Trailer Tuesday: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Title: Silver Phoenix
Author: Cindy Pon
Description: No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

When I saw Silver Phoenix awhile back, I instantly knew I wanted to read it. There are a rare number of YA books out there based on the Asian culture. To see this makes me very happy! I still have yet to get a copy but is totally looking forward to it!

And guess what? You can win a chance to receive a signed copy from Cindy and one of her gorgeous Chinese brush paintings (valued from $200-$400)! Another person can win a $100 gift card to any bookstore of their choice and a signed copy! Not to mention anyone around the world can join! Click here for more details! Ends June 8, 2009!

Author Interview: Jennifer Banash

So a couple of days ago, I put up my review for The Elite. Today, I give you an author interview with the creator, Jennifer Banash! Hopefully I will get to In Too Deep soon but have quite a stack to review. Her new series sound quite interesting, don't you agree?

If you would like to learn more about Jennifer or her books, visit her at: www.jenniferbanash.com.

First, what inspired you to write The Elite?

I attended High School on the Upper East Side of New York, so it was a world I knew very well, and wanted to explore in a way that was more meaningful than the books I'd seen on the subject.

Did you plan on making it a series from the beginning or did it eventually become one as you wrote?

No, it was conceived as a series--I actually wanted 9 books total, but, well, that's not going to happen!

What was the easiest part about writing the story?

Once I really figured out who my characters were, the story just sailed along and was a pleasure to write--It really took on a life of it's own.

What was the hardest part about writing the story?

All the characterization I had to do in order to make the plot fly! And plotting out the three books--I hate plotting and would much rather just start writing and see where it takes me--but most editors won't go for that!

There are quite a bit of fashion references in The Elite. Did you research the clothing and brands or were you always into fashion and finally thought it was a good time to put your knowledge to use?

I was always into fashion! I generally look like I'm going out to a fancy dinner or a club when I'm really just doing something dumb like taking out the garbage :) So, I didn't have to do too much research--I'm pretty obsessed with fashion.

What themes/genres are you hoping to touch upon in the future?

I'm working on a paranormal series right now, and a novel loosely based on my experiences of being a club kid in the 80's in NYC.

Lastly, give us one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know of!

I can be really shy if I don't know someone very well. Since I'm so outgoing on the surface, no one ever believes me that I'm actually pretty shy and reserved, but I am!

In My Mailbox - XXII

To do your own In My Mailbox, please check out how to at The Story Siren!

The Borrowed


The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross by Arina Tanemura vol. 1-4, 6-8

The Bought

None

The Received


Tokyo Boys & Girls vol. 1 by Miki Aihara
Archie Comics Presents: The Mighty Archie Art Players issue 1
DC Kids Mega Sampler issue 1
World of Aspen issue 4
Shonen Jump Special vol. 2 issue 1 (3 copies)
Bongo Comics Free-For-All!

Thank you CiZi from Bookmooch for Tokyo Boys & Girls!

Yesterday was Free Comic Book Day so I went to my local comic book store for the first time to snag the above comics. I felt a little bad for just taking the free stuff. I tried to look for some comics I would be interested in but came to none. So I swear if I go there again next year, I will buy a comic instead of just leaving with the freebies.

And thank you Steph for the Lemonade Award!

I almost forgot! Check out Melissa Walker's and Susane Colasanti's contest!

Get more information about it at Melissa's blog or Susane's blog!