Tales from the Real OC (Really!): June 2009

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

OC Arts and Culture Cover!!!

I know, I know, it's been a busy day for blog posts, but as far as I can tell, this'll be the last one!

Anyway, I'm just really excited to share that I made the cover of OC Arts & Culture!!! You can see it HERE!

Oh, and I just learned that EVERMORE is at #3 this week on the New York Times Best Sellers list for Children's Paperbacks--making 17 weeks on the list!!

Thank You-- Thank You-- Thank You!!!!

Have a good night everyone!

:-D

Labels: EVERMORE, new york times bestseller, oc arts and culture

Ask a Question for my Free Book Friday Interview!!!

Got a burning question regarding THE IMMORTALS series???

Well, now's your chance to ask!

Just check out the sidebar HERE to learn how to submit your question for my podcast interview at the end of June!

Happy Asking!!

5 Star Gold Award for BLUE MOON!!!

This just in--an awesome review for BLUE MOON and the TeensReadToo 5 Star Gold Award too!!!

Yippeee!!!!!!!

Here's an excerpt:

The full review can be found HERE!!!

Labels: Alyson Noel, blue moon, EVERMORE, sarah bean the green bean teen queen, teensreadtoo.com, the immortals series

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

The Cafe!

I'm blogging about books, movies, TV, and music today over at The Teen Fiction Cafe and could really use your suggestions!

Just click HERE!!

Labels: teen fiction cafe

The IMMORTALS forum!!

Hey Everyone-

Just wanted to let you know about the new IMMORTALS series forum that a reader just started where you can chat about all things Ever, Damen, Haven, Miles, etc!!!

All you have to do to start chatting is click HERE!

Enjoy your day!

Labels: immortals series forum

Monday, June 01, 2009

Catching Up!

(From L to R: Mary Pearson, Marlene Perez, Debborah Lytton, Kathryn Fitzmaurice, Alyson Noel, Debby Garfinkle)

Busy Weekend.

Busy-Busy-Weekend!!

First, the Romance Divas chat was a blast! The perfect way to procrastinate on all the things I was supposed to be doing--so thanks to all of you who stopped by and kept me appropriately busy and entertained and thoroughly distracted by your excellent questions!

Also, the multi-author book signing at Laguna Beach Books was a lot of fun!! I met so many awesome people: the twins & their mom--the girls from Thurston with their mom--Chloe-I forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY--so here's a late HAPPY BIRTHDAY--and since it's impossible to list everyone I'll just say that the conversations were great, the company was great, the store was awesome, the staff amazing, so I'll just stop right there and give a big, overall, blanket THANKS to everyone who stopped by!

And today my editor made my day by sending me this from RT Magazine (still haven't gotten mine yet--hello, mailperson--what gives??!), who gave BLUE MOON 4 stars and says:

“In the second installment of the bestselling and captivating Immortals series, gutsy young heroine Ever is faced with the twin teenage terrors of isolation and alienation. Noel does an excellent job exploring Ever’s growing fears and her determination to save lost love Damen. This author is on a roll!” (4 stars) –Romantic Times

And then this just came in from The Book Chick who says:

" . . .It is the mark of a daring writer to defy expectations and Alyson Noel does that to the power of ten in “Blue Moon.” I guarantee you will have no idea what’s coming in the second book of the series while Alyson Noel surprises you with a big, fat twist and leaves you wanting more, more, more."

To read the whole review (warning, there's a few spoilers!) click HERE.

Also, today I received the BLUE MOON cover flats in the mail (thank you mailperson-you rock!), and they are GORGEOUS!!!

Seriously, GORGEOUS!!!

The St. Martin's Art Department does amazing work!

Also, I got a sneak peek at something very exciting that is in the works for the IMMORTALS series, that hopefully, you guys will love as much as I do . . . details coming soon!!

Have a good night everyone!

Labels: blue moon, immortals series, laguna beach books, romance divas, rt magazine, st martin's art department, the book chick

: Name: Alyson Noel; Location: Laguna Beach, CA, United States

I'm the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of: FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, FLY ME TO THE MOON, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOE, FIRST KISS (THEN TELL)- an anthology, CRUEL SUMMER, and the IMMORTALS series, including: EVERMORE, BLUE MOON (July 09), SHADOWLAND (Feb 2010) and two more titles in 2010.

View my complete profile

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Friday, July 17, 6:00 PM
Signing copies of BLUE MOON!
Barnes & Noble
791 S. Main St. #100
Orange, CA 92868

Friday, July 24
Comic Con!!
Panel-"Future Fond Memories"- 12:30-1:30
Signing- 1:30 -2:30
San Diego Convention Center
111 W. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Orange County RWA Meeting
Drama, Angst, and Heartache: Writing the YA Novel
Talk- 10:50- 11:50 AM
Sign- 12:30 - 1:00 PM
695 East Madison Way
Brea, CA 92821
Admission:
Members- $10-
Non-members- $20-

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mission Viejo Readers Festival
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mission Viejo Library
100 Civic Center
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

BLUE MOON received the 5 Star Gold Award from TeensReadToo!

BLUE MOON received 4 Stars from Romantic Times magazine!

EVERMORE is a #1 New York Times bestseller for 10 weeks running (16 on the list)!!

EVERMORE is a USA Today bestseller!!

EVERMORE is a Publisher's Weekly bestseller!!

EVERMORE is nominated for YALSA's 2009 Teen's Top Ten Award!

EVERMORE has been optioned by Spring Creek Productions and Warner Horizon for a TV series!!!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON, German rights sold to Goldmann at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOONSpanish and Catalan rights sold to Mondadori as their lead Fall title!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Russian rights sold to AST at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON French rights sold to Michel Lafron at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Taiwanese rights sold to Eurasian at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Polish rights sold to Dolnoslaskie at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Italian rights sold to Fanucci at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Portuguese rights sold in a pre-empt to Intrinsica in Brazil!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Korean rights sold to Mirae N Culture at auction!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Hungarian rights sold!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Bulgarian rights sold!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Greek rights sold to Psichogios!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON UK rights sold to Pan Macmillian!

EVERMORE & BLUE MOON Croatian rights sold to Algoritam!

EVERMORE is a Borders bestseller for teens!!

EVERMORE featured in the Feb/March issue of Justine magazine as a Page Turner!!

EVERMORE received 4 STARS from Romantic Times magazine!!!

EVERMORE received the Flaming Net TOP CHOICE AWARD!!!!

SAVING ZOE won the National Reader's Choice Award for young adult fiction!!!

CRUEL SUMMER is nominated for the BEST BOOKS OF 2008!!

CRUEL SUMMER is a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence!!

"I really enjoy sequels, but they make me nervous, especially when I loved the first book as much as I did EVERMORE. But Alyson Noel surpassed all my expectations, and not only is BLUE MOON an amazing sequel - it sets the bar for the rest of this series very, very high! When I reached the last page of this one, all I could say was “wow!” . . .There were numerous twists that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I would get pulled in a new direction, which kept the book fast-paced and full of suspense - I had to keep turning the pages. . .Another highly recommended book from Alyson Noel, I can’t wait to read more about Ever and Damen. THE IMMORTALS series is one you’ll want to get your hands on!" 5 Star Gold Award- TeensReadToo

“In the second installment of the bestselling and captivating Immortals series, gutsy young heroine Ever is faced with the twin teenage terrors of isolation and alienation. Noel does an excellent job exploring Ever’s growing fears and her determination to save lost love Damen. This author is on a roll!” 4 stars Romantic Times

" . . .It is the mark of a daring writer to defy expectations and Alyson Noel does that to the power of ten in “Blue Moon.” I guarantee you will have no idea what’s coming in the second book of the series while Alyson Noel surprises you with a big, fat twist and leaves you wanting more, more, more." The Book Chick

"BLUE MOON, the second Immortals saga, is an outstanding teen fantasy in the tradition of Kelly Armstrong and Stephanie Meyers."-5 Stars Harriet Klausner

"Noel’s writing in Blue Moon is pure artistry, with its conversational flow and true-to-life dialogue. And in the midst of life threatening situations and centuries-old conflicts, she still manages to perfectly capture the cruel high school atmosphere and social hierarchy teens must deal with on top of their larger-than-life problems. As a result, readers will experience a great variety of emotions, similar to those of the grieving process: denial, anger, bitterness, acceptance, hope, anger, more anger, more hope, and finally, extreme anticipation. In fact, the tension between Damen and Ever–first established in Evermore– doesn’t ease up a bit in Blue Moon, which will keep your heart racing and your blood stirring from beginning to end. And the end? Well, I refuse to give away an ending so carefully and perfectly pieced together, but I will say that you’ll never see it coming and you will be aching to read the third book in the series, expected to hit shelves in February 2010."- Rebekah Harris

TWILIGHT series should love it."- Orange Coast magazine

"Teen angst and the paranormal make a combustible mix as Noel utilizes typical themes and gives them a dangerous and eerie twist. Getting hooked on this new series, THE IMMORTALS, is guaranteed."-4 STARS- Romantic Times Magazine!!!

"Evermore is addictive. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about how I could sneak away to read some more. I couldn't put it down. I dreamt about this book. And when I finished, I couldn't get it out of my head. This book was simply breathtaking." 5 STAR GOLD AWARD TeensReadToo

“Beautiful main characters, tense budding romance, a dark secret, mysterious immortals—what more could you ask for from this modern day gothic romance?”- Justine Magazine

"Alyson Noel does such a GREAT job of keep the reader on their toes, constantly engaged and wanting more . . .Noel pulls you in, gives you a tiny morsel of satisfaction, then let's you hang on again, wanting just a bit more, always guessing. And at the end? The big reveal is so incredibly satisfying, like a long nap after a triathlon. . .I give this book a 10/10! Lovely and beautiful. Everyone needs to read it and have it forever on their bookshelves! Can't wait for the sequel!” Reverie Media

“I have discovered the new Twilight series, and I’m sure a lot more people are going to be jumping on the bandwagon as these books become known. Stephanie Meyer faces some stiff competition from Alyson Noel’s new series, The Immortals. The series has already been optioned for the movies. . .Alyson Noel can really write. Her words flow effortlessly and her dialogue rings true. This book is a breeze to read. . .Evermore is a crackerjack read for teens and teen-at-heart adults looking for more teen angst and a gushy love story with some action and mysteries spread throughout.” Mel Odom, Blog Critics

"In this first installment of her Immortals series, Alyson Noël snags a hold of readers’ attention with her amazing ability to build suspense and curiosity. Dipping into the phenomenon of supernatural abilities, the unknowns of the afterlife, and both the limited and unlimited opportunities of immortality, offer a wealth of possible plots to entertain. Noël has also created a very likable and empathetic heroine in Ever, with wonderful descriptive narration on what she’s feeling, seeing and experiencing: 'And when she lies down beside me, I don’t pull away. I just close my eyes and allow myself to feel her pain, and my pain, until it’s all mixed together, raw and deep with no beginning or end.' Eager fans won’t have to wait too long for the next book in the series, as BLUE MOON is due out in July." Chris Shanley-Dillman, TeenReads

“ . . .This book is well-written and engaging. I wanted to keep reading to find out who (or what) Ever and Damen were. I also think that some of the strengths of this story lie outside the romantic relationship—Ever's relationship with Riley and her struggle with letting her go, her awkward but caring relationship with Sabine, and Ever's own pain and guilt about the accident.” Young Adult Romance Reviews

“ . . .Noel’s debut title in her new IMMORTALS seris is an interesting twist on the standard paranormal teen read. Elements of Eastern philosophy in this tale are both effective and refreshingly original.”- Becky Lejuene

“Ms. Noel writes an emotional, thoughtful book about loss as well as falling in love. I will admit that I cried in a couple of places. This was a really easy novel to get sucked into. Every time I had to put it down, I wanted to get back to it as soon as possible. Ever is a sympathetic girl who is dealing the best way she knows how. I am always impressed when an author creates a character that seems so genuine and effortless. The writing was well done and the plot intriguing. Ever’s friends are well fleshed out and unique without being caricatures. This would make a great movie (hint, hint). I am thrilled that this is the start of a new series and Blue Moon will be out in August! If I can squeeze it into my schedule, I will be perusing Ms. Noel’s backlist. If you love Stephanie Meyer you will LOVE this book.”- Night Owl Romance

“Evermore is one of those books that is simply hypnotizing. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It's in my top of 2009. I like paranormal but have felt a little burnt out on the whole vampire aspect of novels that are popular now. Evermore has so much more to give than just your average story. It has mystery, love, and intrigue. Throughout the whole book, I couldn't put it down, due to needing to know what was really going on and how Ever fit into the whole big picture. Ever is a great protagonist and never bored or irritated me. Alyson Noel is one of my all time favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint this time. The ending is also nice to where you can wait for the next book (out later '09 --titled Blue Moon) and not feel like you're going to pull your hair out. I have complete faith in Alyson Noel to take this series to where it should go and not disappoint. Now, I'm just waiting patiently for Blue Moon.”- Writers Block Reviews

“This first novel in the Immortals series will appeal to fans of the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer, and in fact, seems heavily inspired by it . . .Ever is ultimately a likeable character as she heals and learns to forgive herself for the accident that killed the rest of her family and let go of her dead younger sister, Riley, who has been a companion to Ever throughout the book. She also falls head over heels in love during the process.” VOYA

“Compared to amazing teen fantasy authors such as the acclaimed Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr, Evermore manages to snag the readers attention from the very beginning and pull you head long into the story! Get ready for a wild ride that is filled with twisting paths and mystery, love and fantasy. . .Evermore is a thrilling read for teen readers and yes, even a few adults too. The writing style, story, and characters are a bit like Meyer and Marr's popular books, but written with a new twist and voice so as not to seem like a cheap remake. And after reading the book, you too will probably want your own Damen, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. After all-- Immortality is like the apple in the garden of Eve: forbidden fruit that tempts and always tastes sweeter.” 5/5 stars! The Book Queen

" . . .Alyson Noël has delivered a deliciously fresh new young adult paranormal series that will be the next new thing that every teen and even adults everywhere hooked and waiting for more about Ever and Damen. This is a keeper and a book that you have to go out and buy right now because if you don't you will be missing out on a great new series. People will be asking if you have been living under a rock if you don't give Evermore a try and that is just not acceptable."- Phoebe Jordan

" . . .Ever's vernacular voice and amorous fixation will gratify romance fans. . ."-Kirkus

"Readers who enjoy the works of PC Cast and Stephenie Meyer will love this outstanding paranormal teen-lit thriller." –Midwest Book Review

"I thought this book was very good! The author creates a great picture of each and every character in the book. I am a fan of the twlight series and I recommend this book to those who like the series as well. It is a very quick read, with all the interesting twist and turns in this book." TOP CHOICE AWARD!!! -Flamingnet Book Reviews

Before you read the review: Open a tab of Amazon or Barnes and Noble's site or Borders's site or whatever site you order your books from. Log in to your account, search for this book, and when it's page thing comes up, click the "pre-order" button. Because this is one you'll definitely want to read as soon as it comes out. Also, Alyson Noel knows how to write her characters. Ever was so real and her emotions were so believable that it was a little creepy. It's like Alyson Noël is actually a grieving, lovestruck teenager. She got Ever completely perfect. An by perfect, I mean delightfully flawed and deep. Also, I'm kind of smitten with Damen even though he got on my nerves a lot. He's fascinating to read about because of his past. Love him." The Frenetic Reader

" . . .Readers who enjoy the works of PC Cast and Stephenie Meyer will love this outstanding paranormal teen-lit thriller." -Harriet Klausner

"Evermore is a wonderful book that I believe would be a lovely addition to any library . . .Definitely a book that fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr should add to their collections. Definitely engaging and will catch your attention the minute you open to the first page!" - Mind of a Bibliophile

"I loved this book. It really keeps your attention though out the story, because the puzzle gets pieced together bit by bit, but you don't know exactly what happened until the end. The only thing that disappoints me is that the second book won't be published for a while. I would definitely recommend this to my friends."-Dorothy, Portsmouth Teen Book Review

"This is the first installment of The Immortals series. Ms. Noël pens a well-detailed story that makes it easy for the reader to visualize both the characters and the world around them. Evermore has a familiar theme that attracts readers, but inside this book you’ll find that the author has added some unique details that sets it apart. This is a young adult novel that should appeal to both teens and adults."-Darque Reviews

"Evermore is the first book in a new Young Adult Series called The Immortals. The writing is eloquent, the characters come alive, and the romance is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. There are many similarities to compare Evermore to Twilight but I enjoyed Evermore immensely more. The first person point of view is intimate and the narration by Ever is strong with emotions and feeling. She is confused and going through a lot and the reader can feel her angst come through in her passages. I read Evermore in less then two days and could not put it down all weekend. I read for hours at a time and was completely addicted to the writing from the first page. I would without a doubt recommend Evermore to readers who are looking for a book that will captivate them from the first word to the last. The next book in this series, Blue Moon will be out in August 2009. Overall, Evermore is a superb novel that left me breathless, satisfied, and yearning for more." --RachaelfromNJ

"I loved the story itself, the plot was engaging, I really had no idea what was going on. I kept waiting for one big revelation, but really it’s just revealed piece by piece which was a welcoming change of pace. The writing was marvelous! Impressive imagery! It was customary to find myself lost within the novel. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!"- The Story Siren

“Lots of people seem to be comparing this book with Twilight* and the House of Night series. In terms of quality, I have to agree. The first person storytelling in Evermore, is intimate and emotional. Ever's voice is realistic; all of her reactions as a grieving teenager make sense. Many times, in YA novels, authors make little blunders portraying teenagers. I have to say that Alyson Noel manages to do it pretty darn well, if not perfectly. . . And I definitely can't wait till the second book in the Immortals series comes out... Anyways, this is a book that deserves to be added to your bookshelf. So go on your favorite book purchasing site and add this one to your shopping cart now. You won't regret it.” - Reader Rabbit

“Evermore was a great way to lighten my reading load this winter and provided me with a creative, magical story that I really enjoyed. This is the first in a series for Noel and I think she may have a hit on her hands . . . Evermore has good and evil, likable characters, vivid descriptions and a good story.”- Planet Books

“So, let's see. This book was interesting. I fell into it easily, and I loved the world Noel created beside Ever. The fact that Ever had psychic powers was truly interesting. They flowed neatly through the book and I felt Ever's pain of it. . .trust me, this book was really good. I couldn't put it down. Alyson Noel created an amazing new world, and after this book I am so curious to see where it heads because honestly, I have no idea.” – Kelsey, Reading Keeps You Sane, Rating: A- Plot - 19/20 Characters - 17/20 Writing - 17/20 Originality - 20/20 Entertainment - 9/10 Recommendation - 9/10 Total: 91/100

“The cover is a bit reminiscent of Twilight and, once you get into the book, there are a lot of similarities. There is the new girl at school, beautiful and awkward, and the mysterious guy who is both charming and dangerous. Is he good for her or bad? Should she run from him? And do we want her to???But to be fair, that is really where the similarities end. . .Ever is an easy character to like. I really felt for her because of all she lost and what she struggled with daily. Her two best friends are also great characters who provide both a little humor. Another recurring character I enjoyed was the ghost of Ever's younger sister, who visits frequently. . .Overall, I thought Evermore was a really fast, engaging read with some great characters. It is the first in a series, so I'm eager to see if we will learn more about Ever, Damen and friends in the next one, or if the author will introduce us to some brand new characters. Either way, it's sure to be a great read.”- Ninja reviews

" . . .The writing here is clear, the story well-defined and narrator Ever has an engaging voice that teens should enjoy."- January Magazine

"This is the first installment of The Immortals series. Alyson Noël created a well-detailed story that makes it easy for the reader to visualize both the characters and the world around them. Evermore has a familiar theme that attracts readers, but inside this book you’ll find that the author has added some unique details that sets it apart and will surprise you. This is a young adult novel that should appeal to both teens and adults."- The Ravenous Reader

" . . . A fantastic novel for all teens, and possibly even a few adults. Laugh out loud funny and thoroughly suspenseful, Noel creates an entirely other world within the one we know and love. This haunting story will have you looking down alleyways and examining the new boy with undeniable curiosity. Ever tells her story in a convincing voice, and one you are not likely to forget. An amazing book that will have readers eagerly awaiting those following it."- TruNerd

“ . . .This book is well-written and engaging. I wanted to keep reading to find out who (or what) Ever and Damen were. I also think that some of the strengths of this story lie outside the romantic relationship—Ever's relationship with Riley and her struggle with letting her go, her awkward but caring relationship with Sabine, and Ever's own pain and guilt about the accident.” Young Adult Romance Reviews

"Evermore is one of those books that is simply hypnotizing. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It's in my top of 2009. I like paranormal but have felt a little burnt out on the whole vampire aspect of novels that are popular now. Evermore has so much more to give than just your average story. It has mystery, love, and intrigue. Throughout the whole book, I couldn't put it down, due to needing to know what was really going on and how Ever fit into the whole big picture. Ever is a great protagonist and never bored or irritated me. Alyson Noel is one of my all time favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint this time. The ending is also nice to where you can wait for the next book (out later '09 --titled Blue Moon) and not feel like you're going to pull your hair out. I have complete faith in Alyson Noel to take this series to where it should go and not disappoint. Now, I'm just waiting patiently for Blue Moon."-Writers Block Reviews

"This opening book in a new series, The Immortals, will thrill many teen fantasy-suspense readers, especially fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series … Noël (Saving Zoë, 2007) creates a cast of recognizably diverse teens in a realistic high-school setting, along with just the right tension to make Ever’s discovery of her own immortality—should she choose it—exciting and credible.”- Booklist

Tales from the Real OC (Really!)

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

OC Arts and Culture Cover!!!

Ask a Question for my Free Book Friday Interview!!!

5 Star Gold Award for BLUE MOON!!!

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

The Cafe!

The IMMORTALS forum!!

Monday, June 01, 2009

Catching Up!

About Me

MY LINKS

MY EVENTS

MY NEWS

Reviews for BLUE MOON

Reviews for EVERMORE

MY BOOKS

MY PEOPLE/MY PLACES

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