YA Book Chat

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 InstagramSend us a textHave 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!

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.comSend us a textHave a question about today's book o

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.comSend us a textHave a question about

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

If you are a fan of Pokemon, Digimon, and Monster Rancher, then this is the book for you!Come along with my guest David and me as we dive into the world of monster taming and battling!Young Jackson Hunt wants nothing more than to be a professional Djinn Tamer. However, due to circumstances at home, he is forced to spend his days working in order to help his grandmother make ends meet. But one day Jackson discovers a young, untrained Djinn that his dead mother left behind for him. Jackson works hard to bond and train his Djinn in hopes that he can become a professional tamer and earn money to save his and his grandmother's home.But nothing is as easy as it seems...Thanks to Undaunted Publishing for asking me to review this book and sponsoring a giveaway!Thanks to Derek Alan Siddoway for the autographed books!Check out David's Podcast: Adapted For Your ViewingHere's where to purchase Djinn Tamer: Starter Check out the author: Derek Alan SiddowayCheck out Djinn Tamer on Instagram: @DjinnTamerHave

We've reached the final book in Kendare Blakes' Three Dark Crowns series! Join my guest Rachel Carpenter and I as we hash out the final battle. Jules's legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule as legion queen. Arsinoe desperately searches for a cure and feels it's her responsibility to save Jules and stop Katherine. Mirabella arrives to fight alongside Katherine, but is it a real truce? Can Katherine and the dead queens really trust Mirabella? Pietyr is lost in a coma, thanks to the undead queens and none of Katherine's healers can bring him back. Katherine now has no one to rely on and help her as the legion army closes in. The final battle for Fennbirn is about to take place. Who will prevail?Check out these Three Dark Crowns novellas by Kendare Blake:The Young QueensThe Oracle QueenQueens of FennbirnCheck out Rachel's blog - Military City Moms BlogCheck out the Military Moms Blog Book Club HEREFollow YA Book Chat on Instagram and Facebook.Ha

NOTE: Today I begin a slightly different format for my podcast. I feel it will lead to shorter, more enjoyable episodes for you, my wonderful listeners. Instead of doing a full-on plot dive into all the details, my guests and I will more casually discuss what we liked/didn't like, our favorite moments/quotes, the characters, and the plotline in general. So this does mean that the entire episode WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS. You've been warned. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for listening!Join my guest Rachel Carpenter and I as we dive into book three of the Three Dark Crowns trilogy. Queen Katharine has waited her entire life to wear the crown. But now that she finally has it, the murmurs of dissent grow louder by the day. There’s also the alarming issue of whether her sisters are actually dead—or if they’re waiting in the wings to usurp the throne.Mirabella and Arsinoe are alive, but in hiding on the mainland and dealing with a nightmare of their own: being visited repeatedly by a specter they think might be th

Join Christine and me for the second book in the Three Dark Crowns series by Kendare Blake. One Dark Throne is the continuing story of Arsinoe, Katherine, and Mirabella. The Ascension Year has begun, and with it, the battle for the crown. Who will prevail? Katherine is now stronger than ever before, guided by a force within. Arsinoe, now aware of her real powers, must figure out a way to use them to her advantage without anyone finding out. And Mirabella faces new attacks, putting those around her in danger. Follow along as the story continues...Check out Christine's blog The Salty Mamas!Follow YA Book Chat on Instagram and Facebook.Have a question about the Three Dark Crowns trilogy? Any books you want me to read/review? Send me an email at YABookChat@Gmail.comSend us a textHave 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 revi

Today I have the privilege of interviewing NY Times #1 Best Selling Author Melissa de la Cruz!Join Melissa de la Cruz and me as we chat about her brand new YA Graphic Novel, Gotham High, from DC Comics. Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages, including Alex and Eliza, The Descendants, The Witches of East End, Blue Bloods, and The Queens Assassin. Her more than 30 books have also topped the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists and have been published in over 20 countries.About DC's YA Graphic NovelsDC's young adult graphic novels introduce DC's most iconic characters to a new generation of fans with stories told by some of the most successful authors from the YA publishing space. The YA titles are standalone stories, not part of DC's ongoing continuity, and completely accessible to new readers who have no previous knowledge of DC characters. Check out Gotham High! - Before they became B