Little Names, Big Stories: Monster

Little Name: Mirriam Neal

Big Story: Monster

Chosen By: Brian McBride

Goodreads Description: The year is 2053, and the world is recovering from Morbus, a plague that swept across the globe, destroying millions of lives. Eva Stewart is a promising young WorldCure scientist assigned to a facility in Alaska where she is made a Handler and given her own human Subject for research and experimentation. What she believes to be a step up in her career becomes a nightmare when she discovers writing on her Subject's wall. "I still have a soul." Soon, Eva is drawn into a horrific plot kept quiet by WorldCure, and as everything she knew collapses around her, she must discover the truth behind her Subject, her beliefs, and herself.

Why this story is such a big deal: I've known the author for a while now and was extremely excited when she released her debut novel, Monster, several weeks ago. I ordered it almost as soon as it was released and read it in no time at all. Monster is a thrilling roller-coaster ride. It was gripping, and epic, and intriguing, and an emotional monsoon. I see success not only for Miss Neal's future titles, but also big story, Monster.

About the Author: Mirriam Neal has been writing seriously since she was thirteen, although "seriously" might be taking it a bit far. She loves unique people, unique books, unique music, and plans to continue writing a wide variety of books for the rest of her life.

You can buy the book here!

Little Names, Big Stories: Daughter of Light

Little Name: Morgan L. Busse

Big Story: Daughter of Light

Chosen By: Sam Graber

Goodreads Description: What is that mark? As the Shadonae rise in the west and war threatens the north, a young woman discovers she is not human . . . Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . . But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.

Why this story is so big to me: Daughter of Light is an incredibly gripping story and an example of good character development. Each of the characters has flaws and struggles that make them easy to relate to. The book also includes a unique and thought provoking style of “magic”, which requires the wielders to make sacrifices in order to help others.

About the author: Morgan L. Busse writes stories about the hope that in darkness there is light. She currently resides in the Midwest with her husband and four children. Daughter of Light is her first novel. Visit Morgan at www.morganlbusse.com

You can buy the book here

Little Names, Big Stories: The Ordinary Princess

Little Name: M. M. Kaye

Big Story: The Ordinary Princess

Chosen by: Emily Rachelle

GoodReads Description: Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness. Unlike her six beautiful sisters, she has brown hair and freckles, and would rather have adventures than play the harp, embroider tapestries . . . or become a Queen. When her royal parents try to marry her off, Amy runs away and, because she's so ordinary, easily becomes the fourteenth assistant kitchen maid at a neighboring palace. And there . . . much to everyone's surprise . . . she meets a prince just as ordinary (and special) as she is! 

Why this story is so big to me:

(sung to the tune of "Lavender's Blue," a song from the book)

Amy is sweet, dilly dilly,

Peregrine's a dream,

The castle's a bore, dilly dilly,

Unlike forests green.

When Amy leaves, dilly dilly,

Plot twists ensue,

Love's not the plan, dilly dilly,

But 'twill find you!