Even if you're only a semi-reader of this blog (as opposed to those who eagerly await each and every post--you're out there, right Mom??) then you probably know I've been a member of the awesome group, the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, for awhile now. You know the one where we interview all sorts of amazing YA authors about their exciting new books, then post those very same interviews on our blogs?
Well, as it happens, this week's featured author is me. Which means I'll be heavily immersed in some serious blog hopping among my fellow GCC sisters.
And with tomorrow being EVERMORE's official release day and all, and since I wanted to come up with some kind of promo worthy type piece for my own blog, I figured I'd take a stab at the very same set of 5 questions I ask all of my GCC sisters to answer!
So here, without further ado, is my own GCC interview of--me!
Here's the story:
Enter an enchanting new world where true love never dies . . .EVERMORE, the first book in
Alyson Noël’s extraordinary new series
Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.
Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He’s the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it’s as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she’s left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to for sure is she’s falling deeply and helplessly in love with him . . .
Here's where you can read the REVIEWS (or just look to the right and scroll down!)
Here's the same 5 questions I always ask:
1. Every story has a back story--what's the backstory for your book?
Well, a few years ago I lost 3 people I loved in 5 horrible months, and just when it seemed the dust was beginning to settle, my husband was diagnosed with leukemia and it felt like my entire world was crashing down. A year later, when he was in full remission, I wrote SAVING ZOE and CRUEL SUMMER, both of which explore the subject of grief and unavoidable change. But when it came time to write my next book, I realized I had more to say on the subject, though I wanted to do so in a much different way by giving the story a paranormal twist and pushing the boundaries between life and death, and the story of EVERMORE came pouring out of me!
2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
I work in a home office that also serves double duty as a work out room. So along with my laptop and desktop, fax, printers, and phone, there's also a treadmill, stationary bike, and green rubber exercise ball, along with an assortment of gadgets promising to build a trimmer, stronger, healthier me--providing it actually gets used of course! There's a small TV on the wall in case I need to watch Oprah or something, some book shelves overflowing to the point where all titles are now double stacked (with the ones I invariably need shoved deep into the back), and while my desk is by all accounts, made of standard issue stuff, it does sport a tiny photo of my husband and I taken a few years back when I was experimenting with super short hair, a small, red, Oscar Meyer Weiner mobile that he picked up for me when he was visiting our niece and nephew in Oregon, which sort of serves as a symbol for how I managed to find the one person on this entire planet who totally gets me, and a Dwight (from The Office) bobble head doll who's all knowing, all seeing, slightly judgmental, gaze keeps me in line.
3. If you could live inside any book, which would it be?
Okay, now see? This is one of those questions that I felt so cool for asking my fellow GCCers to answer--and yet, now that I'm supposed to answer it myself--I'm totally stumped. I mean, should I say SCRUPLES the old Judith Krantz novel I read over and over again as a teen, dreaming of a life just like Billy Ikehorn's? Or perhaps, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, because of all that drama and passion and those damp, foggy, moors!! Or, maybe HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, because then I could have my own purple crayon and draw whatever I want, or maybe FRANNY AND ZOEY because I've never had such intellectual conversations with my brother, but that's probably because I don't have a brother . . . or maybe--oh-- OH!--I've got it! I can't believe I didn't see it before, it's been staring me in the face all this time-- BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S!!! Totally. No contest. But only if I get to be Holly!!
4. What book rocked your world growing up?
Anything by Judy Blume, with a special shout out to DEENIE, FOREVER, and ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET.
In fact, Judy Blume still rocks my world! I met her two years ago at the ALA conference in DC and she was even more awesome than I hoped she would be!
5. If you could visit any time, place, or person--what, where, or who would it be?
No hesitation on this one, Renaissance Florence, all the way! I'd hang out with da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael . . . all of those amazing artists and inventors--but only if i can bring my modern day grooming habits with me! They weren't exactly known for their fresh breath and regular bathing!
Here's Alyson's backstory:
The official stuff:
Alyson Noël is the best selling, award-winning, author of FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, FLY ME TO THE MOON, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOE, CRUEL SUMMER, FIRST KISS (THEN TELL)- an anthology, and the upcoming IMMORTALS series including: EVERMORE (Feb 09), BLUE MOON (Aug 09), and three more titles for 2010. Among her awards and honors are: the National Reader’s Choice Award, NYLA Book of Winter Award, NYPL Books for the Teenage, TeensReadToo 5 Star Gold Award, TeenReads Best Books of 2007, Reviewer’s Choice 2007 Top Ten, nominated for a CYBIL award, Nominated for a Quill Award, Nominated for YALSA’s Teen’s Top Ten, chosen for the CBS Early Show’s “Give the Gift of Reading” segment, and selected for Seventeen Magazine’s “Hot List” and Beach Book Club Pick. Her titles have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Hungarian, and Romanian.
Fast Alyson Facts:
Born and raised in The OC, Alyson's lived on the Greek island of Mykonos, the New York island of Manhattan, and now resides in Laguna Beach.
She is married to a brilliant man who is so good at so many things she sometimes wonders if he's a secret immortal.
Her favorite color used to be turquoise, though it's been recently replaced by purple.
She and her BFF answer to the code name "Sthnark," which is purposely pronounced with a lisp.
She's hopelessly addicted to: Seven jeans, Dior lip-gloss, Buffy DVD's, and playing Rock Band on the wii.
Even though she loves writing about immortals, she wouldn't actually want to be one herself.
For more interviews, check out my fabulous fellow sisters of the GCC:
The fabulous and funny Eileen Cook's newest book, WHAT WOULD EMMA DO? was just released by Simon Pulse on December 30, 2008. I was lucky enough to meet Eileen, however briefly, at a writer's conference last summer, and she reminded me so much of someone I know that every time I saw her I thought: Oh look! There's so and so . . . only realizing it wasn't 'so and so' after my hand was sort of half mast in an awkward wave . . . and even after that, she agreed to stop by and answer a few questions!!
But first, The book:
Thou shalt not kiss thy best friend’s boyfriend…again….
There is no greater sin than kissing you best friend’s boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she’s messed up big-time. Especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else….and especially because she maybe kinda wants to do it again. Now her best friend isn’t speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.
Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.
The Praise:
“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot author of the Princess Diaries
“Not since Judy Blume’s Margaret introduced herself to God has there been such a funny, geuine, conflicted, wanna-be-sort-good-maybe-later girl as Emma. Eileen Cook’s tone as she takes on the big ones – life, love, faith and friendship is pitch perfect.” – Jacqueline Mitchard author of Deep End of the Ocean and Midnight Twins
“Smart and fun and full of heart.” – Sarah Mlynowski author of Bras and Broomsticks About the Author:
The same 5 questions I always ask:
1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book? I had recently re-read the Crucible. In the play a group of people begin blaming others of being witches and the situation burns out of control. It got me thinking about what would be the worst thing you could accuse someone of today and how easy it is for the mob mentality to take over. Those thoughts were the beginning of the story that would grow into What Would Emma Do.
2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves? I love my office, but I write about half of the time there and the other half of the time wherever my laptop and I end up. When I’m stuck I tend to write better in public like a coffee shop or the library. If I am really stuck then I write by hand. I think I’ve convinced myself that if I’m touching the paper I must be closer to the story. I am aware that this is completely illogical- but it works for me so I go with it.
3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be? Pretty much any book by Roald Dahl- in particular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He had such an amazing imagination. 4. What book rocked your world growing up? I loved the book The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler- I was fascinated by the idea of running away and living inside a museum. 5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be? I would love to go to the ultimate writer’s conference where all my favorite writers (Living and dead- because- hey it’s my dream) are gathered. I can picture Jane Austen chatting up Stephen King.
The Author:
Eileen Cook spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she liked having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.
You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.
Next up on the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit tour is the amazing debut author, Stephanie Kuehnert, and I couldn't be more excited to host her!
I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie when I took part in her (along with the awesome Alexa Young) brainchild event-- ROCK 'N' READ, and let me tell you that Stephanie is the uber cool girl I always wanted to be.
She's the kind of girl I channel when I play ROCK BAND on my wii!
Seriously.
And as if it weren't enough to be amazingly cool-- she just had to go write an incredible debut novel that's getting a ton of well-deserved notice.
Blurb from Irvine Welsh of Trainspotting fame? Check. Great reviews from Booklist, Elle magazine, etc? But of course!
Anyway, Stephanie was kind enough to stop by and answer some questions- but first- here's a sneak peek at the book:
A raw, edgy, emotional novel about growing up punk and living to tell.
The Clash. Social Distortion. Dead Kennedys. Patti Smith. The Ramones. Punk rock is in Emily Black's blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily's all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn't it lead her right back to Emily?
"...an empowering new twist on a girl's coming of age..." - Los Angeles Times
"...irresistible..." and "...acidly incisive and full-out entertaining..." - Booklist
"Debut author Kuehnert keeps the story raw and gritty... the intensity of the characters' emotions and experiences will beguile many teen readers." - Publisher's Weekly "...a rich, muscular story..." - Bust Magazine
"I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is a manifesto for defiant high school girls, as well as a refresher course for the goddesses they turn into." - Venus Zine
"Emily's coming-of-age story in I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is allusive, real, and honest. Even I, the most non-rock oriented teen in existence, found it overwhelmingly easy to connect with and relate to Emily. It makes no difference if you're a punk-rock chick or a glam princess, I would recommend this book to any ELLE girl." - Elle Girl
"This book could be any real band's Behind the Music, but Kuehnert creates some realistic characters that drag you down past reading it on the shitter. Congrats, Steph, you got me to read a whole fucking book for once. Solid writing, Ms. Lady." - Racket Magazine
"A wonderfully written and evocative story of a mother and daughter parted by circumstance and joined by music. I heartily recommend it." - Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting
"Some books play at trying to be "edgy"; some books try to hit the right notes; but Kuehnert's prose doesn't notice labels. It just is--which is the purest kinda edge. Teeth. Punk. Combat boots. Attitude. Feminism. Family. Girls with guitars. Relationships that jack you up. Sharp things of the not-good kind. Friendships. Love... It's all here; it's all pure and real. I loved it."- Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange
"Kuehnert's love of music is apparent on every page in this powerful and moving story. Her fresh voice makes this novel stand out in the genre, and she writes as authentically about coming of age as she does punk rock. She's titled the book after a great song by Sleater-Kinney, and both that band, and the iconic Joey Ramone, would be proud of this effort." Charles R. Cross, New York Times bestselling author of Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain
"I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is intense, raw and real; a powerful and heartbreaking weave of Emily Black's public dream of making music and the intensely private one of finding her elusive, missing mother. Emily, a gutsy, passionate and vulnerable girl, knows exactly what she wants and strides straight into the gritty darkness after it, risking all and pulling no punches but leaving us with the perfect ending to a fierce and wild ride." - Laura Wiess, author of Leftovers and Such a Pretty Girl
"Stephanie Kuehnert has written a sucker-punch of a novel, raw and surprising and visceral, and like the best novelists who write about music, she'll convince you that a soul can indeed be saved by rock and roll."- John McNally, author of America's Report Card and The Book of Ralph
"Stephanie Kuehnert writes with dramatic flare and all the right beats, as she spins a story with punk rock lyrics, big dreams, and one girl not afraid to reach out to her lost mother through music, while enduring intense journeys in between. A debut like an unforgettable song, you'll want to read I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone again and again." - Kelly Parra, author of Graffiti Girl
And now, the questions:
Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?
In high school, I was a big punk rocker and was particularly into female bands like Hole, L7, Babes in Toyland, and Sleater Kinney. Towards the end of high school, I got really jaded by the punk rock scene and went goth. Black hair, white face makeup, black lipstick, lots of listening to the Cure... When I came out of that phase, what had been "alternative rock radio," which had been really female friendly when I was a teen with more female artists like the ones I mentioned and more popular ones like No Doubt and Alanis Morrisette and also really woman-positive male artists like Nirvana, all of this had given way to this macho icky Limp Bikzet thing. There'd been this whole backlash and it felt like all the progress we made in the early 90s had been wiped out. The band that really revived my interest in punk rock, was a band called the Distillers with an incredible front woman named Brody Dalle. They weren't a very mainstream band, but I had all these fantasies about what if a slightly more radio-friendly Distillers ruled the airwaves and this icky macho thing never happened. So I created Emily Black, the main character in I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE (which is named after a Sleater-Kinney song by the way) and to make her more complex and interesting, so the book isn't just a Behind The Music for a fake band, I gave her a complicated, absentee mother, Louisa.
What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
My office looks a lot like my bedroom as a teenager, decorated with band posters and stickers and postcards and photos of my friends and other weird little knick-knacks. It's kind of cluttered, but the clutter is organized. That is the kind of environment I need. My rituals vary depending on what I'm working on. When I was revising IWBYJR, I listened to the song "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone" to get pumped. And I do have one little totem type thing taped above my computer. As inspiration, my friend Eryn sent me a guitar pick she found that says "Girls Rock Harder" when I was revising IWBYJR. The note she sent with it was so sweet, too. Looking up at it helps me when I'm feeling stuck.
If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?
The Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block. Weetzie doesn't have a girl best friend. I would love to be her girl best friend and Witch Baby's godmother.
What book rocked your world growing up?
Erm, not to be repetitive, but the Weetzie Bat books for when I was a teen. When I was in grade school, I was obsessed with the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Those books are why I became a writer. I wanted to tell stories like Laura. But my world wasn't nearly as interesting as hers, so my stories are fictional.
If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
Kurt Cobain's music really changed my life when I was 13 and shaped my teen years, shaped my creativity, shaped who I am today, so I would really have loved to meet him. Or even just to see him live. My parents didn't allow me to go to what ended up being Nirvana's last concert in Chicago because I was 14 and they thought I was going to too many concerts and it was expensive and I needed to focus on my school work and blah blah blah. They said you can see him next time. There was no next time. So yes, I would like to go back to October 23, 1993 at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago and see that show and if at all possible meet Kurt Cobain. Of course I'd also like to be in New York City when the Ramones were getting started and be partof the whole CBGBs scene and see the Clash in London in their heyday and the Germs and Social Distortion in late 70s/early 80s LA, and Minor Threat when they first formed and The Replacements in their early days and basically all the places where Louisa goes in IWBYJR. I have her following the music and witnessing all that I wished I could have witnessed!
Stephanie Kuehnert works at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, but is a writer through and through.She has published short stories, interviews, and essays in Hair Trigger and No Touching magazines, as well as for websites such as inkstains.org, freshyarn.com, and Virginia Quarterly Review.She was recently named to the Lit 50, the list of Chicago's hottest writers by NewCity, the renowned list also includes Studs Terkel, Elizabeth Berg, Scott Turrow, Aleksandar Hemon, and Audrey Niffenegger. Stephanie received her Bachelor’s in Fiction Writing at Columbia College in Chicago, and went on to earn her master’s degree there in 2006.She was awarded Third Place in Traditional Fiction by the Columbia University Scholastic Press Association for “Fairytale”, an excerpt from her novel I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone.Stephanie currently lives in Forest Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, with her boyfriend and three cats.Stephanie’s heart and soul will always reside in Chicago, and her up-and-coming work Ballads of Suburbia has been divinely inspired by the Windy City.
I was so thrilled when I recently learned I'd been accepted into the ultra-cool and super supportive Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit, and then when I learned that the first author I'd 'tour' would be Megan Kelley Hall--well, I went from thrilled to totally psyched!
Megan's debut novel, SISTERS OF MISERY, not only has a beautiful cover and intriguing plot, but every since I first laid eyes on it, I knew I had to buy it, own it, read it!
But even though I could gush on and on forever, why don't I just let Ms. Hall tell you a little bit about it instead, as she was kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions . . .
Megan Kelley Hall’s debut novel, SISTERS OF MISERYgothic novel complete with witchcraft and runic mythology. It tells the story of Maddie Crane and her quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her cousin Cordelia’s disappearance. is a modern-dayHawthorne, Massachusetts, a seaside town borne in the shadow of the witchcraft trials, has not changed much throughout the years, and persecution and ostracism are still an active way of life within this cloistered community. So, when Cordelia LeClaire and her quirky, free-spirited mother, Rebecca arrive, the community’s brief curiosity over the newcomers, quickly turns to disdain and jealously.
It is no surprise that The Sisters of Misery—a secret clique of the most popular, powerful girls in school, with the vindictive Kate Endicott at its helm —trick Maddie and her cousin into spending Halloween night on MiseryIsland. But when Cordelia disappears, questions arise as to what happened. The town would like to believe that Cordelia, always impulsive, simply ran away. But Maddie knows that more is at stake and others have something to hide. Now Maddie must choose between the allure and power of the Sisters of Misery and her loyalty to her beloved cousin.
Hey Megan, thanks for stopping by! My first question is about the backstory, and since every story has one, what's yours?
Here’s my elevator pitch for SISTERS OF MISERY: A Modern Day Witch Hunt is Ignited When “Mean Girls” Meets “Practical Magic”. What happens when a hazing prank goes terribly wrong and a young teenage girl goes missing? The debut suspense novel, SISTERS OF MISERY, brings us inside a small, seaside town near Salem, where Maddie Crane, the teen protagonist investigating her eccentric cousin’s disappearance, ignites the wrath of the Sisters of Misery – a powerful high school clique, whose activities mirror the witch hunts of the seventeenth century. Hawthorne is a town filled with secrets and the supernatural. Stories hidden for decades come to light after Cordelia’s tragic disappearance. Cordelia’s mother, Rebecca, descends into madness while internal struggles amongst Maddie’s family members are all consequences of the supernatural “gifts” that they possess. Maddie Crane must choose between the allure and power of the Sisters of Misery and her loyalty to her beloved cousin and her own family. Fans of Alice Hoffman, Jodi Picoult and Stephenie Meyer will be haunted by this story of three generations of women and their struggles against each other and a town ruled by fear.
What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
Completely crazy and haphazard. My office is piled high with magazines, clutter, papers, folders, toys, books, mail, and all the spillover from the other parts of the house. I look at Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazines and drool over the clean, uncluttered work spaces. My workspace is in a perpetual state of confusion and chaos. The only rituals that I have would be that I have to play at least one game of Jewel Quest or Cake Mania or Luxor or some other mindless computer game to clear my head before I dive into work. I’ve also become a little obsessed with catching up with people on Facebook. The Internet can easily become an addiction.
If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?
I don’t know if there is one particular book I’d like to live in, but I’d love to exist in the same realm as Oscar Wilde, because I will never tire of reading his witty quotes. I’d love to hear his thoughts on the scandals of today.
What book rocked your world growing up?
One of my absolute favorite books was The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I’d love to be able to go back and read it again for the first time.
If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
Old Hollywood. Victorian England. The Old South. The Roaring Twenties. I’d love to travel back to a time when people really dressed and were glamorous and stylish and had traditions. We’ve lost so much in terms of decorum and presentation and moral standards. It would be nice to return to a time when people were admired from afar and we weren’t privy to every dirty little secret. I’d love to return to the days of Jackie O, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Elvis Presley. Even though their lives weren’t squeaky clean, they had glamour, style and presence. That’s something lacking in today’s society. (I write this as I’m sitting in my sweats and a tee-shirt J).
SISTERS OF MISERY by Megan Kelley Hall Trade Paperback: 308 pages Publisher: Kensington (July 29, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0758226799 ISBN-13: 978-0758226792
Praise for SISTERS OF MISERY
“Megan Kelley Hall hits one over the fence with her debut novel — a true Gothic that skillfully combines the dangerous mischief of a modern clique with the bad girls whose prank-gone-mad ignited the Salem witch trials. The shivery story of Maddie and her mysterious, doomed cousin, Cordelia — both prey to the angel-faced vixens who party on the aptly named Misery Island — shows boldly that ancient and modern peer pressure are the same demon in new clothes. That demon wants Cordelia, and only Maddie can save her…unless evil catches her first.”–Jacquelyn Mitchard, Oprah Book Club and New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean and The Midnight Twins
“Original, insightful, and scary. Megan Kelley Hall writes with an intense, frightening grace that will have you turning pages long into the night. She has immediately established herself as a first novelist to be reckoned with in the future.” –Michael Palmer, New York Times bestselling author of The First Patient and Extreme Measures
“An exciting, dangerous, and mysterious world! Megan Kelley Hall has crafted a story that’ll keep you guessing until the last page.”–Rachelle Mead, author, VampireAcademy series
“A dazzling and dishy portrait of magic, mystery, and coming of age. Readers will eat this up and come begging for more.”–Laurie Stolarz, author of the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series
“One of the very best things in life is discovering an author you want to read more of. Sisters of Misery makes me want to read a whole lot more of Megan Kelley Hall.”–Ellen Hopkins, author of Crank and Impulse
Megan Kelley Hall, who lives north of Boston with her husband, Edward, and five-year-old daughter Piper, started a literary publicity company, Kelley and Hall, in 2005 with her sister, Jocelyn Kelley, and mother, Gloria Kelley. Her freelance magazine work has been published in Glamour, Elle, American Baby, Working Mother, New England Bride, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald MetroSports, Parents and Kids, and many other magazines. She studied creative writing at Skidmore College under the Pulitzer-Prize winning author Steven Millhauser. Her work can also be seen in the former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan’s anthology entitled, What’s Possible! (Meredith Books, May 2008.) The second in the series, THE LOST SISTER, will be published by Kensington in August 2009.
I'm the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, & Walmart, 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, SHADOWLAND, DARK FLAME (06.22.10), RADIANCE (08.31.10), NIGHT STAR (2010), and more to come in 2010/11/12!
Saturday, May 15, 2010 10:00am-5:00pm
Rochester Teen Book Festival
Nazareth College
Shults Center and Smyth Hall (Main entrance at Shults Center)
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Book Expo America
In-booth signing
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time- TBA
"Readers for Life" Literacy Signing
RWA National Convention
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Gaylord Opryland Hotel<
Nashville, TN
Smart Chicks Kick It Tour!!!
Sept. 13-25 2010
Alyson Noel, Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, and more!
Washington State Library Conference
October 14-16, 2010
Seattle, WA
MY NEWS
BLUE MOON is an International Bestseller!
EVERMORE is nominated for the 2011 Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award!!
THE IMMORTALS series translation rights sold to 33 territories!
RADIANCE translation rights sold to the UK & France!
THE IMMORTALS series made the Publisher's Weekly Children's Series & Tie-ins Bestsellers list!
EVERMORE Listed in USA TODAY's list of Top 100 Best-Selling Books of 2009!
BLUE MOON is a finalist for the Children's Book Council's "Best Teen Book of 2009" Award!
SHADOWLAND nominated for RT magazine's "Reviewer's Choice" Award for Best YA Paranormal/Fantasy Novel!
EVERMORE nominated for the GoodReads Choice Award for "All Time Favorite of 2009!"
THE IMMORTALS nominated for the GoodrReads Choice Award for "Best YA Series!"
THE IMMORTALS series is a New York Times bestseller--55 weeks on the list and counting!
SHADOWLAND is a USA Today bestseller!
SHADOWLAND is a Wall Street Journal bestseller!
SHADOWLAND is a Walmart bestseller!
SHADOWLAND is a Walmart "Read of the Month!"
SHADOWLAND received 4.5 stars (out of 4.5) from RT magazine and was chosen as a December Top Pick!!
BLUE MOON is a Publisher's Weekly Bestseller!
A sixth book has been added to THE IMMORTALS series, and Riley (Ever's ghostly sister) will get her own series debuting in Fall 2010!!
BLUE MOON is a #1 New York Times Best Sellers list for 5 weeks running!
BLUE MOON debuted at #14 on the USA Today Best Sellers list!
BLUE MOON is a Walmart Bestseller!
BLUE MOON received a Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly!
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!
EVERMORE is a USA Today bestseller!!
EVERMORE is a Publisher's Weekly bestseller!!
EVERMORE is a Walmart Bestseler!
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 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!!
Reviews for SHADOWLAND
“Noel’s novel is absolutely amazing! Fans of her Immortals series will not be disappointed—Ever and Damen’s love is challenged like never before, and the story ends with a big, satisfying twist that will have readers begging for more. This long awaited installment is incredible.” --4.5 Stars, Romantic Times (Top Pick)
"I really enjoyed SHADOWLAND . . .Ms. Noel does an excellent job deepening the mystery of the Immortals and what exactly Roman wants, other than to make Ever and Damen's lives miserable... With the addition of the mysterious Jude, surfer and owner of the crystal shop, we finally get a glimpse into Ever's surprising past lives, lives which Damen may not have truthfully portrayed before. Are Ever and Damen truly destined to be together or has he chased after her unmercifully for centuries? And what role does Jude have in her life--past and present? . . .Ms. Noel never fails to leave things with an immense cliffhanger and SHADOWLAND is no different. With Ever's life changing decision, more things hang in the balance, much to Roman's sick delight. I can't wait to see what Ms. Noel has in store for us with the next book in the series out in 2010." 4.5 Stars, Enchanting Reviews
"Noël continues to offer a satisfying brew of fantasy with genuine and engagingly promoted ethical questions in this third volume in the Immortals series.”— Booklist
Alyson Noël’s distinctive ability to pique a reader’s curiosity and never let go perseveres in this third book of her awesome series. One way she accomplishes this is by coming up with new, exciting and completely unexpected twists, turns and twirls of her plot. She also paints her characters with such vivid details that they remain fixed in one’s memory as if they were real people. But the story doesn’t bombard the reader with intensity all the time; Noël lightens the nonstop drama with occasional sparks of humor. Fans will be excited to learn that she is hard at work on the fourth Immortals book, which is scheduled for a Summer 2010 release."- TeenReads
“The third installment of the Immortals series by Alyson Noel is breath-taking. . .This third installment is to die for. You will not want to miss this!”- DarkLadyVampireMistress
“Alyson Noel's SHADOWLAND is the third in the Immortals series and the darkest to date. Ever and Damen's struggle against the dark side of immortality is fraught with setbacks and frightening choices. The addition of Jude creates an intriguing triangle to the story, and Roman remains a menacing threat throughout. Fans of Ms. Noel's Immortals will enjoy the latest of Ever and Damen's journey and eagerly await the next story.”- Fresh Fiction
“This is the third book in the in the Immortals series . . .There is much that is happening in this story. Jude is a great addition to the series. I look forward to seeing where the next book Dark Flame is going to go. It will be out Summer of 2010.” 5 Stars, Lyra Rose
“Shadowland wastes no time jumping into the thick of the plot. Alyson Noel prompts the reader to think about human nature, immortality, karma and fate. This is not a superficial young adult book, Shadowland will inspire deep thought. . .The Immortals is a series to watch. The characters have depth and interesting motivations, while the plot brings up age old questions that will leave the reader thinking, long after the last page has turned.” Bella’s Novella
"So many twists and turns were in Shadowland, and I almost couldn't keep up! I have never been more unexpectedly surprised by an author. Noel knows exactly how to keep me enthralled in her books. I can only imagine what she has instore for Dark Flame, the next in the series. Shadowland is purely mesmerizing. A book with a little bit of everything in it— romance, suspense, friendship, and immortality—all meshed together to create a mind-blowing combination. Only the next book in the series will satisfy my need to know what will happen next. I simply cannot wait!" 4 Stars, The Book Blogger
“Noel continues to keep readers in suspense up until the very end. I’m a sucker for true love, so I find myself torn after reading this installment and I can’t wait to see how Noel spends Dark Flame.” 4 Stars, Fantastic Book Review
“I loved both Evermore and Blue Moon, but Alyson Noel has truly outdone herself with Shadowland. There was more twists and turns and there were so many things that I didn't expect to happen, just like Blue Moon. this series just keeps getting better. They are all magnificently and beautifully written. I'm dying for the next book!” Book Fanatics
“Once again, Alyson Noël has jam packed the novel with so much activity. . .The spark from the first two books is transformed into a smoldering flame that is impossible to not get drawn into. . .Finally, I will never – no matter how many of her books I read – be able to anticipate Noël’s constant surprises. How she can come up with so many unseen, shocking twists I’ll never know. She is a master at leaving the reader wanting more. Summer 2010 is far too long a wait for the next installment in Ever and Damen’s adventures. If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly suggest you do so now. With the plot and characters improving book by book, there’s nowhere for this series to go but up.”-5 Stars-Chick Lit Teens
“. . . I love the direction that Shadowland takes. More characters are introduced, including one that may get between Ever and Damen. Like Blue Moon, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which will leave teens counting down the days until the next book is released.” 5 Minutes for Books (review on the audio version
“Shadowland is a good continuation in the Immortal’s series . . . Deep concepts peek through a story line clearly geared towards teens and young adults. Making this an interesting read for any age. I am looking forward to the next installment, Dark Flame coming out Summer 2010.”—Robots & Vamps
“ . . . From the first minute you pick up the book, you can't help but being awestruck by the amazing story telling of Ms. Noel . . .”- Book Crazy
“Noel continues to mesmerize me in this awesome and creative world filled with love, eternity and a sense of renewal. If you loved Evermore and Blue Moon, then you will never want Shadowland to end!”- That Chick That Reads
“It was easy to fall back into Ever and Damen’s world and get caught up in their epic love story. Author Alyson Noel keeps up the twists and turns and she never ceases to surprise me . . .SHADOWLAND explores the magical world Ever and Damen are part of in more depth and the subjects of reincarnation, spells, and fate are explored in more detail in this offering. I really liked learning more about how the magic works in this world and the intricacies Alyson Noel added were lots of fun to read about. The ending of this one will keep you turning pages and eagerly awaiting the next volume. SHADOWLAND is another exciting and addicting read in THE IMMORTALS series. Alyson Noel knows how to keep her readers hanging and it’s easy to see how this series is continually gaining new readers. Once you start reading about Ever and Damen, you won’t want to stop!” – 4 Stars, TeensReadToo
Reviews for BLUE MOON
""Noël's sequel to the bestselling Evermore is a mesmerizing tale of teenage angst, love and sacrifice with plenty of crossover appeal. . . The startling but satisfying ending shows that Noël knows how to keep her audience hooked. Ever's supernatural struggles are a captivating metaphor for teenage fears about love, relationships and growing up. --Starred review, Publisher’s Weekly
"Alyson Noël has many talents to share as a writer, and she proves it again and again with her amazing Immortals series. She writes with an intensity and a passion, her words weaving perfectly together to create an overwhelming experience for the senses and the heart. The excitement factor is nonstop . . . offering romance and heart-thumping chills. Noël sets up the third book, scheduled for release in February 2010, with plenty of cliffhanging excitement."- - Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, TeenReads
"Why Read It: Together Ever and Damen are a great love story that spans the centuries! There life as immortals is addicting, and this book takes you back into their long history as star-crossed soul mates. In this book they say, "Never fast forward into the future. You rob yourself of the journey." Blue Moon is a great journey that will have you wishing that a gorgeous guy would bring YOU red tulips!"-- Justine magazine
"This series is so well done. The YA paranormal genre has a flawless diamond among the gems with Blue Moon. Ever does something that I wish more characters would do. She questions the man who has searched the world for her about his past and hers. Even when he doesn’t answer, Ever doesn’t stop wondering or questioning. Her new life is full of power, possibilities and love but it doesn’t stop her from wishing she could go back and keep her family from dying. When her friends and even Damon turn on her, the hurt she feels is palpable. My chest literally hurt as she went through that. Ever is immortal but she is still a teenager and teenagers make mistakes, but she deals with it and moves on from there. I was moved to tears by a couple of scenes, especially near the end. Ms. Noel doesn’t back away from emotion, instead she has the ability to reach into your chest and twist your heart." 4.5 Stars, Night Owl Romance
"I thought Evermore was good, and I wondered how Noel was going to top it, but I can finally say she did a spectacular job and then some with Blue Moon. Noel knows how to pull you into her world with beautiful imagery and mesmerizing words. Blue Moon is a page turner that will keep you reading until the last page. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, Alyson throws in another twist making it impossible to put this book down.The Immortals Series is so unique; it’s like a breath of fresh air. Summerland is brilliantly crafted, I can envision it as if it was right in front of me and I can see why Summerland is so fascinating to the characters. Speaking of the characters, I’m delighted that Noel showed us more of Damen’s and Ever’s background in their past lives. It was great to see Damen’s journey through the centuries to be with Ever and the extent of their love. Noel also introduces us to new characters in Blue Moon that also makes the plot more intriguing.Let’s just say with the way Blue Moon ended, I wonder what Noel has in store for Damen and Ever in Shadowland. If Blue Moon is anything to go by, this is going to be an amazing series. Shadowland is scheduled to be released February 2010."- 5 out of 5 Stars, Fantastic Book Review
“This is a highly entertaining series for young genre fans. It’s a quick read that is hard to put down. Vivid and intense, BLUE MOON was an impressive sequel.”- SciFi Chick
"
"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
BLUE MOON is a wonderfully written sequel full of love, hate, anger, and sadness all-in-one. One of the best books I've read this year...Just like EVERMORE, BLUE MOON's pace is rather fast, and it just makes me love the books even more, because it keeps the suspense high and the urge to read further imminent. The writing is probably one of the best things about book - the whole series - because it's so well done and crafted beautifully! Whenever I read this series, I always sort of just drift off into it's contents. With immortal lovers, trustworthy friends, betraying fortune tellers, and freaky identical twins, what more could you ask for? BLUE MOON has me begging for SHADOWLAND! I can't wait for the next in the series." Ratings:Writing: 5/5 Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Cover: 5/5 Overall: 5/5 The YA Book Blogger
". . .Blue Moon picks up where Evermore leaves off. . .and the wonderful descriptions that Alyson Noel gives pulled me right into the book...I don’t want to give anything away but this heart-pounding sequel to Evermore is a must read!- Mind of a bibliophile
“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 starsRomantic Times
“Blue Moon was totally amazing, even better then Evermore (which I really liked). I was so taken by Ever's emotion I was blinking back tears at more then one moment. I was so into the moment it was hard to bare to suspense and Ever's grief. The storyline is so well built it's insane, you really don't see the ending coming. I was completely shocked! Very well done Alyson the book is great and I can't wait to read Shadowland!”- Tynga’s Urban Fantasy Reviews
" . . .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
"Ms. Noël has created a storyline that’s easy to follow, bursting with emotion, and fueled by love. Blue Moon is a must read for fans of the series and can easily be enjoyed by teens or adults who enjoy a sweet romance with paranormal elements.”- Darque Reviews
". . .Blue Moon is a fantastic sequel to Evermore. It's full of surprises and mystery that keep you reading. Can't wait for the third book in the series!"- Frenetic Reader
" . . . Magnificent world building...Blue Moon is a page turner. . .Alyson Noel has a way of keeping the excitement factor kicked up and going; leaving you gripping your book for dear life and not wanting the adventure to end."- Ravenous Reader
“Noel's widespread and popular Immortals series, a saga about love, power, and the inevitable repercussions of a (possibly) endless lifespan. . .An enthralling, introspective fantasy adventure, highly recommended, even (or especially!) to those new to the Immortals series.“ 5 Stars- Midwest Book Review
Reviews for EVERMORE
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
" . . . 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
Even if you're only a semi-reader of this blog (as opposed to those who eagerly await each and every post--you're out there, right Mom??) then you probably know I've been a member of the awesome group, the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, for awhile now. You know the one where we interview all sorts of amazing YA authors about their exciting new books, then post those very same interviews on our blogs?
