Fierce Reads Fall Tour Fun at Mysterious Galaxy

October 29, 2013 was the night to kick off the second leg of the Fierce Reads Fall Tour! And...my daughter and I was there with a few friends to celebrate with the featured authors!

About Fierce Reads

Fierce Reads is an online community and a brand where teens can interact with books they love and be a part of the discovery of new books. The national author tour is a major part of the Fierce Reads brand.

Get the tour information, here!

On this second leg of the tour featured these amazing authors: Ann Aguirre and Gennifer Albin with special guests Leigh Bardugo and Jessica Brody.

In addition to kicking off the second leg of the Fierce Reads Tour, it was also a big night for both featured authors for October 29, 2013 marked the release of their latest books...for Ann Aguirre, Horde, and for Gennifer Albin, Altered. 

First off, let's get a brief description of our featured authors and special guests.


Anne Aguirre

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes books, emo music, and action movies. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Here is her latest book release...

Book 3 of The Razorland Series

Summary on Goodreads

Gennifer Albin

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. A recovering academic, she turned to writing her own books. In her free time she sits on the National Novel Writing Month Advisory Board, laughs (and cries) with her mom writers group, and watches too much Doctor Who (if that's possible). Gennifer lives in Poulsbo, Washington with her family. 

Her latest book release...

Book 2 of The Crewel World Series

Summary on Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Seige and Storm (Holt Children's/Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

Her latest book release...

Book 2 of The Grisha Trilogy

Summary on Goodreads

Jessica Brody

Jessica Brody knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She started self "publishing" her own books when she was seven years old, binding the pages together with cardboard, wallpaper samples and electrical tape. 

After graduating from Smith College in 2001 where she double majored in Economics and French and minored in Japanese, Jessica later went on to work for MGM Studios as a Manager of Acquisitions ad Business Development. In May of 2005, Jessica quit her job to follow her dream of becoming a published author.

Jessica now works full time as a writer and producer. She currently spilts her time between Los Angeles and Colorado.

Her latest book release...

Book 1 of The Unremembered Series

Summary on Goodreads

As the event began, each author introduced themselves and gave brief descriptions of their latest books. This group of authors were amazing and funny as they informed and entertained the audience about their books and their writings. After all the introductions and descriptions...the audience Q&A started. 

Check out the fun we had with these amazing and fun authors!

In this first clip, the first question was posed for each of the authors...


In this second clip, the Q&A continues with a question about how they prepare themselves for the fan reactions to their book series...


These beautiful ladies are amazing for creating these worlds that we enjoy reading and entertaining us with their wit and experiences, as fans asked a variety of questions. It definitely wasn't a dull moment with them. After the fun Q&A, the signing began! It was great! We enjoyed seeing Ann Aguirre again since RT Teen Day 2011 and Leigh Bardugo from the last event we met her at the other Mysterious Galaxy in Redondo Beach...and meeting Gennifer Albin was amazing fun. These ladies are so fun and hilarious to chat with! It was so totally awesome, too, that Jessica Brody is also a huge fan of ABC's series SCANDAL! I was absolutely ecstatic, but, we couldn't discuss it much since we both were behind on the episodes. Jessica and I definitely need to catch up on the episodes before any SCANDAL discussion could be had. 

The staff of Mysterious Galaxy had the signing session organized, which was awesome; this gave everyone a chance to chat and spend time with the authors. How awesome was that! We absolutely loved it since we didn't feel rushed! The staff so rocked that night! After all the signing was said and done, everyone wanted photo ops...and, yes, we did get that opportunity. But, before we started with photo ops, I asked if we could get a group photo with their books. And, sure enough everyone got there photo...it felt like we were the paparazzi...hahaha!!! All the authors were looking in every direction there were cameras..haha! Too funny! Loved every minute of it!

Ann Aguirre, Leigh Bardugo, Jessica Brody & Gennifer Albin

Ann Aguirre

Leigh Bardugo

Jessica Brody

Gennifer Albin

Mariah w/ Ann Aguirre, Leigh Bardugo, Jessica Brody
& Gennifer Albin

Jasmine w/ Ann Aguirre, Leigh Bardugo,
Jessica Brody & Gennifer Albin

Mariah's signed copy of Altered by Gennifer Albin

Jasmine's signed copy of Horde by Ann Aguirre

Jasmine's signed copy of Unremembered
by Jessica Brody

Our photo signed by Leigh Bardugo

Mariah's photo signed by Leigh Bardugo

Ann Aguirre signed our photo from RT Teen Day 2011!

View the full album at: Movies, Shows & Books on Facebook

Of course, what is a book tour without swag!!??!! Yup! Not only did we get our books signed, these beautiful ladies gave out swag! Well, we know what that means....we can have a giveaway!!! Yay!


****The Giveaway***

Fierce Reads bag

Fierce Reads Tour poster signed by Ann Aguirre,
Gennifer Albin, Leigh Bardugo & Jessica Brody

Bookmarks signed by Ann Aguirre,
Company D patches & bracelets

Crewel/Altered cards & stickers

Siege & Storm bookmarks signed by Leigh Bardugo,
Siege & Storm buttons

Unremembered sampler & bookmarks signed
by Jessica Brody

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unbreakable (Book 1 of The Legion Series) by Kami Garcia Giveaway

One of the awesome fun things I enjoy doing is going to these book tours, especially when it's withing driving distance. I recently went to one of the tour stops for The YA Legion Tour on October 2nd, launching Kami Garcia's new solo novel, Unbreakable. In addition to seeing Kami Garcia, other authors were also in attendance for the tour. The tour stop that my daughter and I was able to go to was hosted by Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego, which, at first, wasn't on the original tour schedule. At this particular tour stop, we had the pleasure of having Lissa Price and Nancy Holder joining Kami for this launch party. However, I was pretty bummed out that Amber Benson had to cancel. The night was still filled with fun and laughs as these amazing authors chatted about their experiences in life and in writing. Although it was a school night, my daughter and I had a great time even though we couldn't stay long. So, for those who wasn't able to go to a launch party, check out my post on our fun night when the YA Legion Tour Stopped in at Mysterious Galaxy!

Lissa Price, Kami Garcia & Nancy Holder

Kami Garcia at SDCC 2013

I had the awesome opportunity to have read Unbreakable in advance when Kami Garcia was at SDCC 2013 signing Advance Reader's Copies (ARC) of Unbreakable for fans. As soon as I found out when and what booth, we were in line to to get one and say "hi!" I don't think I can EVER get tired of seeing my favorite authors, especially when new books are released. Check out "my thoughts" at: http://moviesshowsnbooks.blogspot.com/2013/09/unbreakable-book-1-of-legion-series-by.html.

I loved the story! It reminded me a bit of one of my favorite TV shows, Supernatural. Like Nancy Holder stated, "Supernatural meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Kami Garcia is Joss Whedon's talent-sister! I didn't just read UNBREAKABLE; I lived it. When it comes to supernatural suspense, Garcia is the Slayer." I would have to agree!

So, if you haven't read Unbreakable yet, I think you should...that's just me!

But, for now, check out the book trailer!

So, without further ado, let's have a giveaway! Of course we can't have a launch party without swag! And, that's just what I got!

The Giveaway

YA Legion Tour poster signed by
Kami Garcia, Lissa Price & Nancy Holder

1 Winner will receive a signed copy of Unbreakable

1 Winner will receive a signed YA Legion Tour poster

1 Winner will receive an Unbreakable keychain

3 Winners will receive a signed Unbreakable bookmarks

Must be 13+ to enter

U.S. entries only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The YA Legion Tour Stops at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, CA

Unbreakable Tour poster

October 2, 2013 was an amazing and fun night as Kami Garcia launched her new solo book Unbreakable, and stops in at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, CA! Yay! Along with Kami Garcia to launch her new book was Nancy Holder and Lissa Price, two amazing authors. After having to miss the stop in Barnes & Noble at The Grove on October 1st, I was oh-so-thankful that there was a stop the next day! 

Lissa Price, Kami Garcia & Nancy Holder

So...Mariah and I made our way to San Diego, just in time for the event, too! Whew! Although it was a school night, Mariah came along anyways! I enjoy sharing events like this with her. Plus, we have been going to these events with these authors several times now, and it's always a fun and memorable time. And, Mysterious Galaxy is always a great venue for these events, this time, we visited the San Diego store. 

Photo credit: Mysterious Galaxy bookstore

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Amber Benson, author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series, cancelled here appearance for this launch party...<sigh> We were so looking forward to meeting her as well, especially being a Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan. 

Kami Garcia

Lissa Price

Nancy Holder

In addition to this fun event, a fun raffle was held after the Q&A and reading. The lucky winner won an Unbreakable gift box with jewelry, swag, and a $50 MG gift card...now, that's an awesome prize! It was great!

Check out the video clips of this amazing and fun launch party!

This fun event began with author introductions and a discussion of their books.

Kami tells of the raffle winner from the October 1st launch party, then gets 
into discussing what Unbreakable is about.


Lissa, Kami and Nancy discusses writing and deadlines. 
Kami even mentions her office.


Our favorite authors discusses word count, number of pages and writing, 
choice of favorite super power and superstitions.

Check out the swag commemorating the launch of Unbreakable! Even got Starters/Enders bookmarks from Lissa Price!

What a great evening!!! After this fun Q&A, reading and discussion, the signing began. We always have so much fun at these amazing author events; and, each event always has something new and fun to be discussed and launched! If only it wasn't a school night, we would have loved to hang out a bit longer at Mysterious Galaxy to chat with them. 

Getting ready for the signing!

I remember meeting Nancy Holder at a teen book fest in Ontario, CA in 2011! After two years, I finally got my pick with her signed. I read her book Crusade, co-written with Debbie Viguie...an amazing story! I finally got the last two books in this series and signed, too! 

It was also so much fun to catch up with Lissa Price since last we saw her at the L.A. Times Festival of Books! 

Mariah with Lissa Price

Jasmine with Lissa Price

Photo op w/ Lissa Price, Kami Garcia & Nancy Holder

View the photo album of this fun launch party at: 

The YA Legion Tour Stops at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego

I also was lucky to see Kami Garcia at SDCC 2013 and get a signed ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of Unbreakable. After reading it, I was hooked! I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book!

Check out my review at: Unbreakable (Book 1 of The Legion Series) 

Richelle Mead Talks 'Gameboard of the Gods' and Other Stuff

Gameboard of the Gods book cover

Excitement was in the air as I prepared to go to San Diego for a book signing being held at the Mysterious Galaxy (MGSD) bookstore. Mariah and I were going to meet Richelle Mead...again, since the last time in 2011 at RT Teen Day. So, yah, we were excited! I purchased my copy of Gameboard of the Gods in advance to get my ticket for the signing line.  The event was a ticketed event...purchase the book and get a ticket for the signing. 

As soon as Mariah got out from school, we were on our way to San Diego for the night's festivities with the amazing author, Richelle Mead.  

Mariah and I had a somewhat smooth drive up until we hit the I-805.  Luckily, the traffic wasn't at a dead-stop.  Yes, we made good time.  We even had time to sit and chat with my friend, Pamela!  Yay!!! We finally officially have met.  We have had several almost meetings at various events, but this event was the one that we were actually able to come together and have fun. 

Being our first time going to an author event at a Mysterious Galaxy bookstore, I wanted to get there early so I could check out the place and ask a few questions regarding the event.  The store is a small and quaint place in San Diego...not difficult to find. And the staff were amazing and helpful...yes, they rocked!  

Mysterious Galaxy San Diego

After purchasing my books, we settled down outside of Starbucks and started chatting...about what!!!  Books, authors and events!! But, before I forget, Vampire Academy "Molnija Mark" shirts, "Molnija Mark" keychains and Vampire Academy sampler book were being given away free with a purchase of Richelle Mead's books...of course. As time passed, we finally were able to get seats inside the bookstore for this exciting event.  We met several other fans as well! This was definitely a fun-filled night for booklovers. As we waited for the event to start, we got to chatting with other fans, and I was amazed at the multi-generations of fans that came out.  Yes, multi-generations of fans!  That's also the great thing about Richelle Mead's books...she writes adult and YA novels! 

Our book haul! Yah, I know! What can I say...I'm a booknerd! :)

Our "Molnija Mark" shirts we got free with our purchase.

"Molnija Mark" keychain

Soon enough, MGSD filled up pretty quickly as the 7 o'clock hour came around. Many of us even saw Richelle Mead walk in. Of course all chatter stopped as we all watched on when she made her way to the back of the store before the event.  As all the seats were taken, this event soon became a standing room only event...haha!!! That's how much fans love her!! Awe-inspiring!  

Richelle Mead at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego (photo: MGSD)

And, the event began!!!  The audience listened with awe as Richelle Mead talked a bit about her new adult novel Gameboard of the Gods. The Q&A  soon followed.  Fans were excited!  Even questions about the upcoming Vampire Academy movie was discussed...well, as much as Richelle Mead she knows and can reveal to us.  

Check out the following video clips of this fun event:

Richelle Mead also gives fans some details about the Vampire Academy movie....AND, she also reveals the release date in clip #4. 

And, yes, there was a giveaway raffle after the Q&A as revealed in clip #5! Yay!!! Richelle Mead and Mysterious Galaxy raffled off a few Vampire Academy shirts and Succubus Heat, book 4 of the Georgina Kincaid series (her first adult novel series). Richelle Mead also mentioned that the "Molnija mark" shirts are available to purchase at Arcane Vault. Succubus Heat was the last to be raffled off, and, guess who won.....Mariah! Yay!!! That is so awesome. I was already planning to get the entire Georgina Kincaid series, too! And, now, I don't have to buy book 4...haha!!! We even got it signed!

Mariah's prize from the raffle

And, the signing begins!!!

And the signing has started!

The front of the line

Richelle Mead signing Pamela and Cassandra's books

Richelle Mead signing books for a fan whose aspiring to be a writer

Richelle Mead chatting with a fan

Richelle Mead shows a picture of her baby boy to a fan

Line of fans for the signing entering the store

Mariah in line again!

Richelle Mead also signed our photo from the RT Teen Day in 2011!  She even remembered it!  She was pregnant at the time, too!  It was so awesome to chat with her a bit about that fun day!

Photo with Richelle Mead at RT Teen Day 2011

View the photo album of this event at:  Movies, Shows & Books 

To learn more about Richelle Mead's books, go to Richelle's Books

All in all, the event was exciting and fun as many fans attended to meet and to chat with Richelle Mead on all thing about her books and the upcoming Vampire Academy movie. It was definitely an enjoyable night with many excited and fun fans! The Mysterious Galaxy San Diego staff was also amazing in hosting this event. Many thanks for having exciting author events like this at MGSD!!!  Much love and appreciation to Richelle Mead for making the time to spend with us, fans! 

And, now, I must read all these amazing books by Richelle Mead! 

Although Mysterious Galaxy San Diego is not a very big bookstore, there are pretty amazing author events happening in these littlle, independent places.

Mysterious Galaxy bookstore is the place to be for author events!
Check out their Facebook pages:

•  Mysterious Galaxy San Diego 

  

  Mysterious Galaxy San Diego

•  Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach 

  

  Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach

Our photos with Richelle Mead!!!

Richelle Mead and Mariah

Richelle Mead and Mariah

Richelle Mead and Jasmine

Here's our signed copy of Gameboard of the Gods!!!

My copy of Gameboard of the Gods signed

I even got a signed copy for my friend, Victoria