The Annihilation of Foreverland By Tony Bertauski Review, Interview, and Giveaway

When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds. Reed dreams of a girl that tells him to resist Foreverland. He doesn’t remember her name, but knows he once loved her. He’ll have to endure great suffering and trust his dream. And trust he’s not insane. Danny Boy, the new arrival, meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland. She’s stuck in the fantasy land that no kid can resist. Where every heart’s desire is satisfied. Why should anyone care how Foreverland works? Together, they discover what it’s really doing to them.

~Haunted Rose's Review~

The first chapter of this book was amazing. You could feel the raw suffering that Reed feels. I wanted to know more about the book and I couldn't put it down. Danny Boy, the main character, reminded me of Thomas in Mazerunner. He is confused and can't remember anything but he knows he can't stay here on this secluded island even if it does have the world's best video games. The worst part about this island is the Haystack. You go in and suffer through sticking a needle in your frontal lobe before you get to finally enjoy the awesomeness of Foreverland where every dream comes true. The only downside to reading this book is the confusingness. I had a hard time keeping up and putting two and two together but when it got to the end I was blown away. If you enjoyed Mazerunner then you will totally enjoy The annihilation of Foreverland!

~Bio~

My grandpa never graduated high school. He retired from a steel mill in the mid-70s. He was uneducated, but he was a voracious reader. I remember going through his bookshelves of paperback sci-fi novels, smelling musty old paper, pulling Piers Anthony and Isaac Asimov off shelf and promising to bring them back. I was fascinated by robots that could think and act like people. What happened when they died?
I've written textbooks on landscape design, but that was straightforward, informational writing; the kind of stuff that helps most people get to sleep. I've also been writing a gardening column with a humorous slant. That takes a little more finesse, but still informational for the most part.
I'm a cynical reader. I demand the writer sweep me into his/her story and carry me to the end. I'd rather sail a boat than climb a mountain. That's the sort of stuff I wanted to write, not the assigned reading we used to get in high school. I wanted to create stories that kept you up late.
Fiction, GOOD fiction, is hard to write. Having a story unfold inside your head is an experience different than reading. You connect with characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. You feel them, empathize with them, cheer for them and even mourn. The challenge is to get the reader to experience the same thing, even if it's only a fraction of what the writer feels. Not so easy.

Tony Bertauski's Links-

Website

Blog

Goodreads

~Interview~

1. Tell us about yourself.

I'm a horticulturist. I know, I know. Plants and science fiction doesn't seem to mix. I started writing as a garden columnist and design textbooks. I've always read science fiction and at some point felt inspired to write it. It all started with a character, Socket Greeny. It was a three-book story that unfolded in my head (cliche, but true). It took years to finish, half that time was spent learning how to write fiction.

2. In one sentence only, why should we read your book?

What exactly does it mean to be real?

3. Are you working on any other books?

Right now, I'm working on Claus, Legend of the Fat Man. Yes, you read that right. It's a sci-fi take on Santa Claus, a semi-serious telling of how the man named Niclaus Santae became the mythical figure Santa Claus. It addresses all the Christmas characters (Rudolf, Frosty, Jack Frost, etc) and how they came to be, more from a scientific perspective and not so much magical.

4. What authors influenced you the most?

Early on, it was Frank Herbert and Stephen King. Later, it was Neil Shusterman, Laurie Anderson, and MT Anderson. I'm really moved by great voice and superb endings.

5. Zombies, vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, witches, or faeries and why?

Vampires. I wrote a series of novellas about a new age "vampire" named Drayton. It's not YA, it's definitely adult fiction. I considered the fact that, if a being were immortal, it would likely evolve from animalistic to wise and compassionate. But with kickass powers.

6. What is the wildest idea you had while being an author?

That I'd be famous.

7. What is your favorite part in your book?

This might surprise some, but it's the romance part. When Reed and Lucille finally see each other. I think that romance part is an important part in every story.

8. What is your favorite book?

Lately, it's been A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (I cried) and Feed by MT Anderson (impressed with the voice and plot).

9. If Harry potter and Edward Cullen had a fight what do you think the outcome would be?

Mmm... well, Potter can do magic. Why not just just blow Cullen up from 100 yards away? Point, Gryffindor.

~Giveaway~

Rules-

1. Must be 13 years of age or older
2. Must be a GFC follower of this blog
3. It is International and ends March 10
4. Fill out the form below
5. Includes 2 ebook copies!
6. +1 for following me on twitter, +1 friend Tony Bertauski on goodreads, +1 for commenting on this post, +1 for tweeting about the giveaway, and +1 for following Tony's blog