Movies, Shows, & Books: BOOK BLITZ: Monsters Among Us by Amanda Strong

We are elated to celebrate the release of Amanda Strong's Monsters Among Us, the third book in the Monsters Among Us series! And, guess what!!! We are kicking off this cool Book Blitz on the book's release day! To celebrate, we have an exciting excerpt from the book AND a cool blitz-wide giveaway to share! Plus, get to know the author more with this brief interview! So... Check it out and grab your copy today!

Genre:

Young Adult

Science Fiction/Thriller

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Series:

Monsters Among Us, #3

Publish Date:

June 26, 2017

Publisher:

Clean Teen Publishing

Synopsis:

What if the fate of the world lies with the monster—not the hero?

The world is shifting, and Sammy has complete control. But as hidden truths surface, she starts to doubt everyone who is close to her. The Ancients and Kory have been harboring dark secrets, and it could mean war between the Dragon Fae and the Irukas. With the Defenders as her devoted soldiers, Sam must make some difficult decisions. Should she save the world… or save herself?

Blake won't give up on Sam. He knows he can't trust Tonbo anymore, or the web of lies he's been thrown into. If he hopes to save Sam, he must find the real reason Kory created the bug army. Turns out there could be something far worse than bloodthirsty bugs buriedon the islands, and Blake will have to fight his own inner demons if he wants to save those he loves—including Sam.

In a world filled with mistrust and lies, Blake and Sam must unearth the truth and face their own fears and weaknesses. If they don't, their lives—and the fate of all humanity—will hang in the balance.

*Excerpt*

Blake

The pressure over my mouth panicked me until I realized it was a breathing mask securely fastened around my head. Aster swam above me, her hair floating around her like a shroud. At seeing my eyes open, she reached under my armpits and tugged me upright. Strange clicking filled my ears. All I could do was suck at the mask, letting the oxygen fill my body with strength.

It was then I realized Mack and Kory were next to me, masked and floating as well. We were in the middle of the Iruka council, literally placed on top of the round, stone table at which all the leaders but Seaton were seated. Seaton’s seat was a great deal higher than the rest, allowing him to peer down at us. I felt a like a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, stuck in the middle of the table with all the Irukas glaring at us with strange interest. Last I’d checked, they weren’t into eating dragon fae, I reminded myself as my adrenaline surged. The underwater lighting made everything distorted and blurry, and I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision.

Aster was the one addressing Seaton, although by the looks of the all-male leadership, I wasn’t so sure they’d listen to her. From what I’d seen of Irukas, they had some pretty old-fashioned notions when it came to gender roles. Glaring up at Seaton, his long brown hair floating around his body like seaweed, I growled to myself. Blast this water. How can I convince Seaton to talk to me like this?

Then, to my shock, Seaton left his lofty throne and swam down to us, stopping mere inches before me. His movements made the water roll, almost knocking me over, and I used my wings like propellers to keep myself upright.

I was shocked at how massive Seaton still was, having thought my memories were slightly exaggerated because I’d been younger the last we’d met. If anything, though, Seaton seemed bigger—if that were possible. Built like a linebacker, Seaton would have made even the Defenders feel small.

Face to face, Seaton stared me down. His piercing, pale green eyes seemed to be searching for something. I held my head up, not cowering to the massive Iruka. The moment felt like it lasted forever. I could only stare back, not wanting to break eye contact. For some reason, my gut told me this was a decisive moment. But we aren’t even talking.

Oh, but we are.

I gaped at Seaton as it hit me. Wait, can you read my mind?

We don’t just use our sounds to communicate, Blake. Dolphin channels are much more sophisticated than anyone ever thought. At this, Seaton nodded to some of his leaders, and then his gaze returned to me.

But I’m not part dolphin. How are you doing this?

I think you’ll find there’s not a lot I can’t do, Blake.

~~~

*Interview with Amanda Strong*

Why did you start writing YA books?

Funny thing is when I was sixteen I wrote about thirty year olds and now that I’m in my thirties I’m writing about sixteen year olds! I guess I don’t want to grow up anymore. I’ve always loved writing. I think why I write primarily YA now is it’s a time of your life for firsts. Things are new (first kiss, first love), feelings are deep, and inner character is built through those trying years. I love growing up with my characters all over again.

What do you like about writing fantasy and Sci-fi?

So when I started Hidden Monster it wasn’t going to be paranormal/fantasy at all. I wanted it to be straight thriller/mystery, but then I couldn’t help myself! I love the freedom and challenge that comes with adding fantasy/Sci Fi elements to my books. I love creating a new world with the history, science, and explanations to back it. Guess I want to find some magic out there still.

What do you consider your greatest writing achievement?

Just getting published! Haha! No for real, that’s a hard journey in and of itself. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give up. For me each book that comes out is my greatest achievement. I’m still amazed I have published books and am in even more in awe that people actually read them and LIKE them!

What's the weirdest thing you've Googled while doing research?

Great question! For Hidden Monster series it’d have to be all the research I did on dragonflies.

Never thought I’d learn so much about a little bug, but now I’m fascinated by them. For my

Awakener series it’d have to be googling about demons. I’m such a wimp when it comes to the creepy stuff. I swear half of my research was done with me peeking through my fingers.

Do you have any strange or fun writing habits?

I don’t know if it’s fun, but I am a creature of habit. I like to write at my desk, with my mouse (have to have a mouse), my full glass of water, and my snacks. I’m really bad, I snack when I write! Such a naughty habit! Almost always I end up wrapped up in blanket with slippers on my feet too (writing makes me cold for some reason).

What is your most treasured series related possession?

My awesome friend Cody Candelaria’s book club read and featured Hidden Monster (first book in the Monsters Among Us series). I absolutely love all the fun things they made to go with the book. I also received a beautiful, original piece of artwork by one of my readers, Savannah Montoya.

~~~

Don't miss the previous titles in the Monster Among Us series!

(covers link to Goodreads)

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Born in Dekal, Illinois, AmandB Strong has called Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia, and now New Mexico home. She has loved to spin tales since childhood. It was not uncommon to find her hiding in some random corner, scribbling away in her spiral-bound notebook, with her bright pink glasses. You could say some things have not changed.

Amanda signed with Clean Teen Publishing in the fall of 2013. She is the author of two paranormal, YA series: The Watchers of Men and Monsters Among Us.

The first novel in The Watchers of Men series, The Awakener, debuted in October of 2013. It has been an Amazon number one best seller in three Young Adult categories. Book two, The Holy and The Fallen, released May 12th of 2015. Book three, The Watcher’s Mark, was released in Spring of 2016.

Hidden Monster released November 4th of 2014, and it finished as a Finalist in the 2014 USA Best Book Award: Young Adult Category. It is book one of a brand-new young adult, sci-fi thriller series called Monsters Among Us.

When Amanda isn't writing, you can find her chasing her three rambunctious children around the house and spending time with her wonderful and supportive husband. On some occasions, you can still find Amanda with her not-so-pink glasses, hiding in a corner reading her favorite young adult fantasy novels or working out only to blow her diet by eating ice cream.

Stay connected with Amanda Strong