YA Book Chat

Join my guest Rachel (Barely Bookish Podcast) and me as we dive into the prequel for The Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes!The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes follows the story of a young Coriolanus Snow, and his experience as a mentor for the 10th Hunger Games. Coryo's experience as a mentor molds and shapes who he grows to become. This fantastic backstory gives you so much insight into President Snow, and how he became who he is in The Hunger Games. It's a story you don't want to miss!Check out my guest Rachel and her podcast Barely Bookish!Barely Bookish WebsiteBarely Bookish InstagramHave a question about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my new Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!Have a question about today's book or author? Have a bo

Today I am joined by special guest Dawn from the Novel Universe Podcast. Dawn and I sat down to chat about Tomi Adeyemi's fantastic YA fantasy novel, Children of Blood and Bone. If you have not yet read this book, be sure to take a listen to my spoiler free section. This is a book you don't want to miss!Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powe

Today's special Bonus episode features the book The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern. While this is not a YA book, it's definitely one I wanted to hash out and chat about with a friend. Author Megan O'Russell joins me on today's episode as we try to figure out just what happened in the Starless Sea. We're a little confused...but have a LOT of fun trying to figure it all out. A little about The Starless Sea: Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of t

Join my friends Bethanie, Taylor, and me as we dive into Marissa Meyer's newest book, Instant Karma!Instant Karma is a sweet, contemporary romance about teenager, and chronic overachiever, Prudence Barnett. Prudence is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, after a night out with her friends, she wakes up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her.Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to mean gossips, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner. Quint is annoyingly cute and impressively noble, especially when it comes to his work with the rescue center for local sea animals.When Pru resigns herself to working at the rescue center for extra credit, she begins to uncover truths about baby otters, environmental upheaval, and romantic crossed signals―not necessarily in that order. H

Today I will be chatting with author Janet Olson about her book, New Beginnings. Join us!A little about New Beginnings:Seventeen year old Ida's life is turned upside down when her best friend dies. Not long after, Ida discovers she is pregnant. As a result, her parents send to her be part of a volunteer program in Africa, hoping it will help Ida out of her funk, and discover who she is. While Ida isn't thrilled about being shipped off to Africa for six months, it ends up being a life-changing journey she will never forget. Check out New Beginnings on AmazonFollow Janet on InstagramHave a question about New Beginnings? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.com Don't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't f

Join me today in a conversation with author Derek Alan Siddoway! I covered Derek's book Djinn Tamer: Starter in Season 1, and today I get to chat with Derek himself! Join us as we chat about Derek's books, our outdoor adventures, what it's like to be a rancher in Utah, and so much more!Check out Derek on his social media platforms, and be sure to check out all his fantastic books!Derek's WebsiteDerek's InstagramHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Join my friend Amanda and me as we discuss the first book in Laura Sebastian's Ash Princess series.  Amanda and I delve into the world of magic and intrigue in this page-turning book.A little about Ash Princess:Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.Check out Am

I am so very thrilled to bring you this interview I did with NYT Bestselling author, Marissa Meyer!Join Marissa and me as we chat about her brand new book, Instant Karma.  We talk about where the idea for Instant Karma came from, why Marissa chose to write a romance, all about the main character, and different themes in the book, Marissa's writing process, and more! I'll also be asking Marissa some questions from her fans/my listeners. Plus, Marissa reveals what her next book will be!! You won't want to miss this!Check out Marissa's website, books, and podcast:Marissa's website - MarissaMeyer.comMarissa's Author Instagram account - MarissaMeyerAuthorMarissa's Podcast Instagram account - The Happy WriterMarissa's Podcast - The Happy WriterMarissa's books - All books HEREHave a question about Instant Karma? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.com And be sure to check out my new Patreon!!! There a

Join me on a journey to 1872 New Orleans, a city ruled by the dead, as we dive into The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh.My guest today is the delightful Heather Berghaier. Come along as Heather and I explore this dark world of demons and other worldly creatures, hunting and skulking in the city of New Orleans. A little about The Beautiful: In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent in the middle of the carnival season, Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city, from its music to its fancy soirées and even its danger. She becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain.When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien's own lair--the second dead girl to turn up in recent we

Today I am diving into Pierce Brown's first book in the Red Rising saga. My special guest today is Amanda from Fictional Hangover podcast. Amanda and I had so much fun chatting about Darrow of Lykos, and his world on Mars. Join us!A bit about Red Rising:Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet.Darrow - and Reds like him - are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for

Join my friend Lauren Hennessy and me as we dive into Holly Black's Faerie fantasy world of The Cruel Prince!Holly Black's The Folk of the Air trilogy is one you don't want to miss! The first book, The Cruel Prince, will draw you in and keep you wanting more. About The Cruel Prince...Jude Duarte was seven years old when her parents were brutally murdered in front of her, and she and her sisters were stolen away to live in the High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to fit in and truly belong, and be accepted by the fey. But many of the fey despise humans, including the young Prince Cardan; the youngest and most wicked son of the High King of Faerie. To win a place at court, Jude must defy Cardan and face the consequences. Check out Lauren's podcast And Here's WhyFollow Lauren on InstagramHave a question about The Cruel Prince? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.com Don't forget to

Welcome to Season 2 of YA Book Chat!I am excited to start my second season off with a bang by featuring the first book in the Ena of Ilbrea series, Ember and Stone by Megan O'Russell. Not only that, but I am joined by Megan herself on today's episode! Join Megan and me as we talk about her fantastic book, as well as Megan's writing process, how life as an actor sometimes bleeds into her writing, and get a glimpse at Megan's other book series. A bit about Ember and Stone...After her home is reduced to ash, Ena is swallowed by a world of secrets and magic. When a stranger with sorcery in his blood gives Ena a glimpse of a life she didn't know she longed for, a beautiful future seems within reach. But we all know, nothing comes to us so easily...everything comes at a price, and that is something Ena discovers very quickly. Check out all of Megan O'Russell's books on her WEBSITECheck out Megan O'Russell on social media!InstagramFacebookHave questions on Ember and Stone? Hav

Join my guest Alice and me as we dive into Stephanie Garber's magical world of Caraval!Caraval is a magical world like none other! Scarlett Dragna and her sister Donatella have always dreamed of attending Caraval, but have never left the tiny island on which they live. But fortune finally smiles on them when Scarlett receives an invitation to Caraval from Caraval Master himself, Legend. But Scarlett soon discovers that her sister Tella is the object of the game this year. Tella has been kidnapped by Legend, and in order to save her, Scarlett must win the game. Jump in and join Alice and me as we weave our way through Stephanie Garber's world of mystery and intrigue. Check out Alice's website and podcast, and be sure to follow her on Instagram!AliceAshcroft.comIn Our Own Words podcastThe music of Alice - InstagramHave a question about Caraval? Any books you want me to read/review? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at YABookChat@Gmail.comHave a question about today's book or author? Have

Join my guest and me as we discuss the first book in Sabaa Tahir's fascinating series, An Ember In The Ashes. Today I'm joined by Amanda Ellingson from the Adapted For Your Viewing Podcast. Amanda and I really dive in and hash out this amazing book! Take a listen as we discuss elements such as the world building, depth of characters, love triangles, magic, and more!As always, the first 10-15 minutes is spoiler FREE, and then you'll get a warning before we head into our spoiler zone. An Ember in the Ashes takes place in the Martial Empire, where defiance is met with death. Laia and her family strive to live under the radar and not challenge the empire. But when Laia's brother Darin is arrested for treason, Laia will stop at nothing to rescue him.Elias is the strongest soldier at Blackcliff Academy. But he's also its most unwilling. He wants nothing more than to leave the academy and the life of a Mask behind him. But life isn't as simple as that...Laia and Elias' paths soon d

Join my friend Victoria and me as we discuss Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin!(As always, the first 10-15 minutes are spoiler FREE, and then I'll give you a warning before we jump into our spoiler section.)Serpent & Dove is the exciting story of Louise le Blanc, a witch who fled her coven two years ago, and Reid Diggory, a man who's sole purpose in life is to rid the world of witches. An unexpected situation pushes Lou and Reid into circumstances they never planned on - Marriage - to each other!Join Victoria and I as we discuss this fantastic book that is full of mystery, magic, impossible situations, unexpected romance, and twists and turns you won't see coming!Check out Victoria Koops online!Website:  Victoriakoops.comSocial Media:  @victoriakoopswrites                      Facebook                     InstagramHave a question about Serpent & Dove? Any books you want me to read/review? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at YABookChat@Gmail.comHave a question about today's

Join my friend Bethanie and me as we dive into the world of Little Women!If you love Little Women, you will adore Jo & Laurie! Our talented authors take us through Jo & Laurie's complicated relationship, and Jo's writing process, as she fumbles through writing her novels. Think you know the story of Little Women? Think again... 1869, Concord, Massachusetts: After the publication of her first novel, Jo March is shocked to discover her book of scribbles has become a best seller, and her publisher and fans demand a sequel. While pressured into coming up with a story, she goes to New York with her dear friend Laurie for a week of inspiration - museums, operas, and even a once-in-a-lifetime reading by Charles Dickens himself! But Laurie has romance on his mind, and despite her growing feelings, Jo's desire to remain independent leads her to turn down his heartfelt marriage proposal and sends the poor boy off to college heartbroken. When Laurie returns to Concord with a sophisticated new girl

**Entire episode is SPOILER FREE**Join award winning author Sarah Henning and I as we discuss her brand new book, The Princess Will Save You.The Princess Will Save You is a fun story inspired by the hit movie, The Princess Bride, but with a twist...What would have happened if Buttercup had saved Westley?When her father dies, Princess Amarande is given an ultimatum: marry the leader of a neighboring kingdom, or loose her crown - and possibly her life. To force her hand, her beloved, the stable boy Luca, is kidnapped. But Amarande was raised to be a warrior, not a sacrifice. And nothing will stop her from saving her true love and rescuing her kingdom.This story, which flips the switch on the classic damsel-in-distress story, is full of adventure, finding your true identity, and of course, true love. And If you are a Princess Bride fan, you will love this book! Sarah Henning is the author of Sea Witch, Sea Witch Rising, Throw Like a Girl, and The Princess Will Save You. She is "...a recovering journalist wh

Join my guest Lauren, from And Here's Why Pod, and me as we talk about Divergent, the first book in  Veronica Roth's best selling series! Make sure you listen to the end because I included a short bonus section where Lauren and I discuss the Divergent movies. You won't want to miss it!In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a roma

**Please note: This episode was recorded before I changed my format. Therefore, it is a bit longer than my last few episodes. But, it's packed full of goodness! So be sure to take a listen!**Join my guest Christi and I as we embark on a journey of adventure and intrigue. The Queen's Assassin is the story of Caledon Holt and Shadow of the Honey Glade. Caledon is the Hearthstone Guild's deadliest assassin and the kingdom's deadliest weapon. He is sworn to the service of Queen Lilliana, to guard and defend her kingdom, and to continue the quest his father began; to find the Dein Scrolls. Shadow has trained her whole life to be a part of the Hearthstone Guild. It's what she wants more than anything. But her mother and her aunts want her to serve the queen in the palace instead. When a surprise situation brings Caledon and Shadow together, their lives take a turn they never expected...Join Christi and I as we follow Shadow and Caledon on their quest, and watch their new relationship unfold

Today I am sharing with you one of my all-time favorite YA books. StepSister, by Jennifer Donnelly, is a fairytale retelling like none other! Isabelle is Cinderella's ugly stepsister. Her jealousy of Cinderella has made her mean and hollow. But now Isabelle has the chance to change her fate and chose her own destiny. She will prove "it takes more than heartache to break a girl." StepSister is a wonderful story that shows us that ugly is in the eye of the beholder, and that pretty is more than just our physical appearance. This story will capture your heart like none other as you are wooed by Jennifer Donnelly's wonderful wit and words of wisdom. You'll feel like she is not just telling a story, but speaking to your soul. My guest today is Joanne Jarrett of the Fancy Free PodcastCheck out Joanne's blog: cozyclothesblog.comStepSister is available for purchase on AmazonYou can pre-order Jennifer Donnelly's new book, Poisoned on AmazonFollow YA Book Chat on Instagram and Faceboo