CBY Book Club: Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Expatriates by Corinne O’Flynn

Monday, 17 November 2014

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Expatriates by Corinne O’Flynn

The Expatriates #1 (Song of the Sending)

by Corinne O’Flynn

Publication Date: October 15th, 2014

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

They told him his world was destroyed.

And they were the last to escape.

They thought he was safe.

They were wrong.

Jim Wales can communicate with animals, but that’s not why he lives with a traveling carnival. Turns out his family’s been hiding him there since he was little, since someone started hunting all the scholars. Jim is a scholar—someone who can manipulate energy using magic—and he has no idea.

When a message arrives from Jim’s father—who supposedly died twelve years ago—Jim’s whereabouts are discovered, their carnival is attacked, and his mother is kidnapped. On the run with a strange glass map and a single coin, Jim finds himself racing to reclaim the father he thought he’d lost, plotting to save his mother, and discovering the truth about who he is.

But going home isn’t the same as being safe, and trust is everything.

Buy Links:

Amazon ¦ B&N

What readers are saying:

"Told in a beautiful, flowing style full of colorful images and adrenaline-pumping action."

"Pop some popcorn, sit back ... and enjoy the thrill ride, right up to the end, which leaves you begging for more."

"Captures your attention from the start and then guides you through a roller coaster of adventure, drama, mystery, magic and young love."

Author Interview

Tell us about your book.
THE EXPATRIATES is the first book in a new YA fantasy series about a teenage boy, Jim Wales, who discovers his family’s been hiding him in a traveling carnival because he’s being hunted for his powers.

If you had to choose one author as your idol, who would it be?
I would have to pick Neil Gaiman. He’s so accessible to his fans, and shares all these wonderful projects and creative things he’s doing. I’ve followed him on social media over the years and I feel he is authentically himself in whatever he’s doing. And he does a lot. He continues to do new things with his writing and in the creative community. When I close my eyes and imagine the kind of writer/creative person I want to be in the world, I think of him. So, yeah... Neil Gaiman.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“There is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. Negative people find their walls. So never apologize for your enthusiasm. Never. Ever. Never.” - Ryan Adams

What books and/or authors have most influenced your life?
I read most of the usual things as a kid, but I remember discovering Stephen King when I was a tween. I was sick, home from school, tucked into my parents’ bed in our apartment in the Bronx, reading SALEM’S LOT. I was totally freaked out, and completely hooked. Then came THE MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I love everything about this book and its ties to the women of the Arthurian tales. After that, it was anything supernatural, magical, or creepy. Dean Koontz, Neil Gaiman, Diana Gabaldon, Anne Rice, Harry Potter, LOTR, and His Dark Materials. I also adore PILLARS OF THE EARTH and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

About the Author

Corinne O'Flynn is a native New Yorker who now lives in Colorado and wouldn't trade life in the Rockies for anything. She loves writing flash and experimenting with short fiction. Her novel, THE EXPATRIATES (Oct. 2014) is a YA fantasy adventure with magic and creatures and lots of creepy stuff. She is a scone aficionado, has an entire section of her kitchen devoted to tea, and is always on the lookout for the elusive Peanut Chews candy.

When she isn’t writing or hanging with her family, Corinne works as the executive director of a nonprofit. She is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can find her online at her website, Facebook, or Twitter @CorinneOFlynn.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Newsletter ¦ Goodreads