Mar 10, 2014

Blog Tour: Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam



Welcome, welcome to the first stop on the ELUSION blog tour. I could not be more excited to share with book with you guys. Written by the dynamic duo of Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam (both of whom I have met and adore), this book is a stunning book that I loved immersing myself in.


About the Book:
Title: ELUSION
Author: Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 400
Pub. Date: March 18, 2014

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.


Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

Review:
I first heard about ELUSION back in September of 2012 when I heard Claudia Gabel speak at the Baltimore Book Festival. I remember jotting down her book and making a mental note to research it later on because 1) the book sounded cool and 2) Claudia was a total sweetie. Having met Cheryl Klam a few months ago, I can honestly say awesomeness attracts awesomeness and that's why this pairing works well as a writing team. 

Let's first talk about our narrator, Regan, who is strong, spunky, and fun in all the right ways. She knows her mind and goes for what she wants. Sometimes to her detriment, but it makes her such a great character to sink into and follow. She is the heart and soul of this story, working tirelessly to unravel the mysteries surrounding Elusion®.

The world building is mind-blowing. I am SciFi stupid, people. Even with a diagram, I am usually hopelessly lost, but Gabel and Klam brought out a vivid, exciting world where anything was possible. Admittedly it took me a few chapters to understand some of the futuristic jargon, which made me desperate for a glossary, but after awhile I became acclimated with the words and if I can do it, anyone can.

ELUSION is a great read for science fiction fans. Gabel and Klam definitely left me craving more with that ending (that ending!). I cannot wait to see what these two come up with next!

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

About Claudia and Cheryl:

Claudia Gabel was born in Roanoke, VA, raised in Binghamton, NY, and moved to Manhattan after studying abroad in London during her senior year in college. She received her Masters of Arts degree in English and American Literature from Hofstra University, and planned to pursue her doctorate, until a side-job as an editorial assistant at a large book publisher permanently redirected her career course. Claudia worked as an editor in the adult divisions of several major publishing houses, then made the move to children's books, where she hoped to inspire, educate, and entertain young readers. Along the way, she began writing novels of her own. Her first series, IN OR OUT, was based on her experiences as a freshman in high school. She wrote her mash-up novel, ROMEO & JULIET & VAMPIRES, for readers who were looking to indulge in a fun twist on William Shakespeare. And her latest novel, ELUSION, co-written with fellow author Cheryl Klam, is a glimpse into the near-future, where a girl discovers that a popular alternate reality app is not exactly what it seems. Claudia lives in New York City with her husband Ben.
To contact Claudia, try:  
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  | Tumblr   


Cheryl Klam is the author (along with Claudia Gabel) of the young adult futuristic thriller, ELUSION. She is also the bestselling author of several other novels for adults and teens, including THE PRETTY ONE, which was nominated for an Isinglass Teen Read Award. Her work has been published in more than a dozen different languages. She grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan. When she was a teenager she starred in Sam Raimi's first short horror movie, later appearing as a "fake shemp" in Raimi's cult classic: THE EVIL DEAD.
To contact Cheryl, try:  
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  

Giveaway Details:
5 Prize Packs of a hardcover copy of the book along with an "Equip" (wristband, earbuds and Visor/sunglasses.) - US Only

1 finished copy of ELUSION - US Only

Tour Schedule

Week One:
3/10/2014- The Irish Banana ReviewReview
3/11/2014- FiktshunGuest Post
3/12/2014- Jenna Does BooksReview
3/13/2014- Two Chicks on BooksGuest Post
3/14/2014- Fire and Ice- Interview
Week Two:
3/17/2014- Supernatural SnarkReview
3/18/2014- BookishReview
3/19/2014- The Book CellarGuest Post
3/20/2014- Parajunkee's ViewInterview
3/21/2014- Fangirlish - Interview

14 comments:

  1. (This is Darith L)

    Wow, it sounds like a great sci-fi read! I love the idea of the alternate reality! It's going to so cool to read about the journey the characters go through. :D

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  2. I am so excited to read this book it looks so interesting!!! I have had this on my Want To Read Shelf for awhile!!! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity, fingers crossed!!!

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  3. This is definitely on my TBR if for nothing else than that gorgeous cover. Oh, and the fact that it's scifi. And now the fact that you really enjoyed it!

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  4. Really looking forward to this release! Thank you!

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  5. I've been really excited to read Elusion since another blogger tweeted about receiving their ARC and its pretty cover. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  6. This book looks and sounds incredible. I love the cover. So excited to read it. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  7. Elusion sounds like such a unique and fun read!! Cannot wait to get my hands on it!! Such a beautiful cover too!!

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  8. I just finished this one and really liked it! All the tech talk was awesome and I found it easy to follow which was a huge plus for me. I didn't connect with the characters super well, but I still liked them and enjoyed the story so much!

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  9. I like sci-fi on occasion and this one sounds really good, especially if I'm not 'lost' while reading it!

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  10. the cover looks gorgeous and sounds like an awesome sci-fi book!

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  11. The cover is beautiful. Great storyline since there are some of us who would like to escape our realty and responsibilities.

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  12. Great review! I've been dying to read this one - it sounds really fascinating! LOVE the cover too - it's gorgeous! :)

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  13. This book synopsis sounds so cool and the cover is beautiful. I've been waiting for its release for a while so I am so excited it's finally here!!!

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  14. The cover is BEAUTIFUL. I am so excited, I am dying to read it. Your review was very helpful.

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