Review - Unstoppable (The Nature of Grace #3) by S.R. Johannes

Title: Unstoppable

Author: S.R. Johannes

Series: 3rd (Untraceable, Uncontrollable) 
Pages: 275

Published: June 3rd 2014 by Coleman & Stott 

Source: Author for Tour

Description:  After everything that has happened, Grace moves to the Everglades to live with her grandmother, Birdee, and hang out with old man Rex, Birdee's "friend with benefits". Grace quickly befriends Dylan, Rex's nephew, and Dylan's girlfriend, Sadie, who is a die-hard teen activist. Sadie spends her time leading protests against the roadside zoos that run rampant in Florida with a total disregard for animals or the flimsy law. One day while out in the marshes of the Everglades, Grace and her friends rescue an abused—and endangered—Florida panther. She and Birdee spend time rehabilitating the animal. But when the panther runs off, Grace follows it to Uncle Bob's, a large roadside zoo they all have been protesting. One that is illegally filled with a variety of endangered and exotic animals. Before she can rescue the panther, she and her friends are kidnapped by the ruthless owner and dragged deep into the Everglades for a hunting challenge.  Only this time, Grace is the prey. During a sick game of cat and mouse, Grace and her friends are offered one chance at survival, but only if they reach civilization before being caught. With a small head start and very little supplies, only time and skill stand between the hunter and the hunted. But out in the Everglades, there may be more dangers than Grace realizes. Against all odds, Grace must make it out alive and win, or everything she holds dear could be lost.

I Give This ...

As with the previous two books in the series, this one was non stop action until the very end.  Grace has a habit of finding herself in impossible places to protect the animals she loves.

I would have hoped that Grace could manage to stay on the down low while living with her grandmother in the Everglades.  But no, instead she attends a protest lead by the mayor's daughter.  Did not not occur to a single one of them that it might be a bad idea?  A prime example of not realizing the power of the media for sure.  For once though, I wondered if Grace finally tangled with the wrong person.  Evil couldn't possible when out this time.

Despite the evil intent of the hunting challenge, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Reminded me of a story I read in English class is junior high (I can not remember the name of it now).  I was impressed with Grace's skills even though she has demonstrated them time and time again.  Her father taught her well and it's showcased in this book quite prominently.  She's at home in the wild as much as anywhere else.

I was intrigued by the pop up zoos that seem to dot the Florida landscape.  These types of displays are horrible.  We had something similar near were I live when I was a child.  I distinctly remember their Ligers and the events that followed when these animals attacked their owners and escaped into the woods.  I have no respect for my fellow man that doesn't respect that animals of the world.  

This has been an enlightening series for me to read.   I've enjoyed being a part of this from the very beginning!   

 

 

The Rise of Self Publishing - Guest Post with S.R. Johannes

The Rise of Self Publishing

In 2013, over 500,000 books were self-published. This was way over 100% more than in 2012. And this number is expected to multiply again in 2014.

Some reasons self-publishing continues to grow:

1. Traditional Publishing is changing every day. It takes longer to get published and longer to get a book out through the traditional route. The process is an old one.Now, traditional publishe rs aren't looking for debut authors as much. They are turning toward book packaging, ghost writers, and using the authors they have worked with in the past or those with a track record. It's harder to break in now than 5 years ago.

Downside - Traditional publishers own print distribution whereas self-publishers can't compete.

2. Authors want more control over their books/careers. With self publishing, authors can write a book, edit it, get it ready, publish it, and own the whole process (good or bad). In an industry that doesn't allow much control, this is appealing - and fun!

Downside - For a while quality suffered, I think that is changing but it is still an issue overall. I also think the lower quality books diminishes the value of good writing and good books.

3. Marketing dollars are scarce. 80% of marketing dollars go to 20% of authors. Many traditional authors have to write their own jacket copy, do their own swag, call libraries and schools for visits and other marketing. So authors are questioning what the traditional publisher can add. Self pubbers do all their own marketing anyway.

Downside - Self publishers have to focus more on online marketing. They can't afford traditional marketing channels.

4. Readers don't know publisher names - Readers don't care where a book  comes from as long as its good and affordable. Now it is much easier to reach a reader through online channels. It used to only be possible through retail stores or catalogs.

Downside - The number of books is growing every year which makes it hard to stand out in a saturated market.

5. Ebook pricing - Traditional ebooks are still priced too high. Self pubbing is growing because most self pubbers have inexpensive ebooks. However, self-pubbers don't sell many print copies anyway. If traditional publishers ever lower the price - they could negatively impact the self-pubbing market.

No matter what is going on in the publishing industry, both sides are changing and evolving. I still believe we will all find a way to coexist at some point - to both thrive - as long as both side continue to be open to change. The industry needs brick and mortar stores, we need ebooks, and we always need good books - no matter how these get to the reader.

Reading will always be in style.

Unstoppable by S.R. Johannes Launch Date!

Hooray! Unstoppable is out today!

Unstoppable is the third book in "The Nature of Grace" series. The series has won and been nominated for several awards including: winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult), a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards (YA Fiction). She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012. 

Kirkus reviewed Untraceable as "A thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance.  The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page."

If you like a page turner, you will love this series!

Unstoppable - Book 3 Summary

After everything that has happened, Grace moves to the Everglades to live with her grandmother, Birdee, and hang out with old man Rex, Birdee's "friend with benefits". Grace quickly befriends Dylan, Rex's nephew, and Dylan's girlfriend, Sadie, who is a die-hard teen activist. Sadie spends her time leading protests against the roadside zoos that run rampant in Florida with a total disregard for animals or the flimsy law.

One day while out in the marshes of the Everglades, Grace and her friends rescue an abused—and endangered—Florida panther. She and Birdee spend time rehabilitating the animal. But when the panther runs off, Grace follows it to Uncle Bob's, a large roadside zoo they all have been protesting. One that is illegally filled with a variety of endangered and exotic animals. Before she can rescue the panther, she and her friends are kidnapped by the ruthless owner and dragged deep into the Everglades for a hunting challenge. 

Only this time, Grace is the prey. 

During a sick game of cat and mouse, Grace and her friends are offered one chance at survival, but only if they reach civilization before being caught. With a small head start and very little supplies, only time and skill stand between the hunter and the hunted. But out in the Everglades, there may be more dangers than Grace realizes.

Against all odds, Grace must make it out alive and win, or everything she holds dear could be lost.

On Sale Now! 

Unstoppable is on sale in ebook. The paperback releases later this month. 

(Note: if you have another ereader device - see these instructions for getting a Kindle ebook converted to your ereader. It's easier than you think.)

If you haven't read Untraceable or Uncontrollable, you can get them in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, and B&N.

S.R. Johannes Street Team Invite!

Hi guys! I have some pretty exciting news! One of my favorite authors, S.R. Johannes, has just launched a new street team.   What is a street team? A street team is a group of fans or supporters who rally behind an artist, band, or author. Street teams provide ways for us fans to help spread the word about the books and authors we love. Plus as a bonus most street teams offer really neat perks for being a part of the group. Think of it like your book club, but cooler.    

Why should I join Johannes' street team? 

 Because Shelli is awesome! But if that is not enough for you here are a few of the perks that come with being a street team member:

• A special welcome pack - which includes a "cool" badge for your blog along with bookmark, pen, signed bookplates, press kit on the book, and more.
• A free ebook of your choice with a chance to win more.
• Monthly missions - A monthly drawing for members only if you complete the special mission. The prizes will include book gift cards, books, ARCs, query critiques, and other fun stuff.
• Receive 1 ebook and or swag pack a year for a giveaways on your blog.
• Coffee talks - come visit me at my appearances and hang out for coffee afterwards.
• And MORE (check out Shelli's blog for the full list!)

 How can I join Johannes' street team? That's pretty darn easy! If you are already a fan of Shelli's book all you have to do is fill out the sign up form and join us over on our special Facebook group. All of the details are listed here in Shelli's blog post.   About Untraceable:

 

Title: Untraceable

Series: The Nature of Grace, Book One

Genre/Keywords: Contemporary Thriller

Length: 315 pages Extras: Blog Tour

Release date: Print: November 29, 2011 – ebook: November 15, 2011

ebook ISBN: 978-0-9847991-0-7

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9847991-2-1

Purchase: Amazon paperback & ebook   signed copies   Barnes & Noble   local indie bookstore

Summary: Grace grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.   

 Praise for Untraceable:

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." - Kirkus Reviews

“Johannes has done a marvelous job of creating a suspense-filled mystery with surprises that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Untraceable is a thoroughly engrossing and riveting page-turner.” - IndieReader

"This story is action-packed and very funny in some parts. There is even a bit of young romance...There is a strong message of wildlife conservation, so it is somewhat educational in that aspect." - Readers Favorite

"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!" -Kimberly Derting, author of Body Finder series (Harper Teen)

 

About the Author:

S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling thriller series, The Nature of Grace (Untraceable and Uncontrollable). Unstoppable (book 3) is scheduled for September 2013.

S.R. Johannes is the YA advisor of ALLi and a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult category) as well as a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards for YA Fiction. She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012.

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America doing marketing for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, English-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes -someday- will change the world.

 

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Review - Uncontrollable (The Nature of Grace #2) by S.R. Johannes

Title: Uncontrollable

Author: S.R. Johannes

Series: 2nd (Untraceable)

Pages: 300

Published:  September 24th 2012 by Coleman & Stott 

ISBN: 9780984799145

Source: Sent for honest review

Description: As Grace recovers from tragedy, her science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help with research on the new "Red Wolf Reintroduction Program".   While she’s excited about helping with the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, in a place she no longer feels comfortable. It also means working closely with Wyn (her ex) and his annoying girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of getting close to nature is picking silk plants and growing fake plants. After a couple of wolves show up dead, Grace almost quits. However, when a fellow project team member goes missing, Grace continues the assignment under a renewed suspicion that someone might be sabotaging the conservation program. She quietly begins to hunt for clues.  Little does she know, she is being hunted too.  

I Give This ..

  

This was a really hard book for me to rate and review.  I really enjoyed the characters and the plot line.  But there are some key points to this story that seem false to me.  I think must people won't think twice about the so I decided to let them go and just go with it.

Grace really is one of the most kick ass heroine's I've ever read about.  She's never the damsel in distress even when she really is in distress.  I love how she's so in tune with nature.  I'm an outdoorsy girl, but I often wonder if I could survive if in the wilderness.  There is no doubt that Grace could.  She knows how to read all the clues and use nature to her advantage.  I love that she loves animals so much.  This part of her is so ingrained into who she is that denying her that does absolutely no good.  Even she can't hide from it.

I wasn't sure how to take the story of the wolves at first.  I'm not a supporter of the reintroduction of the wolves in the rocky mountain, so I was hoping that the story wouldn't become too political or environmental.  I was pleased that it didn't, but I had problems with other aspects of the story.  I just didn't buy that the Department of Fish and Game would let high school students help with such an important project.   It's something that's heavily monitored and recorded and not just a light project for extra credit.  I also wasn't extremely sure that our culprit behind this would have such a conflict of interest.   I'm sure this type of things happen all the time, but I can't imagine that such a connection would be so under the radar. 

Despite those things, I really did like the story.  I'm particularly fond of our characters, especially Grace.  There were some moments were I felt like smacking Wynn, but he redeems himself.  I really don't blame him for the actions that he takes.  I recommend this series immensely!

  

Review - Untraceable (The Nature of Grace #1) by S.R. Johannes

Title: Untraceable

Author: S.R. Johannes

Series: 1st

Pages: 315

Published:  November 29th 2011 by Coleman & Stott

ISBN:  9780984799121

Source: Author sent for honest review

Description:  Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he's dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she's enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it's going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves. 

I Give This ...

Wow!  This book was totally not what I thought it was going to be.  And mean that in the best way possible.  If you are looking for real and maybe something a little gritty this is for you.

Grace was undeniably the best part of the story.  I loved that she is so focused on finding her dad.  She knows in her heart that he is still alive and will stop at nothing to find out the truth.  I was a little disappointed that he mom did not share the same faith that she did.  But, there are many emotions that run through this story and that's just a small portion of the story.  I was completely in awe of her ability to maneuver throughout the forest the way she does.  This is a girl who can survive out in the wilderness.  And her abilities don't seem supernatural or exaggerated.  I felt it really gave this book an edge.

I also really enjoyed the romance.  We may have a slight love triangle between Mo and Wyn, but it doesn't feel forced.  Each one represents two different sides for Grace and two very different life paths I would think.  I liked them both and each also had things I didn't like.  Wyn often seemed like he was forcing Grace to be something she wasn't.  And I could tell that there were big secrets that Mo was holding back.  I was curious as to what might actually happen.

The conspiracy is way more wide spread that I could every imagine.  And it really was a little hard to stomach at first.  If you can no in anyway look past any sort of animal cruelty, I would not read this book.  I was able to separate it out and read the story for what it was and not focus on the bad.  

I'm really looking forward to the next one.  The story is very open ended.  I have no idea what will happen next.