Paranoia by J.R. Johansson Will Soon Be Out! New Interview and Giveaway-Enter Today!

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Jun 062014
 

With Every Night of Blissful Sleep Darkness Grows Inside Him.

 

 

Product Details

 

  • Title: Paranoia (Book 2 The Night Walkers Series)
  • Author: J.R. Johansson
  • Age Range: 12 and up
  • Series: The Night Walkers (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Flux (June 8, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0738740187
  •  FTC: FYI  Received a review e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

Book Description from Goodreads:
In the aftermath of the events that nearly killed him, Parker Chipp is trying to learn to cope better with life as a Watcher. And it seems to be working…until he wakes up in jail with a hangover and 12 hours of missing time. Darkness has somehow taken control and Parker doesn’t have a clue how to stop him. He finds an unlikely ally in Jack, the mysterious guy in the motorcycle jacket who offers to help Parker master his abilities as a Watcher. But even as they practice, the darkness inside Parker is getting more and more powerful, taking over Parker’s body and doing everything he can to destroy Parker’s life.

When Jack reveals that there is another kind of Night Walker, known as a Taker, Parker starts to wonder if the strange things happening in Oakville are more than just a coincidence. After all, people are more than just sleepwalking. They’re emptying their savings accounts with no memory of doing so, wandering into strange parts of town and disappearing, they’re even killing other people–all in their sleep. If Parker wants to find out what’s happening or have any hope of seeing his father again, he’ll have to defy Jack and put his own life in danger…because the more he learns about these other Night Walkers, the more certain he becomes that his life isn’t the only one that could be lost.

 

I reviewed this book in March and loved it! Here is my review:

It was so exciting to get the chance to read Paranoia early before it’s release. Insomnia was one of my favorite reads last year. I was completely taken in to the world of the Night Walkers. Parker’s journey in Paranoia is just as crazy and intense as it was Insomnia. You will find that there is no “2nd book in the series” let down here. There is more creepiness and wild happenings as Darkness takes over Parker’s life. There are more shocking twists and turns as readers learn more about the world of The Night Walkers and their enemies. In Paranoia we also get to know more about Finn, Addie, Mia and surprisingly enough, Parker’s father. Every character in this story is so well developed that it’s hard to pick a favorite. I do have to say that I was intrigued by the character Jack. I was THRILLED to see what the author is doing with this character.


If you are a fan of Insomnia (Book one in the series) I can assure you that you’ll not be disappointed in Paranoia. In fact, you may be liking this second book even better!

 

Here is the fantastic interview with J.R. Johansson:

 

-How did you come up with the title of Paranoia? 

I’m not even sure, to be honest. I think I just started thinking of names that fit well with Insomnia and it fit perfectly and it was done. I’m not even sure if there was a discussion about it. I think everyone just said, “Yep, that’s it.” And it was over. 

 

-Have you been surprised at the success of this series? Why?

I’ve been very happily surprised by how well the Night Walkers Series has done. Everything about this series has caught me off guard–from the fact that it sold overseas first to the fact that it was the bestselling title for my publisher last year–so I shouldn’t let it surprise me anymore, but somehow it still does. I’ve been very lucky and I am thrilled it has found such devoted readers. 

 

-What’s the hardest part about writing a character like Parker?

The hardest part would have to be making him walk that line between right and wrong, and yet striving to still keep him like-able. It’s also one of the things that makes him so fun to write. I really enjoy writing Parker and Darkness. It’s been a true challenge and I’ve loved it. He does things that main characters generally can’t get away with, that kind of freedom was very liberating. He truly wants to be good, he just doesn’t always achieve it. Too many characters are perfect. I don’t want perfection, I love flaws. They’re very humanizing.

 

-What are you most excited about your next book coming out?

SO MANY THINGS! I love CUT ME FREE. It’s that book that I really poured so much of my heart into and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world…but I’m also terrified for it to come out. It’s a very mixed-up kind of anticipation that I’m feeling, but it’s coming whether I’m ready or not. :) Guess I better get ready.

 

-What is the best part about being a writer?

There are so many great things…I think my favorite part is seeing how words and worlds that I create have an ability to make people feel things. Sometimes it’s fear, sometimes it’s anticipation and excitement. Either way, something I made up in my head created real emotion in another person and that’s a very special and unique thing. I love being a part of that kind of creation.

 

 

Meet Author J.R. JOHANSSON…is a young adult thriller author. Her books INSOMNIA, PARANOIA (June 2014), and a third untitled book (June 2015) are with Flux Books. CUT ME FREE (Winter 2015) and another untitled book (Winter 2016) will be coming out with FSG/Macmillan.  She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, playing board games, and sitting in her hot tub. Her dream is that someday she can do all three at the same time. She has two young sons and a wonderful husband. In fact, other than her cat, Cleo, she’s nearly drowning in testosterone.

 

Jenn’s Links –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennJohansson

Blog: http://www.jennjohansson.blogspot.com/

Site: http://www.jrjohansson.com

Tumblr: http://jrjohansson.tumblr.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJRJohansson

J.R. Johansson on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5100095.J_R_Johansson

PARANOIA on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12260608-insomnia

 

 

Pre-order Links –Order Your Copy Today!

The Book Depository – http://www.bookdepository.com/Paranoia-Johansson/9780738740188

Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738740188

Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Paranoia/J-R-Johansson/9780738740188?id=5529587671279

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paranoia-j-r-johansson/1117011365?ean=9780738740188

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Paranoia-The-Night-Walkers-Johansson/dp/0738740187

 

****You now get to enter this unbelievable giveaway that Jenn has made available to all of you! 10 books to 10 winners(either INSOMNIA or PARANOIA, winner’s choice)****

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Insomnia by J.R. Johansson – Countdown to Summer 2013

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 192013
 

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JRJohanssonJ.R. JOHANSSON is a young adult thriller author published with Flux & FSG/Macmillan. Her debut, INSOMNIA is coming June 2013. She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, playing board games, and sitting in her hot tub. Her dream is that someday she can do all three at the same time. She has two young sons and a wonderful husband. In fact, other than her cat, Cleo, she’s nearly drowning in testosterone.

Visit J.R.:  WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TUMBLR | GOODREADS

* * *

LDSWBR:  What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

J.R.:  ABANDON by Elana Johnson, DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West, TEN by Gretchen McNeil and GAME OF THRONES by George R. R. Martin.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

J.R.:  I never went, but I always imagined that there would be a boys camp across the lake and we would sneak out and play tricks on them while they slept…it’s probably better that this little delusion was never shattered. :) My most memorable camping experience as an adult involved food poisoning, and that’s just not something I should talk about–ever.

LDSWBR:  If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

J.R.:  It would be on a beach in the Caribbean, but I’m leaving this open for revising. There are a lot of places in the world I haven’t been yet. I reserve the right to change my mind.

LDSWBR:  Thank you so much!

* * *

Find INSOMNIA

In J.R.’s words: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Indiebound, BooksAMillion, Book Depository and pretty much everywhere else. Plus, it will be coming soon in Germany, Italy, Hungary and Taiwan!

Insomnia

It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

Read Sheila’s review of INSOMNIA

Time to spill your best prank-at-camp story.

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions HERE.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers.

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/19/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

  • A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
  • I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
  • A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
  • Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
  • Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
  • Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
  • Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Insomnia (The NIght Walkers) Book 1 by J. R. Johansson: Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 072013
 
 Insomnia finalProduct Details
  • Title: Insomnia (The NIght Walkers) Book 1
  • Author: J. R. Johansson 
  • Age Range: 12 and up
  • Paperback: 360 pages
  • Publisher: Flux (June 7, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0738735930
  • FTC FYI: I bought my own copy of this fantastic book!!
Today is the release day of this book! How cool is it that I am reviewing the book on it’s birthday!! Today would be a great day to purchase your own copy.
Book Description:
Her eyes saved his life. Her dreams released his darkness.

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets–and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.
 
Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.
 
Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

My Review:
I’m so excited to review Insomnia! Ever since I first saw the cover I knew I would love this book. In fact, I pre-ordered the book so I could get my hands on it as fast as I  could. The cover is one of the best I’ve seen this year. If you think the cover is creepy and haunting,this gives you a good idea about what you will find inside.

Even though main character Parker scares you with his bizarre actions, he is a very sympathetic character. You can’t help but feel his pain when he longs so much to be able to have a good nights sleep. Parker doesn’t sleep at night because he lives within others dreams. He wanders undetected in the dream of the last person he made eye contact with.  As I was reading this book I felt a more appropriate title for this book would have been, Intense!
The story hooks you from the beginning and never sets you free until the end. I was so impressed with the great writing in this book considering this is Jenn’s first published novel. If you are familiar with I’m Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells, it is a creepy and fantastic book. I need to warn Dan that Jenn is fast on his tail for mastering the creepy factor. She has created such a dark tale that keeps the reader guessing and freaked out. This YA thriller I can guarantee you is going to be making a name for itself and it’s author.

I asked the author about the 2nd book in the series and here is what she told me…

“The 2nd book is in process, and it should be next summer but we don’t have a specific date yet. The name is very close to being decided and I’m really excited about it. In this book we’ll delve more into the world of the Night Walkers. All the same characters, plus new ones and we’ll answer a whole lot of questions.”
I also wanted my readers to know Jenn’s exciting news about her book. Here it is…
“Insomnia is set to be published in five languages so far: English, Italian, German, Chinese and Hungarian! I’m thrilled to have my story coming out in so many countries!”


I’ve told you why I like Insomnia so much, I wanted to know what the author liked about her book. She gave some great answers and I have to agree with all of the reasons.

The Five Things I Really Like About Insomnia – 
 
1 – How different it seems to be from every other book out there.
2 – How the psychological thriller aspect can really keep you guessing.
3 – The characters (Parker AND his amazing friends).
4 – The creep factor (I love hearing it gave people the chills).
and last but not least…
5 – The cover. It conveys everything I wanted it to and so many things I didn’t even know I wanted. LOVE IT.

Order Links :

Make sure to enter the giveaways down below!!

Meet Author J.R. (Jenn) Johansson: IMG_8183_CROPPED_WEB

 J.R. JOHANSSON is a young adult thriller author published with Flux & FSG/Macmillan. Her debut, INSOMNIA is coming June 2013. She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, playing board games, and sitting in her hot tub. Her dream is that someday she can do all three at the same time. She has two young sons and a wonderful husband. In fact, other than her cat, Cleo, she’s nearly drowning in testosterone.
 Jenn’s Links –

INSOMNIA on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12260608-insomnia

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