THAT NIGHT (Sourcebooks FIRE)
Some secrets are best left buried...
It's been a year since Hailey's boyfriend Declan died, and Hailey is still far from okay. She's lost almost all her friends, her grades are falling, and she pretty much lives wrapped up in bed. Everyone says Declan's death was a suicide―after all, his father's gun was found near his body―but Hailey knows that the happy, confident Declan she knew would never do that. She's positive. The problem is, she can't remember anything from the day he died.
Kane, Declan's stepbrother and Hailey's best friend, thinks that everyone should move on―why relive the pain? But when Hailey sees a strange picture with a threatening message amongst Declan's belongings, she's convinced she has proof that there's more to the story. Hailey starts searching for answers and throws herself into memories her subconscious tried to make her forget...and the deeper she looks, the more she remembers.
But the truth she uncovers will be more dangerous and more devastating than she could have ever imagined.
"A twisted, engrossing tale of relationships intermingling to disaster." - Kirkus
ALONE (Sourcebooks FIRE)
When her mom inherits an old, crumbling mansion, Seda's almost excited to spend the summer there. The grounds are beautiful and it's fun to explore the sprawling house with its creepy rooms and secret passages. Except now her mom wants to renovate, rather than sell the estate―which means they're not going back to the city...or Seda's friends and school. As the days grow shorter, Seda is filled with dread. They're about to be cut off from the outside world, and she's not sure she can handle the solitude or the darkness it brings out in her.
Then a group of teens get stranded near the mansion during a blizzard. Seda has no choice but to offer them shelter, even though she knows danger lurks in the dilapidated mansion―and in herself.
And as the snow continues to fall, what Seda fears most is about to become her reality...
"A bloody, wonderfully creepy scare ride" - Kirkus
"Even careful readers will be caught off guard by twists and unexpected but divine surprises. This first-rate thriller delivers everything a thriller should, and adds more. With a wink and a nod to Stephen King's The Shining, Balog provides a shocker for the young adult crowd." - VOYA Magazine, VOYA Perfect Ten
"This is the perfect premise for a chilling tale, and Balog fills every inch with classic horror references, red herrings, and uncertain motivations. As Balog gradually builds tension and paranoia, she manipulates reader expectations to set up several possible endings, yet still manages to end with a shocker. This is fantastically creepy psychological horror.
" - Booklist
"The realistic character development will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the nail-biting conclusion. Fans of Stephen King's and R.L. Stine's novels will enjoy this entry." - School Library Journal
"Hints of both The Shining and The Turn of the Screw haunt this tense thriller.
" - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Masterfully paced, the tension builds to greater and greater heights. Just when the reader can barely stand it, a series of incredible plot twists bring the tale to an ambiguous conclusion that will leave readers begging for a sequel. " - School Library Connection
"Intense and creepy, Balog's latest novel grabs the reader by the throat in the opening page and refuses to let go... " - IndiePicks Magazine
"An imaginative and thrilling mystery novel. Readers can be sure to enjoy while they immerse themselves in this enigmatic novel. " - VOYA's Teen Perspectives
UNNATURAL DEEDS (Sourcebooks FIRE)
A novel of infatuation and obsession, Unnatural Deeds has an electrifying ending that readers won't see coming.
Victoria Zell doesn't fit in, not that she cares what anyone thinks. She and her homeschooled boyfriend, Andrew, are inseparable. All they need is each other. That is, until Zachary Zimmerman joins her homeroom. Within an hour of meeting, he convinces good-girl Vic to cut class. And she can't get enough of that rush.
Despite Vic's loyalty to Andrew, she finds her life slowly entwining with Z's. Soon she's lying to everyone she knows in an effort to unravel Z's secrets. Except Z's not the only one with a past. Victoria's hiding her own secrets, secrets that will come back to haunt her...and destroy everything in her path.
"Like a PG-13 version of Gone Girl (2012), Balog's (Dead River, 2013, etc.) latest tells the tense and tragic story of three teens mixed up in a world of murder, obsession, and mental illness... A page-turner that will keep readers riveted, this is a treat for mystery fans and will keep readers guessing right up until the end."
- Kirkus
"Unnatural Deeds is a compelling, dark confessional with pages that keep you guessing and an ending that will blow you sideways."
- Natalie D. Richards, author of Six Months Later and One Was Lost
"Vic’s psychological struggle culminates in an unpredictable, shocking ending that most readers will not see coming. This thriller will stay with readers long after the last page. VERDICT: A good choice for teens who are dealing with the loss of a friend. A strong purchase for YA thriller collections." - School Library Journal
DROWNED (HarlequinTEEN, 2014) by Nichola Reilly
Coe is one of the few remaining teenagers on the island of Tides. Deformed and weak, she is constantly reminded that in a world where dry land dwindles at every high tide, she is not welcome. The only bright spot in her harsh and difficult life is the strong, capable Tiam—but love has long ago been forgotten by her society. The only priority is survival.
Until the day their King falls ill, leaving no male heir to take his place. Unrest grows, and for reasons Coe cannot comprehend, she is invited into the privileged circle of royal aides. She soon learns that the dying royal is keeping a secret that will change their world forever.
Is there an escape from the horrific nightmare that their island home has become? Coe must race to find the answers and save the people she cares about, before their world and everything they know is lost to the waters.
“Despite the
presence of royalty and two hunky boys, Drowned is not your
average post-apocalyptic fantasy romance. The unusual setting of a human
settlement on the brink of collapse and several simmering background mysteries
. . . keep the pages turning.” – Booklist
“Full of suspense, romance, and mystery, Drowned is a thrilling read that will
appeal to fans of dystopian adventures.” – VOYA
“An
atmospheric, uneasy tale of survival.” – Kirkus
“Suspense
mounts as Coe and Tiam explore the labyrinth beneath the royal palace and the
mysteries of their island’s past. A fantasy twist toward the end of this series
opener from Reilly fits perfectly with the fairy tales Coe retells throughout
the novel.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“This suspenseful and dramatic tale will make
readers feel just as trapped as Coe feels by the rising tides. Coe is an
interesting and well-developed character that teens will root for every step of
the way, and the other inhabitants of her island provide foils and allies
alike. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, and readers will clamor for a sequel.” –
School Library Journal
Until the day their King falls ill, leaving no male heir to take his place. Unrest grows, and for reasons Coe cannot comprehend, she is invited into the privileged circle of royal aides. She soon learns that the dying royal is keeping a secret that will change their world forever.
Is there an escape from the horrific nightmare that their island home has become? Coe must race to find the answers and save the people she cares about, before their world and everything they know is lost to the waters.
Dead River (Delacorte, 2013)
My friends and I are spending prom weekend at a remote wooded cabin on the Dead. The Dead River. I thought it was going to be just us.
I was wrong.
Nothing is what it seems in this creepy paranormal thriller.
Reviews for Dead River:
"Creepy, raw and terrifying . . . This is an amazing ghost story. " -- For the Love of Books, Dixon's Independent Voice
"Balog tells a unique story providing supernatural romance fans with plenty of adventure, paranormal mystique, and angst." -- School Library Journal
Touched (Delacorte, 2012)
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But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something’s about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets Taryn, a girl with a dark family secret that may be the key to understanding his past. But will she also destroy his future? . Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there’s no way to stop it. Or is there?
In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he’s about to discover—or the choice he will be forced to make. . . .
Reviews for TOUCHED:
"Free will and the butterfly effect—two theories with perennial appeal to teens—are woven together in this ambitious novel that examines choice and action. The engaging premise and brisk pacing should be enough to hook readers . . . there is plenty here for teens to ponder and discuss." -- VOYA
"Teens will enjoy the fantasy element of Nick’s gift/curse while struggling with him to learn the origins of it. Nick narrates his story, so readers are pulled in with what he’s told to do (the voice appears in italics) and what he really does. As he learns more about his past and his ability, readers go along for the ride. A few twists and turns help keep the plot moving, along with Nick and Taryn’s friendship." -- School Library Journal
"I seriously love how Cyn spun this story. It was a refreshing change for me to read. It's a story that I know will stay with me for a long time. It isn't forgettable. It's different. I loved it!" -- Hippies, Beauty, & Books Reviews
"My final grade for this book is an A+. Not only is it a breath of fresh air in a genre that is full of the same, but it pulls off a unique and creative storyline in a way that made me feel overcome with emotion and empathy for the characters and had me turning the pages until about 3 a.m. This is one of those books that pulls you into its pages and when you finish reading it, you have to re-orient yourself to the real world. In other words, the best sort of book." -- Into the Mystic
" . . . unique and impossible to put down." -- YA Books Central
"Cyn Balog has written a wonderful novel in Touched that is unlike any I've read before." -- Popcorn Reads
"Such a bittersweet ending I did not expect. I will admit quite freely that the tears were racing each other down my cheeks as I reached the end." -- Gothic Angel Book Reviews
"This author just knows how to get to the reader…in a good way of course." -- The Page Turner
"Addictive and mysterious." -- The Reader Bee
"Fabulous read. It was definitely emotional, thought provoking, fabulous.Touched is such a great stand alone paranormal story with plenty of mystery, magic and romance." -- The Book Hook-up
"Touched is a book that will help you understand who and what you really what to become."--Sofia Loves Reading
"Balog’s story is original with lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and the ending completely blew my mind." -- After the Last Page
"But the best part? The ending! Oh em gee, that ending! I can't say a word about it, but it's twisty and shocking and it'll leave you teary." -- Just a Girl Geek
"Touched is a intriguing supernatural with great characters. You’ll shed a few tears . . . a wonderful read that will touch your heart." -- I Heart YA Books
"Filled with suspense . . . kept me intrigued the whole time." -- Book Loving Mom
"This novel was just amazing! There is no other way to put it." -- Escaping One Book @ A Time
"I personally feel that the ending of Touched is worth the purchase of Cyn Balog’s work. It’s remarkable how she was able to achieve this great ending . . ." -- I Blog, You Read
"I can't recommend this book enough. It mixes all of her best skills in with a wonderful cast of characters, well-crafted themes, and solid writing. Touched is a supernatural YA novel that pushes boundaries and gives readers something unique, though they will find it to be a much more emotional experience than they initially anticipated." -- Dreaming Reviews
Starstruck (Delacorte, 2011)
When Gwendolyn “Dough” Reilly’s boyfriend and best friend Wish moves away in seventh grade, the only consolation she can find is in her family bakery’s donuts. Now, it’s sophomore year, and Wish is coming back. But in only three years, they’ve both changed—drastically. She’s seriously overweight, and suddenly Wish is the most popular guy in school, and girls everywhere want him. Dough has doubts that appearances don’t matter and that Wish can love her as she is, so she launches into a plan designed to keep them together. That is, until she discovers that Wish’s gorgeous looks and charm might not be all they appear to be.
Reviews for Starstruck:
"The plot moves along at a steady pace and the suspense builds appropriately . . . Dough's witty voice keeps the narration entertaining. Fans of fairy-tale romances will like it." -- School Library Journal
"I haven’t read a book like this one in a long time . . . (Balog's) story is very unique, she puts so much emotion and realism into her characters, and has an outstanding sense of humor." -- Hippies, Beauties & Books Reviews
Sleepless (Delacorte, 2010)
Eron De Marchelle isn’t supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn’t encouraged to–after all, getting too involved in one human’s life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest.
But he can’t deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can’t seem to reach her . . .Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves?
Reviews for SLEEPLESS:
”Suspense, believable characters and an imaginative twist on a ghost story/romance make for a lovely read.” — Kirkus
“An interesting, quick-paced, and compelling paranormal romance . . . Definitely recommended.” – School Library Journal
“This is as much a thoughtful exploration of adolescent relationships as it is a love story.” — Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“Balog’s enticing supernatural story of star-crossed love…will appeal to paranormal romance fans.” — Publisher’s Weekly
Fairy Tale (Delacorte, 2009)
A RWA RITA nominee for Best YA Romantic Fiction (2010)
Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other.
Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other.
But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.
When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the source of Cam’s distance isn’t another girl- it’s another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.
Reviews for Fairy Tale:
“Morgan’s distinctively funny voice and the touching three-way romance will make this a popular addition to the urban fairy romance market.” — Booklist
“A fantastic debut that will consume you and hold you captive.” — Ravenous Reader
“This novel was addicting. I absolutely loved Balog’s writing style! It had a wonderful flow and was easy to read, plus it told an incredible story. Awesome debut novel, awesome fairy novel.” — The Story Siren
Getting Caught (Contemporary YA eBook, with Mandy Hubbard), September, 2011
Sometimes in war... there are no winners.Peyton Brentwood is pretty, popular, and Harvard-bound. Or so she hopes. Her only distraction from AP classes and entrance exams is the prank war with her ex-best friend, Jess Hill. Peyton is used to getting what she wants, and she's not about to let a loser like Jess gain the upper hand.For Jess, the prank war is an outlet, a way to get revenge on the best friend who left her behind. As if Peyton has the guts to do what it takes to win. Please. There is no way in hell Jess is going to lose this one, even if she has to hit Peyton where it hurts.
These two girls are about to discover it's best to keep your friends close... and your enemies closer.
Get your copy of Getting Caught for only 99 cents at Barnes & Noble or Amazon TODAY!
Dear Bully (Anthology), September, 2011
You are not alone.
Discover how Lauren Kate transformed the feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the “funny guy” into the best defense against the bullies in his class.
Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.
The First Time (Anthology), November, 2011
You never forget your first...
In THE FIRST TIME, 25 young adult authors contribute 25 stories all about firsts: first loves, first kisses, first zombie slayings, and more. Featuring New York Times bestselling authors Carrie Ryan and Jessica Verday, plus a host of others. From humor to horror, and everything in between, these stories will make you laugh, cry, cheer, (and maybe even scream) as you experience something brand new from the authors that you love.Available exclusively as an eBook at Amazon!
