DAWN OF THE VIE EBOOK 99 CENTS NOW!

Hey all! My publisher, Curiosity Quills Press is having a Winter Sale on all their books this month. Super cool, right?
My YA sci-fi/dystopian/horror, DAWN OF THE VIE is only 99 pennies RIGHT NOW. 

(The sale runs for today 12/11 & tomorrow 12/12. 😉 )

So if you’re still holiday shopping or need a fun read for yourself, grab a copy now!

Amazon Kindle link

Summary: Since their Arrival, immortal alien Vie rule the planet. Enslaved humans are their servants, entertainment, and food. Anemies—humans with various types of anemia—are exterminated. Their nutritionally deficient blood is useless to the Vie.

Or so it’s thought…

Alex, an Elite Vie, is part scientist, part Raid Specialist, and part drug addict. He knows Anemie blood is valuable—as a drug. Rather than blindly carrying out his boss’s kill order, he spares a few Anemies, not only for study, but also for his own private stock.

The more Anemie blood Alex drinks, the more he slips into delusion, and the more his double life threatens to crumble. But quitting Anemie blood is not an option. There’s no rehab for his condition.

When Alex tastes Justin’s blood, his hallucinations bleed into reality…

Anemie Justin knows he’s living past his expiration date. It becomes a guarantee when he’s bitten by Alex during a raid and infected with the Vie’s toxin. Alex adds insult to injury by promising Justin a second chance—a cure if he agrees to be a lab rat. And a mule…of his own blood.

The only leverage Justin has is a stake and a serious lack of self-preservation.

GAME ON.

******

For those of you looking for a YA short story anthology, look no further. The Alliance for YA Authors published a collection of 40 magical short stories and the Ebook is FREE on Amazon. Over 5000+ copies have been downloaded so far and it reached #1 in two categories!

My story, LEARNING TO FLY, is about a boy in Ming Dynasty China who discovers that he is a dragon. 🐲🐉🐲

Check it out HERE. 

(Also, the post before this one has info of all the authors.)

Description: Love YA paranormal, urban fantasy, science fiction and dystopian books? 

We’ve gathered a handful of thrilling stories from all of your favorite genres and put them together into an epic anthology of young adult fiction. Some of them are just the beginning of a unique adventure, while others are complete stories that will spark your imagination. 

With over 200,000 words (about three full-length novels) That Moment When will provide weeks of reading pleasure.

OUR THEME

Have you ever reached a moment in your life when everything changed? A crossroads of sorts… a point of no return. An event or realization so enormous you knew it would impact you forever in ways you couldn’t begin to understand? Discoveries so momentous they changed everything you thought you knew about the world, and yourself?

That Moment When is filled with exactly these kinds of moments. 

If you read the stories in this anthology, I guarantee you’ll find at least a few that thrill and excite you. Make sure to follow the authors if you want to read more – most of us have at least one free book on our sites.

The Alliance of YA Authors is a community of over 1000 young adult writers. Many of us are award-winning, bestselling authors; others are brilliant debut authors just starting out. We team up to make it easier for you to find your new favorite reads, with book giveaways, contests and joint book promotions.

******

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FRIENDS! ❤️

Immortal Aliens Book One: Dawn of the Vie, a YA Scifi Dystopian

A ginormous THANKS to all who participated in Dawn of the Vie’s launch earlier this month! Over 120 bloggers helped spread the word with the cover reveal and blog blitz. Beyond awesome. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

***

The Goodreads giveaway for a copy of Dawn of the Vie is still going on. You have until 11:59pm on October 31, 2016 to enter! Click HERE to enter. Good luck!

***

Here’s what early reviewers are saying:

“An interesting, fast paced and new idea!” Amazon reviewer

“What a wild ride!” Goodreads reviewer

***

The paperback is now available in addition to the Ebook. I’ve included links to Amazon and B&N below…

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads

Remember, reviews are crucial for authors. If you’ve read Dawn of the Vie, PLEASE consider leaving an honest review on the links above. It only has to be a couple of sentences, but it makes a HUGE difference. Thanks!

****

If you’re in the upstate New York area, I’ll be attending the Glens Falls Chronicle Book Fair on Sunday, November 6. I’ll have copies of The Zodiac Collector (now SOLD OUT at B&N in Albany, NY), as well as Under My Skin AND Dawn of the Vie will be making its debut! Hope to see you there! 🙂

***

Book Two of the Immortal Aliens duology, Blood Rush, is almost ready. It’s due for release Spring 2017. I can’t wait to share the conclusion of Alex, Justin, and Cara’s story with you. It’s EPIC, I promise. 😉

*****

As an aside, my dragon story, LEARNING TO FLY, will be hitting the virtual shelves as part of a multi-book anthology. I’ll keep you updated on social media regarding purchase links, publication info, and cover pics.

Here’s a short blurb about the story:

In Ming Dynasty China, fifteen-year-old Jung discovers the nightmares cursing him are really the dreams of the slumbering dragon within. Waking the beast may free him, but taking flight means he’ll have to give up all he’s ever known and loved.

BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: IT’S DAWN OF THE VIE’S RELEASE DAY!!!!

Dawn of the Vie
Laura Diamond
(Immortal Aliens, #1)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: October 3rd 2016
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Since their Arrival less than 30 years ago, immortal Vie rule the planet like the super-predators they are. Enslaved humans are their servants…their entertainment…and their food. Anemies—humans with various types of anemia—are simply exterminated. Their nutritionally deficient blood is useless to the Vie.

Or so it’s thought…

_________

Alex, an Elite Vie, is a bit of a Renaissance Alien. Part scientist, part Raid Specialist, part drug addict, he knows Anemie blood is valuable. Rather than blindly carrying out his boss’s kill order, he convinces some colleagues to spare a few Anemies, not only for study, but also to reserve a secret stock.

The more Anemie blood Alex drinks, the more he slips into delusion, and the more his double life threatens to crumble. But quitting Anemie blood is not an option. Every Anemie has their own personal flavor. Each gives a unique high.

When Alex takes a hit of Justin’s blood, his hallucinations bleed into reality…

_________

Anemie Justin knows his little sister, Sammie, and he are living past their expiration dates. It becomes a guarantee when they’re bitten by a Vie named Alex during a raid. (The bite is fatal, thanks to a toxin carried in Vie saliva.) Alex adds insult to injury by promising Justin a second chance—an antidote in exchange for agreeing to be a lab rat.

And a mule…of his own blood.

When Justin says no, Alex takes off with Sammie.

All Justin has to do is find them, beat Alex, and cure himself and Sammie. All he has is a stake and serious lack of self-preservation.

No problem.

_________

Alex wants Justin’s blood.

Justin wants his sister back.

GAME ON.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

I hated afternoons the most. Soon after came darkness—the time when a raiding squad could snatch you out of bed and drain all the blood from your body. It was amazing that any Anemies survived with the extermination campaign ridding the world of us red blood cell-deficient freaks.

I gently squeezed my sister’s hand to make sure she kept up. Dirt caked under her fingernails like it caked under mine. The cuff of her torn sleeve had stains like mine. Her pant cuffs were rolled up six times… also like mine. A younger version of me—mouthiness and all—in girl form. Unlike me, Sammie tended to dawdle, and since we held onto the last rung of the society ladder by the tips of our fingers, giving in to distraction could get us hurt—or killed.

My gaze jumped to the pale, indifferent sky then jittered to the partially constructed biodome edge as I walked. Large, clear panels filled the metal framework in a beehive of hexagons. Eventually, the damn thing would cover the entire city, including the river surrounding the island and part of the ocean capping the south side. The project had been progressing since before I was born.

Once the construction workers completed the biodome, Vie wouldn’t have to fear the destructive UV rays of our sun and could wander freely during the day. We’d have no safe period whatsoever. Vie could get us any time.

Author Bio:

Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist currently specializing in emergency psychiatry. She is also an author of all things young adult—both contemporary and paranormal. An avid fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and anything magical, she thrives on quirk, her lucid dreams, and coffee. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found sniffing books and drinking a latte at the bookstore or at home pondering renovations on her 225 year old fixer upper, all while obeying her feline overlords, of course.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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IMMORTAL ALIENS: DAWN OF THE VIE Cover Reveal!

Dawn of the Vie
Laura Diamond
(Immortal Aliens, #1)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: October 3rd 2016
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Since their Arrival less than 30 years ago, immortal Vie rule the planet like the super-predators they are. Enslaved humans are their servants…their entertainment…and their food. Anemies—humans with various types of anemia—are simply exterminated. Their nutritionally deficient blood is useless to the Vie.

Or so it’s thought…

_________

Alex, an Elite Vie, is a bit of a Renaissance Alien. Part scientist, part Raid Specialist, part drug addict, he knows Anemie blood is valuable. Rather than blindly carrying out his boss’s kill order, he convinces some colleagues to spare a few Anemies, not only for study, but also to reserve a secret stock.

The more Anemie blood Alex drinks, the more he slips into delusion, and the more his double life threatens to crumble. But quitting Anemie blood is not an option. Every Anemie has their own personal flavor. Each gives a unique high.

When Alex takes a hit of Justin’s blood, his hallucinations bleed into reality…

_________

Anemie Justin knows his little sister, Sammie, and he are living past their expiration dates. It becomes a guarantee when they’re bitten by a Vie named Alex during a raid. (The bite is fatal, thanks to a toxin carried in Vie saliva.) Alex adds insult to injury by promising Justin a second chance—an antidote in exchange for agreeing to be a lab rat.

And a mule…of his own blood.

When Justin says no, Alex takes off with Sammie.

All Justin has to do is find them, beat Alex, and cure himself and Sammie. All he has is a stake and serious lack of self-preservation.

No problem.

_________

Alex wants Justin’s blood.

Justin wants his sister back.

GAME ON.

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:

Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist currently specializing in emergency psychiatry. She is also an author of all things young adult—both contemporary and paranormal. An avid fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and anything magical, she thrives on quirk, her lucid dreams, and coffee. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found sniffing books and drinking a latte at the bookstore or at home pondering renovations on her 225 year old fixer upper, all while obeying her feline overlords, of course.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Book News!

A few months ago the rights for my YA dystopian duology were returned to me. I was bummed about my book babies leaving the virtual bookshelf, but also excited at the prospect of breathing new life into the series.

Last week, something wonderful happened–Endure & Evoke got a second chance to greet the world!

Vicki Merkiel, the Acquisitions Editor at Curiosity Quills Press, offered contracts for both books…and I accepted. (Yay!!!)

The Publisher’s Marketplace announcement: 

 

“Laura Diamond’s ENDURE, about a seventeen-year-old who must try to save his kidnapped sister from an immortal race of aliens known as the Vie, while keeping the Vie from draining his anemic blood and using it as a drug, and EVOKE, to Vicki Merkiel at Curiosity Quills Press, for publication in Spring 2016.” 

I’ve got some plans on how to revamp the duology, adding twists that weren’t seen in the first version, so it looks like I’ll be busy over the next few months refining the prose, solidifying the world building, and brightening the characters with the goal of bringing you a new and improved dystopian tale of survival and sacrifice. (Double yay!!!!)

And the series will likely get new titles too, so stay tuned. (Triple yay!!!)

I can’t thank Vicki and the wonderful team at Curiosity Quills enough for the opportunity.

THANK YOU!!!!!  *** group hug ***

When The Movie Is Better Than The Book

I watched Insurgent yesterday (YAY!) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it’s better than Divergent turned out, though I really enjoyed it too.

The book Divergent was the reason I saw the movie. 

I cannot say the same for Insurgent. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t get into the book and gave up 40 pages in (something I rarely do). That didn’t deter me from watching the movie and I’m glad it didn’t.

So what happened? Is the movie really better than the book? Is Insurgent the exception to the rule (where the book is always better) for me?

Looks like.

Honestly, I’ll prolly try reading Insurgent again at some point…I just can’t give up on the story. Nevertheless I still feel the film was fantastic.

  

Interestingly, I’m also reading Shutter, a new YA book about the descendants from characters in the novel Dracula (Harker, Stoker, Helsing, etc). They fight paranormal creatures like ghosts, zombies, and vamps. It’s a good book, however, I’m struck with the thought that this may be another case of the film having the potential to be better than the book. Now, this book isn’t being adapted to film as far as I know, but if it was, I’m sure the special effects would be beyond cool to see. 

  

Gosh, I can’t believe I’m saying this! 

How about you? Have you ever experienced a film that’s better than the book? Do tell! 

Book To Film–My Thoughts

I posted the other day on YAtopia about my thoughts on the upcoming movie adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I’m excited and a bit nervous. Hop on over and leave your thoughts about turning books into films! 😉

Here’s a link to The Giver on IMDb.

Here’s a link to Lois Lowry’s interview with The New York Times about her take on her book being turned into film.

EDGE OF TRUTH by Natasha Hanova

Author Natasha Hanova has gone Indie by re-releasing her debut YA dystopian EDGE OF TRUTH. Congrats, Natasha!

 

 

Title: EDGE OF TRUTH

ISBN-13: 978-1497432574

ISBN-10: 149743257X

Category: Young Adult

Genre: Dystopian/Paranormal Romance

Available: Now!

 

Summary

Citizens who report to work on time, obey the Overlord’s laws, and stay off the Synbot’s radar, live long lives. Long, dull, monotonous lives.

It’s not a bad plan for someone with a hidden, emotion-based ability to trigger earthquakes. In a world pitted against her, sixteen-year-old Rena Moon strives for a life beyond working herself to death at the factory. Seeing an alternative, she risks selling relics from the forbidden lands at Market. It becomes the worst decision she ever made. Someone kidnaps her best friend in exchange for the one thing that would end her oppression.

Driven by loyalty, Rena and seventeen-year-old Nevan Jelani, soulful composer, green thumb extraordinaire, and the secret love of her life, plot to rescue her friend and reclaim her salvage. Still, the thought lingers whether Nevan is a true hero or another thief waiting for his chance at her loot. Events spin wildly, deepening Rena’s suspicions and pushing her limit of control. With more than her chance for freedom at stake, she must decide if she’s willing to kill to protect what’s precious to her. For once, the Overlord isn’t holding all the power, but can Rena live with being reduced to what she’s trying so hard to escape?

 

Excerpt

A transport vehicle plastered with an image of Overlord Andrick’s almost smiling face sped to the scene. A Synbot exited, picked the boy up with one hand, and tossed him in the back. Rena felt the engine rumble through the ground as it drove away. She wanted to stomp her feet and squash the lingering sensation, but resisted

“Rena!” Blaze whispered. “Move it.”

She struggled to keep a normal, non-­conspicuous pace, and even more not to hide her ring. Only guilty people tried to hide. “Did they see us?”

“Don’t think so,” Blaze whispered as she pulled off her new ring and stashed it in her pocket. “Know anyone around here?”

Warmth burned her cheeks. She stared at a blue house with a gray roof. He was inside. “Uhh… Nevan lives in that house.”

“Let’s go.” This time, Blaze did the dragging as Rena planted her feet.

“Are you crazy?” she whispered as she checked the position of the Syns, still three blocks away. “We can’t go to Nevan’s house. I’ll die.”

“Well, we can’t exactly stay outside. Do you want to get caught, too?”

The androids weren’t that close, yet. Okay, maybe they were, but knocking on Nevan’s door?

“Let’s talk about this rationally,” Rena suggested.

“We don’t have time for this.”

“This house here is closer.” She rocked side to side while raking her hands over frizzy braids. “Let’s just go there.”

“And what if the tenants alert the Syns?” Blaze peered over Rena’s shoulders. “We don’t have time for your version of rational.”

“Blaze… What if he turns us away?” The corners of her eyes glistened. Fear of detection battled for dominance over fear of rejection. “I don’t think I can handle that.” She wasn’t ready to find out the truth.

“Fine. Let’s try this house.”

Blaze lightly tapped at the door. After a few seconds, she knocked harder and took a step back. “I don’t think anyone’s home.”

“I could’ve sworn I saw someone peeking out.” Rena had actually felt foot vibrations from inside the house, but she was so used to protecting her secret, the lie came out first.

“Rena! Why didn’t you say so? We don’t have time to waste on people who obviously aren’t going to help.” She brushed past her to the blue house.

The Syns neared. One stopped to identify a pedestrian on the opposite sidewalk. The other angled toward the girls.

Blaze stood on the front porch, jabbed her finger down at the ground and mouthed the words, “Get. Over. Here. Now!”

She shuffled across the lawn to postpone the inevitable. When she stepped onto the porch, Blaze shoved her forward, then reached around her to knock.

“But, what if his parents—” she started to say, but stopped. Someone walked toward them. By the lyrical footsteps, she knew exactly who it was.

The door creaked open.

 

Buy Links

• Amazon [http://www.amazon.com/Edge-Truth-Natasha-Hanova-ebook/dp/B00K8MJZ0Q/ref=la_B00AAG48OS_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399752677&sr=1-2]
• Smashwords [https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/436757?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite]

 

About Natasha Hanova

 

I am an award-winning author of young adult and adult dark fantasy/paranormal fiction. My short stories are published in Undead Tales 2 (Rymfire Undead, April 2012), October Nightmares and Dreams (MWCAG, October 2010) and Once Upon a Christmas (MWCAG, December 2009). I am an active member of YA Lit Chat and Novel Clique, an established critique group of professional writers. I am also the Conference Chair of the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation Inc.
Hopeless chocoholic!

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Pot of Gold Giveaway March 1st – 17th

Welcome to the Pot of Gold Giveaway

hosted by Darkly Delicious YA and Book Nerd Tours .

Three winners will receive
AMAZON GIFT CARDS!

But in addition….

One Very Lucky Leprechaun 

will receive a

KINDLE FIRE HD

pre-loaded 

with great YA & NA books!  

Click on the covers to get to know the authors 
that are participating in the giveaway 
and learn more about their books!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rafflecopter is a wee long, but worth it! 

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A
big thank you goes out to all the authors and bloggers who helped make
this event possible! The authors at Darkly Delicious YA couldn’t have
pulled this off without our amazing co-host, Book Nerd Tours, and
everyone’s wonderful support. 

“LUCK MAITH” to you all!

It’s EVOKE’s Birthday!

Woohoo! Book Two in my YA dystopian series is available TODAY (after a minor, but heart-attack inducing technical delay). I’m SO excited (and relieved)!!!!

To my surprise, it ranked #54 in the YA dystopian category on day 1–WOOT!

EDIT: Couldn’t resist adding this screenshot–Evoke moved up to #33! *grins*

I hope you enjoy the next step in Justin’s journey. If you do like the book, please write a review on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, etc. It’s like a big squishy hug. 😉

If you’re interested in reviewing and would like a review copy, I have limited numbers, but feel free to ask!

Thanks again, to all the folks supporting me in this endeavor. I couldn’t keep going without your help. And thanks to Renegade YA for helping me polish EVOKE until it sparkled.

Happy reading!

******

Here’s the trailer in case you missed it:

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Omnilit

Kobo

Goodreads page (will be posting Evoke’s page soon)

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And if you haven’t yet read the first book, ENDURE, here’s where you can purchase it:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Omnilit

Goodreads page (4.14 avg rating)