Swirls by F.A. Hershey - Blog Tour

 Author Bio

Of Italian background, I was born and raised in Brazil and had strong influences from my grandmother, who had always been an avid reader herself, and who first introduced me to the path of literature.

I created a lifetime bond with my great-grandmother, who gave me my first insights into philosophy (though neither of us knew at the time that there was a name for it).

The first book that made me officially an obsessive reader is called “My sweet orange tree” by Jose Mauro de Vasconcelos.

After that, I could not put a book down.

I only started writing when I came to London in 2003. Ever since High School back in Brazil, I’ve loved studying English like nothing else. But when I came to live in England there was that “click”, and I thought: why not?

I’m also studying for a BA Hons Degree in English Language and Literature (what a surprise…), while looking after my 6-year-old son, and my dear husband who always supports my ideals. 

 Swirls (outsiders #1) Description

Sixteen-year-old Julia finds herself leaving her London life behind to move with her parents to the Amazon jungle.

A native descendant, she becomes familiarized with her own roots for the first time in her life. However, she never imagines she is about to discover much more than her own past but also just how crowded our little planet is...

This is a present time sci-fi/ fantasy story about trust, friendship, love and self-discovery.

This book falls into the category of YA fiction, though not unsuitable for younger readers

 My Review

Swirls for me was such an interesting novel, I was intrigued with where the storyline was going to take me from the start of the book, I was not disappointed F.A. Hershey has written an amazing start to what I hope will be a interesting series. Special thanks to F.A. Hershey for the review copy.

Julia is the main character in the book, she is 17 and is a really intelligent down to earth teenager. Her father tells her that they are moving to Brazil, beside the Amazon Rainforest. She doesn't want to go and neither does her mother but in the end they have to as her dad has secured a good job over there.

Julia has roots roots in the Kanuayed Tribe, her grandmother grew up and lived there for a long time. She has heard some stories of the Tribe from her grandmother and is excited to learn more. She leaves with her family to their new life in Brazil. On the plane journey Julia has another nightmare, she also sees a cute guy who catches her eye, sitting right behind her on the plane.

When she arrives at the place they are staying, she meets a girls who works there called Halola and the pair form an instant friendship. Haolola takes Julia under her wing, she invites her to come meet some of her family who live in the jungle. Julia is only to happy to tag along, she is very interested about where she is descended from and her Gran would want her too.

Julia and Halola track into the jungle with a guide Halola's distant cousin, Nathanual. When they get to where the tribe lives, Yoji the tribe leader welcomes Julia with open arms and introduces her to the rest of the tribe.

Yoji makes some shocking revelations to Julia, she is stunned but probably not as shocked as she should be. Gabrial, the cute guy who she seen on the plane, is also there with the tribe, which Julia thinks is very strange. Turns out Julia has been gifted with a very important role, which Halola also will also play a big part in. I am trying to be very careful as I don't want to spoil this amazing story for anyone. The ending is a complete shocker, I can't believe everything has had to go through, the deceit of someone she trusted is very hard to take. It left my dying to read the next in the series THREADS.

I loved all the wonderful descriptors F.A. Hershey has used to describe the jungle, I am a big fan of reading about the Amazon Rainforest and F.A. Hershey has delivered for me. I also loved reading about the tribe culture, the regular everyday life in a tribe. The storyline was very interesting and I was fully engaged from the start. The title Swirls is very vague if you haven't read the book, it gives nothing away and you don't know what to expect.

Julia went through so much in this book, she learnt so much about herself, was very excepting and dealt with everything very well. she is likeable and relate-able and I loved reading her journey.

Halola is a fun, bubbly, loyal, interesting character and is also a great friend to have.

My favourite character has to be Damien, he is sexy, smart, interesting and best of all mysterious. I knew there was something about him from the start. I really hope we get to read alot more about him in further books.

4/5 stars

Carly :)

Guest Post from F.A. Hershey

 

Source: Unknown 

Content: Secretly taped conversation between author F. A. Hershey and Swirls heroine Julia Ixel White in the middle of the Kanuayed tribe clearing, both sitting at the author’s desk.
 
F. A. Hershey: Any first impressions you want to share? [Author is talking about Julia’s first visit to the Kanuayed community].

Julia: Awesome. Just, amazing. I was positively shocked by the reception that was waiting for me here, and Yoji, the leader, nice touch. He is the most amazing person I met in the forest, well, after Lola. Though what’s the deal with Gabriel and Yoji, if you don’t mind my asking?

F. A. Hershey: Why on earth do you think I would tell you that?

Julia: Just give a heads up, will you? I just don’t want to get disappointed, you know. He seems fine to me, but he’s just too... mysterious and gorgeous for his own good. But then, so is Yoji....

F. A. Hershey: I know.

Julia: I noticed the look Yoji gave him, you know, I’m not stupid. What’s the deal with these guys?

F. A. Hershey: All in good time, Julia. All in good time. And don’t worry, you have found yourself a pair of very dedicated... individuals.


Julia: Individuals... you hesitated.

F. A. Hershey: Why don’t you just go back to Lola and let me write? You’ll need your sleep anyway.

Julia: [exhaled in frustration] Fine. Have you got some insect repellent, by any chance? You’d think being a native from this place the mosquitoes would leave me alone!

F. A. Hershey: [starts typing and ignores Julia]

Julia: Fine. Whatever, I hope you know what you’re doing.

F. A. Hershey: I don’t, but I’m sure you do.

Julia: At least tell me one thing. It’s harmless, and I promise I will leave you alone if you tell me.

F. A. Hershey: [stops typing and look at Julia over the rim of her glasses]

Julia: Will I have a blissfully dreamless sleep tonight?

F. A Hershey: [chuckles] I wouldn’t count on it.

Julia: Thank you very much. [Stomps away towards the base of the tree house]

Giveaway

Now for the giveaway folks, F.A. Hershey has been kind enough to to give two lucky winners an e-copy of Swirls, below is the rafflecopter, you know the drill. Competition ends on 9th Feb. This giveaway is open to everyone. Good Luck :)


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway