Warm Up by V.E. Schwab

Warm Up
By V.E. Schwab

Series: This is a 15 page short story prequel to Vicious which releases September 24^th.

Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books

It’s been 297 days since David died – and came back.

He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn’t left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition.

After months in seclusion, David’s ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David’s power isn’t the one he needs to worry about.

Warm Up on Goodreads

Warm Up is free to read on Tor.com or .99 on Amazon.

My Thoughts:

This is actually the first I’ve read by Victoria Schwab and I really enjoyed her writing style so I know it won’t be the last.

 

Warm Up is a very short glimpse into the world that the author has created for her upcoming book, Vicious. It kept my attention and left me very curious where the story will head next.  I have a feeling that David will not be a part of it. I’m guessing here but I’m thinking that Vicious will partially be about people like David (maybe?) which would be a good thing because I want to know more about him, his power, and the why’s and how’s of that power.

 

Just a side note: I love the cover for Warm Up! It's perfect for the story.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

 

PAYA (Bringing YA to PA) Wrap up

I know, I know, I missed yet another Shelf Candy Saturday post BUT I swear I have a good reason for it! A reason that may benefit you. Curious?! Read on.

Krista of Krista's Dust Jacket and I went to PAYA (Bringing YA to PA) which was an awesome book signing with about 30 young adult authors! The goal of the event was to spread the love of reading as well as raise money for Pennsylvania libraries.

The authors that attended were Susan Shaw, Victoria Schwab, K.M. Walton, Margie Gelbwasser, Charlotte Bennardo, Jackie Kessler, Amalie Howard, Ellen Jensen Abbott, Jennifer Hubbard, Jennifer Murgia, J.R. Wagner, Shannon Delany, Beth Kephart, Brigid Kemmerer, Jaclyn Dolamore, A.S. King, Jessica Spotswood, Jeri Smith-Ready, Maria V. Snyder, Cyn Balog, Josh Berk, Cesya MaRae Cuono, Gwendolyn Heasley, Dianne Salerni, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Christine Norris, Alissa Grosso, Wendy Higgins, Amy Holder, Elisa Ludwig, and Tiffany Schmidt.

The books I had signed...

Jessica Spotswood, Krista's bag, and Krista's blurry hands :)

Jennifer L. Armentrout and Wendy Higgins.

As much as I hate having my picture taken, I made an exception for Maria V. Snyder.

(Left to right: Me, Maria, and Krista)

You can see a pic of Krista and I with JLA on Krista's post.

They also had boxes of mystery grab bags where you donate and get to pick a grab bag. Well imagine my surprise when I open the bags and see some fantastic arcs!!

Jennifer L. Armentrout and Victoria Schwab posted/tweeted about a limited number of goodies that they would give out on a first come first serve basis. Krista and I naturally stalked around the signing waiting for them and attacked on first sight ;). Our efforts were rewarded with a signed Shadows poster from JLA and an Archived sticker and signed bookmark from Victoria Schwab.

There were also raffles and I was lucky enough to win the below and some swag.

Here's how my book tote looks after PAYA.

Krista also decided to start a signature tote and it looks great already!

Are you wondering how all of this benefits you?! Let's just say my Sunday Swag Bag giveaway will be extra special this coming weekend!! I'll be giving away TWO signed books from PAYA authors, THREE arcs, and a lot of swag! These things will be split up between four winners so make sure you stop back on Sunday, September 2nd for your chance to win.

Shelf Candy Saturday (18): The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Shelf Candy Saturday is hosted by A Night's Dream of Books.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. No da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous - it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enought, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

Victoria Schwab's Blog

The Archive on Goodreads

The Archive on Amazon
The Archive on Barnes & Noble

What an intriguing book cover and description!  I love blue covers and this book is yet another example of why. The smoke whisps and the key create such a mysterious feel. Who is this girl and does she hold the key to some big mystery? I can't wait to find out! I also love that the author is using bookish terms and twisting the meanings around.