Death, Books and Tea hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "With many Paranormal Romance books on the market, I think what makes mine different is that for my main character, Jewel’s whole life, she isn’t aware she’s a witch, or that witches even exist."
The Book Barbies reviews Spectral, "This was really the highlight of the book, when Jewel finds out who she really is, and not just a few hints, but she really learns to harness these 'powers' she got. (yaay go Jewel!)"
Hooked on Books hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "I recently booked a trip to Venice and Rome for the end of June and totally plan on retracing Jewels steps. Maybe I’ll even try to find a mask like hers. I’ll post some pictures on my website when I get home."
Radiant Shadows reviews Spectral, "I did like that she had reactions; it's getting more and more rare in YA for the heroine to be upset over finding out about the paranormal."
I Read Banned Books hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "It is a lot of time and effort to find the photos to match the images in my head of my characters, but when you find the one that is like, “Oh! There you are!” ––it makes it all worth it."
To read the entire guest post and to enter the giveaway, click here.
Shooting Stars Mag hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "One more important thing I’ve learned from being a writer is that I used to think that writing was very solitary. In some ways it is, but I’ve met so many friends on Twitter and in the writing community who understand what I’m going through every step of the way. I’ve learned that having writing friends is a blessing, and can be the thing that keeps you typing away on your keyboard even on days when you don’t feel like it."
Market My Words hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "I can only hope people will enjoy the story…and maybe even fall in love with my characters along the way."
Becky's Barmy Book Blog hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "I’d actually originally chosen a different title. It was going to be titled Cursed right up until after it was finished. But when I found out there was going to be two other books coming out with the same title in 2012, I decided it needed a fresh look."
vvb32 reads hosts a character guest post with Roman from Spectral, "I’m sorry I let the Augusti Forza down. I’ll do anything that’s asked to fulfill my punishment. Anything besides leaving the girl I love."
Singing and Reading in the Rain reviews Spectral, "Roman. Roman, Roman, Roman, Roman. I really enjoyed his character. Shannon did a great job in incorporating the forbidden love concept without making it seem overused and boring."
Readinista hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "Because Jewel has been raised very sheltered her whole life, it makes her initially naïve. Because I was raised pretty sheltered myself as a kid, I think I was able to put extra authenticity into the way Jewel reacts, learns, and grows to her new realities."
Tribute Books Mama reviews Spectral, "It gets really exciting as she tries to hide away from the other covens who want these powers. I found this to be a fast paced moving story, which totally holds your interest."
The Bookworm hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "Right now, I like to write a synopsis of the story before I start writing it. This allows me to think the whole story through. But, I also get lots of new ideas as I write and give myself all the flexibility to veer off my original synopsis plan."
All Consuming hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "Write the story you love. And chances are, if it excites you to write it, it’ll excite others to read it."
Nick's Book Blog reviews Spectral, "An enjoyable read with plot twists you won't see coming. It will certainly appeal to numerous fans of the YA genre."
I Heart Books hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "There are two boys vying for her. Although both guys are hot, it’s soon very clear to her who has captured her heart."
Splash of Our Worlds hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "With many witch books on the market, I think what sets this one apart is that for Jewel’s whole life, she isn’t aware she’s a witch, or that witches even exist."
The Romance Bookie hosts Shannon Duffy for a guest post about Spectral, "I wanted to write a witch story because I really enjoy reading them as well. For example, I loved Kelly Armstrong’s, The Summoning and that series, as well as Carolyn MacCullough’s, Once a Witch series. It’s fun to pretend you have all these powers, but are still human."
Kelly Hashway hosts Shannon Duffy for an interview about Spectral, "I'd like to be Jewel. I mean, there are some crazy times that she goes through that I'd like to fast forward on past, LOL, but I like the cool things that happen to her so much that I choose her."
And the winner of this story of awesome is Ashley!!! I'll be sending an email shortly. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered. Check back soon for more contests in the future! Ashley, you're gonna love Cinder!
Emily's Crammed Bookshelf hosts Shannon Duffy for an interview about Spectral, "It was one of those nights where I couldn’t sleep. I really wanted to write a witch story, and then the idea just tumbled into my brain. Of course, it was the basic idea, but I was so excited about it that I kept talking about it for days. The story took on a life of its own in my mind, and I had to write it."
Brenda Drake Writes reviews Spectral, "The plot is filled with action, twists, betrayal, and witch craft. What else would you want in a paranormal romance?"
To read the entire review and to enter the giveaway, click here.
Spectral is a non-stop thrill ride! From the moment Jewel discovers an unsettling truth her world turns upside down. And with two boys vying for her attention, her struggles only multiply as she battles to protect herself and her family from an unstoppable evil.
Shannon puts an original twist on a paranormal theme we've seen before, but never like this. I was lucky enough to read this story while Shannon was writing it as her critique partner, and I looked forward to each new chapter showing up in my inbox. I loved trying to guess what would happen next as Shannon dropped clues, and each scene lead me to believe one thing, yet in the next, a new twist would steer me toward another realization. It kept me impatiently wanting the next pages the whole way through until the mind-blowing ending.
Jewel is truly a likable, relatable character. I loved this girl. Strong, smart, and fiercely protective over her family, especially her little brother, she's endearing and real. Though she battles with feelings for two boys early on, it's clear in no time that only one has her heart. Did I mention the guys? Swoon! Roman. No need to say more, girls. Once you meet him, you might as well say goodbye to your heart. His smooth, Italian ways and dreaminess with claim your heart, too.
The non-stop action and twists kept me guessing, while the heart-melting romance took my breath away. With its enchanting storyline and endearing characters, Spectral is captivating.
- YA Bound
***
5 stars - Fun and Intriguing Paranormal Romance
Spectral is a fun ride filled with intrigue, suspicion, twists and turns, lies and betrayals, kick a$ super powers, and most importantly, hot guys.
So, so many hot guys.
While Jewel is torn between Chase (the swoony boy next door) and Roman (the sexy, brooding guardian), I fell hard for Roman's cousin Stefano. He might not play a huge role in the book itself, but Oh Mylanta, does he float my boat. Sigh.
As a protagonist, Jewel Rose is so relatable. She grows in strength and as a character throughout the story, in an authentic, real way. Her love for her family, and especially her little brother, is endearing and makes me love *her* all the more.
I'm blessed to be critique partners with Shannon so (obviously) I've already read Spectral, but I cannot wait to own a copy with the gorgeous cover, and see the reactions of new fans!
For fans of paranormal romance, this is a must!
- Rachel Harris, "Flirting with Fiction"
***
5 stars - AMAZING
I could not put it down. It is a story of love and friendship and a girls journey to finding all of those things and to find out who she really is. It was amazingly written and perfectly played out!
Shannon Duffy Casts a Spell Over the Paranormal Romance Genre with Her Bewitching Young Adult Debut, Spectral
In her debut novel, Shannon Duffy, will engage and wow young adult and paranormal romance fans with the story of Jewel Rose, a teenager who thinks she’s on the run from the mob, when she’s really on the run from much, much more—her existence.
To captivate her audience, Duffy crafted Spectral in first person to allow her readers to experience Jewel’s world as she learns that her whole life has been a lie and she discovers not only a prophecy, but who she really is. This device takes the readers on a journey full of twists and turns as they discover what is being kept from Jewel and who she really is, right along with her. Spectral will be released from Tribute Books on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.
"With many witch books on the market, I think what sets this one apart is that for Jewel’s whole life, she isn’t aware she’s a witch, or that witches even exist. She’s been brought up to believe she’s living in the Witness Protection Program, when in fact the reality is extremely different," Duffy says. "I can relate with Jewel and her journey throughout this story. No, I’m not a witch, nor did I live in the Witness Protection Program. *smiles* But having been raised pretty sheltered myself, I can relate to her naivety, and her struggles to grow in strength as a person that may come from having been raised in such a sheltered way. It was a fun, wild journey to take Jewel on, to finally see her come into her own, and embrace who she truly is…while falling hard for a boy along the way."
About Shannon Duffy:
Shannon is also the author of the MG Fantasy series, Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta. The first book in the series is to be released in January of 2013 from Month9Books. She is an active member of YALITCHAT.ORG and SCWBI. She's originally from St. John's, Newfoundland. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband and son.
Celebrate Spectral's April 10th release day, by following the kick-off to the