{Uncontrollable Release Day}

 

 

 

 

Yay! Uncontrollable is out today!

 

Uncontrollable is the second book in "The Nature of Grace" series by S.R. Johannes. Untraceable, the first book in the series, has won and been nominated for several awards including Winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Award (YA), 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (YA Nominee), and a finalist in The Kindle Book Review's "Best Indie Book of 2012 (YA)".

 

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!

 

Head over to Mundie Moms for a Big Uncontrollable Launch Party with tons of prizes and then over to SR Johannes blog for even more.

 

To continue on with the blog tour, check out the line up! Where SR talks about anything from marketing to writing to her books to personal interviews and giveaways.

 

Book Summary

 

As 16-year-old 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. 

 

On Sale Now! 

Uncontrollable is on sale in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, iBooks/Apple (coming soon),  Smashwords, and B&N.   If you haven't read Untraceable, you can get it in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, and B&N.

Author Bio

 

S.R. Johannes is the author of award-winning and Amazon bestselling Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and new tween paranormal, On The Bright Side. She has also published short novelettes as well as a teen romance anthology with 16 other authors titled, In His Eyes.  Uncontrollable, the sequel to Untraceable, is scheduled for September 2012.

 

S.R. Johannes is a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult) and was also recently nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult). Untraceable was also recently named a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review's Indie Book of the Year (YA)

 

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America, 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, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. 

 

 

Connect!

 

Follow S.R. online on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

You can also sign up for her newsletter to keep up on author or book news.

 

{ Untraceable by S R Johannes }

Untraceable by S. R. Johannes

November 23, 2011 by Coleman & Stott

Format: ebook

Source: from Author for review

 

 

From Goodreads:

 

16-year-old 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.

 

My Review:

 

I was lucky enough to receive an email from author S. R. Johannes asking if I would be interested in a free copy of her book Untraceable in exchange for an honest review. Well, of course I jumped at the opportunity. As I have read...and Loved...Shelli's other two books, On The Bright Side and Suffocate, I knew that I would enjoy Untraceable. Not only did I enjoy it? I loved it!! Shelli had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put this one down. First off I loved the storyline. I am a lover of the outdoors, camping and of course wild life, so that alone had me hooked. But these characters?

 

Grace is an amazing young women. She is strong, smart, funny and everything I like to see in a YA female character.  But we also get to see that she is vulnerable too. She is put through an array of very tough and often horrific situations, that as an adult, I am not sure could withstand. I love Grace.

 

Then we have Mo. Yummy, yummy Mo. I must admit, that I was a bit worried that the relationship between Grace and Mo was going to be too quick, and forced like is often seen in a lot of YA books. However, it was not forced at all. These two were just made for each other. I was also worried that we were going to have to deal with an annoying love triangle between Grace, Mo and Wyn. But no. We got to see Grace's internal struggles, but it was not an in your face type of thing. And Wyn? Well, I must admit I am a fan of his as well. He's the perfect 'best friend' turned boyfriend.

 

I also love how each and every character had a part in this book. I know, I know. Of course they did. No really. This book would not have been what it was without each and every one of them. Including the river, the forest and the animals. Everything just came together and fit perfectly. This book really has it all. It is a mystery, coming of age, romance, suspense and adventure story all rolled into one amazing little package.

 

In the end? I would highly recommend Untraceable. Author S. R. Johannes is one of my new go to authors. I look forward to more in the Nature of Grace series and anything else she 'Graces' us with!!

 

Rating:

 

5 Stars!



{ Suffocate by S R Johannes }

Suffocate by S R Johannes

May 21st 2012 by Coleman & Stott

Source: from Author for review

Format: Ebook ARC

From GoodReads:

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy in her perfect bubble. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.


My Review:

I will be the first to admit that novella's are not really my thing. While, it's nice to pick up something and finish it within a few hours, I just find that there is never enough time to get fully invested in it. And Suffocate...totally changed my thinking! Wow! This one starts with a bang, takes hold and does not let you go. The characters were believable and so engaging. The story line is so utterly up my alley and that ending?? Awesome. I am very excited to see where author S R Johannes takes this story in the next installment. Shelli...Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me review this one.

I became a fan of Shelli's after reading On The Bright Side and she now has a new fan...my 10 year old. She absolutely LOVED OTBS as well. With Suffocate, I think Shelli has managed to bring the genre of Dystopian to a larger audience. This book is definitely suited for all ages, not just the older YA readers as many of the Dystopian books out there are geared for. However, coming from a 40+ mindset, I really enjoyed this one as well!

If you are a lover of YA Dystopian...as you all know that I am...or if you are a fan of author S R Johannes other novels...pick this one up. You will enjoy the ride!!

Rating: 5 Stars!

{ On The Bright Side by S R Johannes }

On The Bright Side by S R Johannes

January 31, 2012 by Coleman & Stott

Source: author for review

Format: ebook

From Goodreads:

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.

My Review:

First off, thank you to author S R Johannes for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. This was such a joy to read. What an outstanding addition to the world of middle grade reads.

Gabby is such a great character. She is strong, spunky, loving, funny and passionate about what she believes in. The great thing though is she is still very much flawed, like the majority of us. But, we get to see her grow and learn from her ever growing list of mistakes.

Not only did I adore Gabby, but we are treated to an array of equally lovable secondary characters. Like, Lawrence, Gabby's SKYagent. The relationship between these two is not only endearing, but downright funny at times. We have the 14 year old rebelling angel and her grouchy...yet, softy at heart...mentor. They really are a great pair. Then we have Gabby's best BITfriend, Jessica. Jessica is sweet, positive and very funny. It was so much fun to see the friendship develop throughout this story. They are the perfect partners in crime!

Of course with all this BRIGHTness, comes the dark. Author, S R Johannes, did an outstanding job of creating a unique version of Heaven(Cirrus) and Hell(Ignitus). It's something new and different. And something that I think will appeal to the middle grade readers out there. So much so, I have passed this one onto my 10 year old. She is a few chapters in already and loving it!

I think what I loved so much about this book is not only the new prospective of what Heaven could be like, but also all the great lesson's within the pages of this fun story. I definitely took away a feeling of always treating people with respect and dignity. We truly can never know what someone else's life is really like or what they may be feeling until we take the time to get to really know them. We need to tell the people in our lives how we feel about them. It can all be taken away so quickly. Living with regrets is never a good thing. Also? Sometimes things happen for a reason. Whether good or bad, there is always something to be learned from the experience.

If I had but one negative thing to say? It would be that at times the SKYisms were a bit over done. However, I think that may have just been me and my adult prospective. I have a pretty big suspicion that they will be very well received from the middle grade crowd.

In the end, I recommend On The Bright Side to all middle grade and above readers. I think Gabby is definitely a character young girls will fall for. Coming from an adult prospective? I loved it. It is a fun, light read. I really do look forward to seeing where Gabby's next phase of training takes her and very much look forward to the second book!

Rating: 4.5 stars