The queen of awesomesauce herself, Elana Johnson, has organized a blogfest extraordinnaire - Spreading the Awesome! Today is all about books that deserve 10 STARS and the totally awesome authors who wrote them.
Long-time followers of my blog will not be surprised to discover that I chose... JAMES DASHNER!
*giant, fan-girl sigh*
Most of us have read (and loved) The Maze Runner, but before that came a different series - The 13th Reality. I LOVE these books. If you want to know more, go here. I posted all about them once before - yes, they are that good!
Book three in the series was recently released, and my son has already devoured it. I made the ultimate sacrifice of motherly love and let him read it first. I'm nice like that.
For one of today's lucky commenters, James has generously agreed to a SIGNED COPY GIVEAWAY. I'll use random.org to select the winner.
But wait! There's more! The great and wonderful James Dashner also sent a message to share with all of our Spreading the Awesome readers:
Hi guys! So nice to "meet" you. I'm honored to be the chosen author for Shannon's part in the blogfest. I'm one lucky dude to be an author and have the opportunity to connect with my readers. Most people have discovered my writing through The Maze Runner, but more and more are starting to find out about The 13th Reality. I'm so proud and excited and fortunate to have two series going on at the same time - I hope you'll give them a chance. When you do, let me know what you think!!! And happy reading.....
*another big fan-girl sigh*
Okay. I've recovered from my swoon.
I give The 13th Reality series (and the wonderful James Dashner) TEN STARS!! If you aren't already following his blog,"The Dashner Dude", what’s wrong with you you should be. Go now and show him how quickly we can spread the awesome author love!
Your next stop on the Spreading the Awesome tour should be Casey McCormick – who is featuring Laurie Halse Anderson andWintergirls. And take a minute to check out the recommended reads list of all of today's featured authors and titles. Enjoy!
James Dashner photo source: (www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/1200418.jpg)
Seriously, I haven't read it yet, and it's on my to-read list! I'd love to have it. (Hint, hint.) Thanks so much for highlighting this amazing author and partaking in this great way to add a little extra sparkle to already great writers.
Believe it or not, I haven't read a Dashner book yet... I know -crazy! But thank you so much for this recommendation. I've been looking for another great series for my son (and of course I'll be reading too...).
Oh Shannon, thanks for the recommendations. This couldn't come at more appropriate time. Being holed up in bed cringing from nausea makes reading the perfect recovery.
Shannon, you have convinced me. I actually have The Maze Runner home right now, but I haven't started it yet. I am so excited to read it and now The Thirteenth Reality (love the name).
Great pick Shannon! I actually haven't read the Maze Runner yet (there's a huge list of people waiting for it at my library), but I love this series. Very cool :)
Sweet post, promotion, and giveaway. I need to get some of Dashner's books considering my house full of boys! Yes, you did show great motherly love allowing the boy to read the book first. Don't know if I could have been so generous with the HP series.
How could I have missed this?? It sounds so awesome! My son is in that place right now where he's finished all the series he knows of and is looking for something new. This might be just the thing!
DS and I have read the 13th Reality series. He told me he wanted to buy the latest one for Mother's Day :) James blog is on my blog roll. He's a great guy and author, I must say.
Ooo--James Dashner! *drools* Have not read the 13th Reality Series (I know, BAD SHANNON) but it is on my TBR list. Thanks for reminding me about it, and for the chance (albeit small) to win a signed one. You are made of awesome. :)
If books were judged by their covers, I'd be leaping out of my seat to get that one. It looks awesome! I'd like to be entered in the contest, please! rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com
You are way nicer than I am! I often dive into books before my daughter gets a chance. Although, I was nice and let her have Catching Fire first. Oh the things we give up as mothers ;)
This sounds like a fun read. And how cool that he send a special message for you (and us...squee!!!) Love it!
I already own 13th Reality 3, and I've started it...that reminds me, I really need to go read it. Maze Runner was great, too. Love James Dashner. Really, how could you not?
James Dashner is pretty awesome. Not only is he a great writer, but he is a really nice guy. Super personable and down to earth. (James, give me an ARC of Scorch Trials.) Sorry, that was a subliminal message to James.
I was so excited when I found The Maze Runner at Costco, but I haven't gotten around to reading it. Now you are making me wish I had already, but I will start next week, I swear. Maybe.
He really is that awesome and nice in reality too. I got to hear him when he taught a writing class I was taking. And he has paid his DUES to be where he is. It's a pretty incredible story.
"meet" you. I'm honored to be the chosen author for Shannon's part in the blogfest. I'm one lucky dude to be an author and have the opportunity to connect with my readers. Most people have discovered my writing through The Maze Runner, but more and more are starting to find out about The 13th Reality. I'm so proud and excited and fortunate to have two series going on at the same time - I hope you'll give them a chance. When you do, let me know what you think!!! And happy reading.....
Ooh, ME! Ooh, ME!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I haven't read it yet, and it's on my to-read list! I'd love to have it. (Hint, hint.) Thanks so much for highlighting this amazing author and partaking in this great way to add a little extra sparkle to already great writers.
I haven't read those books! I'll check them out. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post - and great pick! I'll definitely have to check out his blog :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a new one for me too!
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh. I want to be a swooning girlfan, too. Please enter my name in the draw!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery cool Shannon. Nice work - you've talked me into yet another book, or three at this point. It does help that I already like James a ton.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I haven't read a Dashner book yet... I know -crazy!
ReplyDeleteBut thank you so much for this recommendation. I've been looking for another great series for my son (and of course I'll be reading too...).
Shannon you know I want to be entered right? I mean JAMES DASHNER!!! Love him! Awesome spotlight!! ;o)
ReplyDeleteVisit My Kingdom Anytime
I haven't read any of his books but apparently I NEED to. Awesome promo post. Please enter me!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great great idea! I love books that are recommended by writers!
ReplyDeleteMy fave: Pete Hautman's GODLESS.
Are you such a busy girl right now, Shannon?
Oh Shannon, thanks for the recommendations. This couldn't come at more appropriate time. Being holed up in bed cringing from nausea makes reading the perfect recovery.
ReplyDeleteShannon, you have convinced me. I actually have The Maze Runner home right now, but I haven't started it yet. I am so excited to read it and now The Thirteenth Reality (love the name).
ReplyDeleteThat was SO cool. Ive been hearing very good things about him:-)
ReplyDeleteVery cool that he gave you an autographed copy! Thanks another great suggestion! I'm getting lots of them today!
ReplyDeleteOhlala! I have The Maze Runner, but haven't read it yet. Now I'm going to move it to the top of the pile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading the awesome, Shannon!
Pick me! Pick me! I would love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the Maze Runner. I totally need to read this.
ReplyDeleteOh man Shannon, I already own a copy. It's a fun book. Good luck everyone. =)
ReplyDeleteGreat pick Shannon! I actually haven't read the Maze Runner yet (there's a huge list of people waiting for it at my library), but I love this series. Very cool :)
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic! I hope for this contest that "randomness" is in my corner.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a must read!
ReplyDeleteSweet post, promotion, and giveaway. I need to get some of Dashner's books considering my house full of boys! Yes, you did show great motherly love allowing the boy to read the book first. Don't know if I could have been so generous with the HP series.
ReplyDeleteCount me in please!
ReplyDeleteAaaaand... comment!
ReplyDeleteWhoever designed the cover of that book is a genius... I'd read it on that alone! Thanks for the contest, Shannon!
Never actually read him before, but I'm definitely intrigued now.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of both. Enter me! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMe, please! My son would love this!
ReplyDeleteHow could I have missed this?? It sounds so awesome! My son is in that place right now where he's finished all the series he knows of and is looking for something new. This might be just the thing!
ReplyDeleteDS and I have read the 13th Reality series. He told me he wanted to buy the latest one for Mother's Day :)
ReplyDeleteJames blog is on my blog roll. He's a great guy and author, I must say.
I have the first two in this series. Now I just need to read them! They look so good! (My husband read them first. I'm nice like that too. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I love this dude! Met him in person recently at a conference. Great to see him featured here!
ReplyDeleteComment! Comment!
ReplyDelete- Rebecca
rebeccaswells(at)gmail(dot)com
Oooo I heart James Dashner! Haven't read 13th Reality yet though so FINGERS CROSSED!! :D
ReplyDeleteMy kids will think I'm the coolest if I can win this book for them! I think Dashner is awesome too.
ReplyDeleteOh good lord, Dashner's CUTE TOO?? I go fangirl over Westerfeld's writing, but, um, I might have to switch teams here ... :)
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing about THE MAZE RUNNER, I borrowed a copy of THE 13TH REALITY from the library. It sounds really awesome and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I love this series as well. Very cool. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteOoo--James Dashner! *drools* Have not read the 13th Reality Series (I know, BAD SHANNON) but it is on my TBR list. Thanks for reminding me about it, and for the chance (albeit small) to win a signed one. You are made of awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteHow very cool!! I'm actually reading the Maze Runner right now, but the cover on The 13th Reality looks amazing! Enter me please :)
ReplyDeleteThese look great - I just got one for my nephew too.
ReplyDeleteWow, something I definitely have to check out. Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteSOOO great!! On my list!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely on my list!
ReplyDeleteExcellent choices!
ReplyDeleteIf books were judged by their covers, I'd be leaping out of my seat to get that one. It looks awesome! I'd like to be entered in the contest, please!
ReplyDeleterivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com
I loved The Maze runner and would love to check out The 13th Reality Series. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's awesome! I haven't heard of his books, but I sure want to read them now after your review! :D
ReplyDeleteYou are way nicer than I am! I often dive into books before my daughter gets a chance. Although, I was nice and let her have Catching Fire first. Oh the things we give up as mothers ;)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun read. And how cool that he send a special message for you (and us...squee!!!) Love it!
TOO cool! I can't wait to get my hands on all these books (hopefully a signed copy...would be awesome...!!!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations!!
Oh, I loved The Maze Runner, and have been wanting to read The 13th Reality. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI already own 13th Reality 3, and I've started it...that reminds me, I really need to go read it. Maze Runner was great, too. Love James Dashner. Really, how could you not?
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read his books for quite awhile now! Must get to it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a fun contest and post!
I am a total virgin when it comes to his James' books! Obviously this CANNOT CONTINUE!
ReplyDeleteGreat pick, Shannon. Can't wait to read this one. Man this blogfest is beyond awesome. All these books I now must have...
yay! Sign me up! New follower, glad to find you. :)
ReplyDeleteJames Dashner is pretty awesome. Not only is he a great writer, but he is a really nice guy. Super personable and down to earth. (James, give me an ARC of Scorch Trials.) Sorry, that was a subliminal message to James.
ReplyDeleteWow -- so cool to "hear" from James! I really loved TMR, and agree that the 13th Reality deserves it's air time too.
ReplyDeleteWow, the 13th reality sounds great. Another to read book. Plus I am now a prouds follower of The Dashner Dude. :)
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to pick up The Maze Runner. It sounds so good! Your post has me intrigued, I'm off to check out James' blog!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series - need to check it out. The Maze Runner was awesome though.
ReplyDeleteI'll be my son would love this! And me too, of course!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow! How did I miss this? Awesome post and I'm on my way over to his blog now to throw my swooning in the mix:)
ReplyDeletePS- there's a little suttin suttin waiting for you on my blog;)
Enter me in your drawing, please! I <3 The Maze Runner, but haven't had a chance to read 13th Reality yet.
ReplyDeleteWOW! You really spread the awesome! Great turn out here. I'd love to win!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, how awesome! His books are on my to-read list. I think they sound fascinating!
ReplyDeleteOMG AM I TOO LATE?!?!
ReplyDeletei'm too late, arent' i??
i'm not too late, am i??
*cries*
I've heard of the greatness of this series and I would love to read it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIs it too late to put my name into the drawing? You've convinced me. Sounds like some really great books! Can't wait to read!
ReplyDeleteI was so excited when I found The Maze Runner at Costco, but I haven't gotten around to reading it. Now you are making me wish I had already, but I will start next week, I swear. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower! I'd love to enter your giveaway! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
He really is that awesome and nice in reality too. I got to hear him when he taught a writing class I was taking. And he has paid his DUES to be where he is. It's a pretty incredible story.
ReplyDeleteOn my list!! Thanks! I have The Maze Runner and the first book in his other series. They will get bumped up on the TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHi, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteI would REALLY love to have that book...pwweeze?
Sincerely,
Cynde
Cynde's Got The Write Stuff