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Please give a warm welcome to the lovely Kristi Helvig. She’s stopping by today for a Q&A as part of her blog tour for BURN OUT, which releases April 8th! Check out the book, her Q&A, and then enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below.
BURN OUT
by Kristi Helvig
April 8, 2014 | Egmont USA
A futuristic blend of Beth Revis’s Across the Universe and Lenore Appelhans’s Level 2, Burn Out will satisfy the growing desire for science fiction with a thrilling story of survival, intrigue, and adventure.
Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get the hell off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth’s final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns “red giant,” but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.
Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone–her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun–one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.
When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora’s fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father’s request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.
Q&A with Kristi Helvig
In the length of a tweet (140 characters), tell us about your book.
A teenage girl in Earth’s final years discovers that her fellow surviors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.
What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve looked up in the name of research – or what do you think the government has flagged you for?
I was just saying the other day that I’m sure I’m on a government watch list by now. In doing research for BURN OUT, I googled up a storm about various weapons and bombs, including how much damage certain weapons can cause. I’m expecting a friendly visit from Homeland Security any day now.
Are you working on something new? Can you tell us what’s coming next?
I’m in the midst of revisions for my publisher for Book 2 of BURN OUT. I’m also working on a YA fantasy.
If you were stranded on a desert island what are 3 things you’d want to have with you?
A two-way marine radio, a pack of emergency flares, and a case of wine (in case those first two things don’t work out).
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
For dystopian fans, The Giver by Lois Lowry because it’s the dystopian that started them all.
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Mindreading. It would make life so much easier. Although flying would be cool just for the fun of it. Could I be a psychic flier? 😉
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Having strangers email me to tell me that they love my book and can’t stop thinking about it.
What is your dream cast for your book?
Definitely Emily Browning as Tora. I’m not as certain about James because I haven’t seen anyone who I think totally fits his character. I think Skylar Astin could make a great Markus, and Alexander Skarsgard would be perfect as Kale. When writing Book 2, I actually pictured Alex doing the lines—he was awesome.
What’s your favorite quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots not taken.” – Wayne Gretsky
As a kid, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
At various times in childhood, I wanted to be an NFL quarterback, a nun, and an FBI agent. Instead I got my Ph.D. and became a clinical psychologist. I can still throw a great spiral though. 😉
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cadbury Creme Eggs. People either love or hate them, but I adore them.
What TV show/movie/book is your guilty pleasure?
True Blood. True Blood + Cadbury Eggs = Heaven. Luckily, the last season isn’t at the library yet so I’ll have time to finish edits on Book 2 before I get sucked back into it. My friends know not to tell me what happened since I’m usually running a year or two behind the rest of the world.
Jen–thanks so much for having me! 🙂 Kristi
About the Kristi Helvig
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy writer. You can find her musing about space monkeys, Star Trek, and other random topics on her blog. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, kids, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.
Many thanks to Kristi for visiting and Rockstar Book Tours for having me as part of the BURN OUT Blog Tour! Be sure to follow the tour for more fun posts, you can find the tour schedule HERE.
Giveaway (US only)
One signed hardcopy of BURN OUT, a red sun necklace, and assorted sun survival items (ie. chapstick, sunscreen).
Yes to Cadbury Creme eggs 🙂 I think I would choose mind control over mind reading. I already have Burn Out on my to-read list and I’m looking forward to reading it.
This book sounds really interesting. I’m not usually into dystopian YA but this one grabbed my attention. Can’t wait to read it!
This book sounds interesting. I’ve been on a sci-fi kick lately. I’m looking forward to reading it. Awesome giveaway. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds good!
I do feel like Tora from time to time to basically get away from everything. It sounds like a very interesting book but at the same time, kinda of sad that earth is dying.
THIS BOOK SOUNDS SOOOOOO GOOD!! CANNOT WAIT TO READ 🙂
Becca F recently posted..If I Lie by Corrine Jackson – Review
This sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
This book sounds great! I love True Blood, so sad it’s their last season.
Twitter: fakesteph
says:
Mindreading is definitely the way to go. It would be totally helpful as a teacher, but more than that it would just be awesome because I’m nosy.
fakesteph recently posted..A Break In the Radio Silence
I love a good dystopian YA!
I’ve been waiting for this book! Woohoo!
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