Bee. why? because they are very well suited in the gardens and forest. they have awesome color and they are helpful creatures in our ecosystem. ok am i so dorky now?

ok simple reason why i want to be a bee is because i love to experience how to fly. i might sting others but i'm still cute. lol

Aqui Wolfe said...

Ah! Struts and frets! Macbeth reference! Very good!

Kelsey (Dominique) Ridge said...

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, I must read that book. Mistwood sounds fabulous. **takes deep breathes to get a grip on self**

Okay, I'm normal again.

If I were to turn into any animal, it would probably be a wolf. Strong, powerful, with a deep sense of Pack and tradition.

Kelsey (Dominique) Ridge said...

My favorite song is probably "I'm Still Here" by the Goo Goo Dolls. But that changes with my mood.

tomdg said...

Darn, missed the deadline :( But in case time has stopped mysteriously, and because "Struts and Frets" looks fantastic:

My fave song is "Wish You Were Here" (by Pink Floyd) because it says everything in just three little verses.

Unknown said...

If I could change into any animal it would have to be a free, unclipped wing Cocktail, that way I could still have the amazing ability to fly and still be able to talk to people with my amazing, understandable bird voice!

Darby Richins said...

Both of the books sound AMAZING!!! Here are my entries:

My favorite song is "This Kiss" by Faith Hill. It has been my favorite song since I was 3.

If I could change into any animal it would be a liger (they really do exsist). They are the coolest combination. Even if they don't actually have magical powers.

Anonymous said...

An Eagle, Because they are fearless, courageous, loyal, beautiful and majestic.

Lori said...

My favorite song is Show Me Heaven by Maria Mckee. Hauntingly beautiful.

If I could turn into an animal, I'd have to say a bird. I would love to know what it feels like to fly.

Mundie Moms said...

I absolutely love that you have a special shelf for your ARCs! Why? Because I have the same thing and even though I buy the books when they're released, my ARCs are still coveted items. LOL

Mistwood is SOOOO good!

Mundie Moms said...

*please don't enter us, we're just stopping by to say HI!!*

JD Seibel said...

I think I'd want to be a horse, so I can run free~!

JD Seibel said...

My favorite song? Oh, sheesh, way to hard to choose! It might have to be "symphony" by Jessica Riddle. That or "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Jem. :)