Guest Post and Giveaway: Why Differ? by Evan Angler

Welcome to Bookworm!

Today, we are having a guest post by Evan Angler for the Team Novel Teen Blog Tour for his book Swipe. You can read my review by clicking on the book title. Enjoy!

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Why Differ?

by Evan Angler

We live in a world where things can be easy. Tablet computers that fit in our pockets and make calls for us and tell us where we are. Globalized digital networks that connect us effortlessly, all the time. Modern medicine that works wonders. News that arrives the moment it happens. Food that stays fresh forever.

This isn’t science fiction. This is reality. And in the American Union, all you need—for any of it—is the Mark.

So what’s wrong with that? The Pledge unifies us, does it not? Just as its Mark protects us? No one could argue that it hasn’t brought us together, that it hasn’t created peace . . . that our allegiance to the Chancellor hasn’t bound us and given common ground from which all our ideas and ideologies may grow. Together. Compatibly.

After the years of slaughter, after the decades of political and environmental devastation that forced more and more of us to fight over less and less land, water, food . . . was this unity not a welcome change for all of us?

It isn’t even compulsory. No one has to Pledge. But who wouldn’t? In the years since its implementation, the Mark has rightfully become the capstone of a childhood well spent, the crowning achievement in a young man’s or woman’s life, the opened door to citizenship, adulthood, independence . . .

Every schoolchild knows that in the wake of the Total War, this Mark has become the very symbol of our commitment to patriotism and peace. It is the constant reminder of our loftiest intentions.

To be Markless is to reject these ideals. To be Markless is to be different.

So why would anyone choose to be different? In a world of absolutes, of black and white, of right and wrong, why would anyone choose“wrong”?

My name is Evan Angler. I may have answers to these questions. But I can’t risk writing them. Not here. Not on the Internet, for anyone to see.

And you wouldn’t risk reading them.

But if you are determined . . . if you are determinedto learn the truth, no matter the cost, then what I can tell you is this: I’ve put what I know onto paper. Old-fashioned, obsolete—paper. Where it can’t be copied and pasted with the stroke of a stylus, where it can’t be sent around the world at the press of a button, where it can’t be recorded and stored forever in a million irretrievable pieces across cyberspace and time for any watchful eye to see. Paper is intimate. It is between you and me. It is fragile. It can be destroyed.

And when you find it, if you find it . . . once you’ve read it . . . I do encourage you to destroy it.

Swipe is the first volume in the chronicles of Logan Langly, Erin Arbitor, and the Dust. Their account is dangerous; the information within it is forbidden.

I wrote their story for everyone. But if you are not yet thirteen, if you have not yet Pledged to the Chancellor in exchange for his Mark of citizenship, if you have not yet made that choice to conform to given definitions of what may be easy and what may be “right” . . . then I have written this story especially for you.

For I’m not ashamed to tell you that I’m still afraid of the dark. And if you too have ever turned out the light only to feel that tinge of panic, that inkling that someone, somewhere, might possibly be watching . . . I’m here to tell you that they are.

At its heart, Swipeis a book about friendship against the odds. It’s a book about a group of boys and girls who stick together to stand up for one another and for what they believe in.

But why would they choose to be different? Why would they choose “wrong”?

Are you ready to learn the truth?

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Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Swipe by Evan Angler by clicking on the links above, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

Stop by these blogs today to read reviews of Swipe.

ADD Librarian

Blooming with Books

The Book Fae

Book Nook 4 You

Bookworm Reading (Me)

Books I Recommend

Christian Book Review Blog

CTF Devourer

Fiction Fire

Jill Williamson

Labor Not in Vain

Maniacal Bookworm

My Story Shelf

Oh, Restless Bird

The Pen and Parchment

Reviews by Jane

Shadow Writer World

In honor of the tour and guest post, I am also holding a giveaway for one copy of Evan Angler's book! Feel free to enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Life

So sorry for missing yesterday's review. Life has been crazy this week so I didn't get to tweak it and forgot to post until late so it didn't get up. But, hopefully today's blog tour, first ever guest post, and 3rd giveaway will help make up for it. Stop by at 1 o'clock central time to read Why Differ? by Evan Angler, author of Swipe, and enter to win a copy of his book! Have a good day and keep reading.

Bookworm

The Messenger

"In a Time of War,

Can Two Unlikely Heroes

Find the Courage to Act?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - It is 1778 in Philadelphia and Hannah's world turned upside down when the war started. Now, her brother, Robert, who left his Quaker faith when he joined the Rebels, is in the Loyalist jail but she is forbidden to see him. Not only that but it is almost impossible to get a pass to visit. Jeremiah might seem like a Loyalist, but he is working with spies to get the prisoners out of the jail. But only family can visit. Despite the fact they are at odds with each other, Hannah and Jeremiah strike up an agreement where Hannah will deliver messages to a prisoner in exchange for a pass to see her brother. Will Hannah be able to keep this secret and not get caught when she insists on telling the truth? Can they find God's will in all this?

Author - Siri Mitchell

Publisher - Bethany House Publishers; A division of Baker Publishing Group


Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Often mentioned that men are with woman inappropriately, with or against the woman's will. Hannah works hard at following her faith and God and tries to do what is right even though it seems like there is opposition at every turn. Jeremiah does what he can to mess with the British's head but slowly comes to God.

Personal Opinion - I learned a lot about Quakers while reading this and enjoyed the romance, which is not always my forte but I liked this. The struggles of the characters were real and believable. The male protagonist had  lost his arm and blamed it for everything. Hannah struggled with what she was doing and her faith because she felt she was going against it. The struggles of the characters really helped with empathy and connecting to the story. The spy stuff was great, being what originally interested me in the story, and the historical notes at the end brought a lot of background info to the novel. Doll was my favorite character, she made me smile and I loved how she just said what was on her mind without sugar coating it. But, I wish some side characters were developed more, feeling it would have added more to the story, fleshing it out more. I sometimes forgot certain characters existed because they were mentioned so little. Also, the first person narratives from both the main characters caused some confusion on who was speaking from time to time. Besides those things, this was a good spy/romance novel and would enjoying hearing more about these characters (but I think this is a stand-alone novel so that probably won't happen).

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher

Links - Learn more about the book and author here.
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.

Prophet

"Will You Accept the Branch and Speak

My Will?

Will You be My Prophet?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Ela loves the Infinite and wishes to follow Him. When tragedy strikes, the Infinite calls Ela to be his prophet, who, throughout history, never are girls or live long enough to grow old. But she excepts and goes to warn a neighboring kingdom of its fate if they will not turn to the Infinite. While there, she meets Kien, a kind, honorable young man who she slowly, and unwantingly, grows fond of. Will the Infinite be heard? Is Ela's death near?
Author - R. J. Larson
Publisher - Bethany House; a division of Baker Publishing Group

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Battle scenes but not graphic. Some characters desire to do the will of the Infinite but others scoff.
Personal Opinion - While reading this, I kept thinking about the prophets from the Old Testament. This might be fantasy but it does a fantastic job of displaying how prophets from the Bible listened to God and communicated His words to others. Ela is faithful to the Infinite and is a wonderful example of what Christians should strive to do for God. The pronunciation guide was a life saver too because there would have been many mistakes for me if there hadn't been one. :) Also, Kien and the destroyer horse, Pet, are perfect for a laugh throughout the novel. They are just so charming.

My only complaints would be that I wish there had been more back story to Ela before she became a prophet, so we could see the change and that I wish I had seen Ela clumsy instead of being told she used to be because she wasn't when she was a prophet so I would forget. She just showed her emotions, such as crying or getting angry, when she didn't want to. But, I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher

Links - Learn more about the author and book here.
Special Notes - This book contains a discussion guide and an excerpt of the next book, Judge.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Baker Publishing Group.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.

New Halfling Covers!

Welcome to Bookworm. If you have read Heather Burch's book Halflings, then you might be interested in seeing the cover for book 2, Guardian.

But how much would you like not only seeing Guardian's cover but, also, book 3's cover, Avenger!

Sweet, right? You can read more announcement on the series at the Halfling Network. Hope you enjoyed the sneak peek. I can't wait to read the next books. Keep reading!

Bookworm

Bull Rider

"Eight Seconds of Danger...
A Lifetime of Honor."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Cam O'Mara's family has a history of bull riding, but thinks you would have to be crazy to get on one of those animals, preferring to stay on his skate board. But when his older brother, Ben, returns home from Iraq, injured from an IED, Cam would do anything for him. Even if it means getting on the one bull no one has ridden, with fifteen thousand dollars being offered to the first one who can stay on for a full 8 seconds.
Author - Suzanne Morgan Williams

Publisher - Margaret K. Mcelderry; Imprint of Simon and Schuster's Children's Division

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Cam wants to hate the people who hurt his brother but is encouraged not too. He tries to help his brother in anyway he can but wants to run too because of how hard it is to see him after the attack. Lies multiple times, sometimes even encouraged and supported by other adults, but usually gets in trouble. Tries to commit fraud, as well as attempts to purchase a fake ID, and isn't rewarded for it but isn't punished much for it either.

Personal Opinion - When I saw the cover, I was intrigued. When I heard what it was about, I was excited. When I read it, I was blown away. I read this book within days of starting it, finding it hard to put down and wanting to know what happened next. I used to love to watch bull riding, still do, even though I tend to cheer for the bull and not the rider, which is what initially made me want to read this. But it is so much more than just bull riding. It is about a young man's struggle to handle life after his brother gets hurt and what he is willing to do to help him. This book was wonderful, my only complaints being I wish the friends had been developed more earlier in the book and some St. Jude medals were used more like a good-luck charm instead of how they really should be used (but any other time God or Christian stuff was brought up, it was very respectful and accurate, so I don't think the author means anything negative with this use). A great book with a wonderful story, action, growth, learning, and characters. Oh, and bull riding.

Buy - Amazon
Links - Learn more about the book and author here.
Special Notes - A list of awards and articles are available too on the author's website.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.

Winning Balance

Releasing Today!

"The Inspiring Story of a

Pint-Size American Gymnast

With a Big Smile and an Even Bigger Heart"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

About - We have seen her compete in the 2008 Olympics. We saw her dance in Dancing with the Stars. Now, read Shawn Johnson's story behind all that. In her book, she will take you on the journey from her childhood to when she began Gymnastics to when she dreamed of winning a gold meddle in the Olympics to her dream coming true to the dancing competition to wondering what will be in her future, with all the triumphs, heart aches, and life lessons in between.
Author - Shawn Johnson with Nancy French
Publisher - Tyndale Momentum; An Imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc
Age Group - 15 and up
Personal Opinion - Shawn Johnson's story is one to read. It gave insight into what it was like to be an athlete, a teen, and trying to be a normal person. It also gave me a chance to see things I didn't consider, such as what she was feeling and thinking during the Olympics and on Dancing with the Stars. She went though many trials and triumphs. The insights she makes in the book were moving and inspiring, such as the quotes at the beginning and "Lessons I've Learned" at the end of each chapter (I was even highlighting a bunch of them). The poetry she wrote and shared with the pages were beautiful and will be ones I go back to read from time to time.

A moving read and I think this is a book worth the time and money. Can't wait to share it with my mom, who might enjoy it a bit more because she has a special place for gymnastics in her heart, and others who want to hear Shawn's incredible journey.

Video -

Thought it would be fun to add Shawn's Beam routine

where she won a gold meddle in the 2008 Olympics.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tyndale,

Links - Learn more about Shawn Johnson here.

Special Notes - The book releases June 5, 2012
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the Tyndale Blogger Network.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.

My Stubborn Heart

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Kate is 31 and losing hope that there is a man out there for her who she has been praying for. When her grandmother asks her to come out with her to the old, family estate that needs repairs, Kate jumps at the chance for a break from her life and job. But she didn't expect to start falling for their contractor. Matt is a famous ex-hockey player who is grieving the loss of his late wife. He has no interest in changing or in finding someone else. Than why are feelings for Kate stirring in his heart? As Kate works on the old house, she must juggle fixing up some of her grandmother's friends, the house's decor, and her feeling for Matt. But is Matt willing to let someone else into his heart? Can he find God through his grief? And is this really what God wants for her?
Author - Becky Wade
Publisher - Bethany House; A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Age Group - 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* The characters try to find what God wants of them and live that way. The characters care for each other and try to do what is best. It seemed the romance was more physical looks and feelings sometimes than who the person was. Words like "boobs" and "hook up" were also interspered within(which I wasn't expecting).
Personal Opinion - Right from the start I understood the female protagonist and her feelings about if she will ever find "the one." I might be younger than her and not had as many relationships, but I so get the feeling, sometimes wondering the same thing. The whole book was fun. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed the story and smiled while reading. But didn't like how sometimes the author glossed over some events when I felt that they should be more in-depth but that is just an opinion. It seemed also like the main characters were really worldly in behaviors and thoughts, such as Kate turning to her looks as the reason why she didn't have a husband and Matt and Kate both emphasizing a lot on how the other one's looks made them feel attracted to them (I can see this, though, as how someone today thinks and it seemed the characters may have come around from this kind of thinking in the end). But it was still a moving, funny, tearful story of a woman trying to find the man God intends for her and a man trying to find his way back to life after suffering heartache. A good, romantic read.
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Baker Publishing Group,
Links - Learn more about the book and author here.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher, Baker Publishing Group.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.