Author M.K. England decided to do something very cool to celebrate Pride month. Four bloggers were chosen to post discussion questions for everyone to answer during a read along. I have the final ones below, but make sure you check out the other blog posts. The blogger names and dates are on the graphic. There are also challenges and twitter chats. Make sure you enter the giveaway,too!
The DISASTERS read-along:
Do a first read or re-read of THE DISASTERS and discuss it with four amazing bloggers, with prizes for participation:
JUNE 7: Chapters 1–5 with Utopia State of Mind
JUNE 14: Chapters 6–10 with BookCrushin’
JUNE 21: Chapters 11–15 with Fangirls Are We
JUNE 28: Chapters 16–22 with Confessions of a YA Reader
Run to your local library or to any bookstore to grab a copy and join us! Every comment is an entry into the prize drawing. Look for the rafflecopter link at the bottom of each discussion post.
Other contests you can enter RIGHT NOW:
Spot the Nerd References — THE DISASTERS is peppered with references to other science fiction TV shows, movies, and more. Think you can find them? ENTER HERE. Each correctly-spotted reference is one entry into the prize drawing. Winners will be drawn randomly from everyone who submits. I recommend submitting them as you find them throughout the read-along.
Photo Challenge — Post a photo of or inspired by THE DISASTERS on Twitter or Instagram any time during the month of June using #disasterspride. I’ll be boosting some of my favorites throughout the month!
Prizes for all contests:
1st winner in each contest – Your choice of a signed advance reader copy of my upcoming YA sci-fi/fantasy mashup, SPELLHACKER, or a signed hardcover of THE DISASTERS.
2nd and 3rd winners – Swag packs including both DISASTERS and SPELLHACKER goodies.
Other activities:
— Instagram Live Chat: Monday, June 17 at 8pm EST (spoiler-free until 8:45pm). Keep an eye on my instagram stories for the few days beforehand to submit questions!
— FrenzyPride Twitter Chat with @HCCfrenzy (HarperCollins Canada) and tons of other LGBTQ+ authors: Thursday, June 27 at 7pm EST
— Interviews and articles at Ace of Bens (aceofbens.com, June 21) and Harper Stacks (harperstacks.harpercollins.com), and more!
You can find all the info HERE!
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 12/18/2018 (paperback coming on 12/17/2019)
Genre: YA science fiction (space opera)
Available Formats: Print, ebook, audio CD, downloadable audio, Australian paperback edition, Turkish language edition (forthcoming)
The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy in this YA sci-fi adventure by debut author M. K. England.
Hotshot pilot Nax Hall has a history of making poor life choices. So it’s not exactly a surprise when he’s kicked out of the elite Ellis Station Academy in less than twenty-four hours. But Nax’s one-way trip back to Earth is cut short when a terrorist group attacks the Academy.
Nax and three other washouts escape—barely—but they’re also the sole witnesses to the biggest crime in the history of space colonization. And the perfect scapegoats.
On the run, Nax and his fellow failures plan to pull off a dangerous heist to spread the truth. Because they may not be “Academy material,” and they may not even get along, but they’re the only ones left to step up and fight.
Full of high-stakes action, subversive humor, and underdogs becoming heroes, this YA sci-fi adventure is perfect for fans of Illuminae, Heart of Iron, or the cult classic TV show Firefly and is also a page-turning thrill ride that anyone—not just space nerds—can enjoy.
Reviews:
“An action-packed, entertaining blend of space hijinks, humor, and romance.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“If humankind requires saving, then this is the crew to do it.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This laugh-out-loud sci-fi action-adventure will leave readers wanting more.”
— School Library Journal
“Much to recommend: nonstop cinematic action, strong feminist messages, and great diversity of characters.”
— ALA Booklist
“A clever, cosmic thrill ride packed with nonstop action and starring a motley crew that won me over from page one. The Disasters is just too much fun!”
— Mackenzi Lee, New York Times Bestselling author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
“Wildly entertaining and crackling with chemistry. Nax and his crew will crash land in your heart and leave you filled with laughter and hope.”
— Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series
“The Disasters is a BLAST from start to finish! Absurd levels of fun, fantastic pacing, a captivating and deep universe, and lovable authentic characters bring this rollicking adventure to life. Looking for a book you can’t put down? Pick up THE DISASTERS. Mission accomplished.”
— Katherine Locke, author of The Girl with the Red Balloon (2018 Sydney Taylor Honor Book) and The Spy with the Red Balloon.
“The Disasters is an explosion of edge-of-your-seat twists and high-stakes danger that leaves you glued to the page and rooting for these lovable misfits. I wanted a snarky romp across the galaxy, and M.K. England delivered with the force of a supernova.”
— Ashley Poston, author of Geekerella and Heart of Iron
“Immensely original and unbelievably fun! The Disasters is a heart stopping space opera, where teen galactic outcasts are the stars. Full of diversity, humor, and amazing worldbuilding, the action starts in the first chapter and only increases as Nax and his fellow space misfits run, hide and fight to uncover a vast conspiracy! One of the best debuts I’ve read of 2018!”
— Kate Towery, Fountain Books in Richmond, Virginia
“A fun space romp where the misfits save the day. Packed with diverse characters who have to face everyday problems as well as dire universe ones, this book is great for fans of The Illuminae Files and Shadowrun.”
— Hannah Fischer, Rediscovered Bookshop in Boise, Idaho
“Exhilarating space adventure story! Star Trek meets The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy. […] Great page turner! This will story will keep you on your toes!”
— Anna Rose Carleton, The Well-Read Moose in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Purchase links:
For Signed Copies:
Order from Over the Moon Bookstore and put “Signed Copy” in the order comments!
Other preorders:
Indiebound ★ Amazon ★ Barnes & Noble ★ Book Depository ★ Indigo ★ Australian Edition
Audiobook:
Libro.fm ★ Audible ★ HarperCollins website
…and wherever else books are sold!
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0062657671 ; Audiobook ISBN: 9780062937902
M.K. England is an author and YA librarian who grew up on the Space Coast of Florida
and now calls the mountains of Virginia home. When they’re not writing or librarianing, MK
can be found drowning in fandom, rolling dice at the gaming table, digging in the garden, or feeding their video game addiction. They love Star Wars with a desperate, heedless passion. It’s best if you never speak of Sherlock Holmes in their presence. You’ll regret it.
THE DISASTERS is their debut novel. Follow them at http://www.mkengland.com.
Links:
Twitter: geektasticlib
Instagram: m.k.england
Tumblr: mkengland
YouTube: teaandtype
The Discussion Questions Chapters 16-22:
Spoilers possible in questions and with the answers in the comments.
It’s over! Are you satisfied with how things ended?
How did you feel about the progress in Nax’s relationship with his brother? Do you think they’ll be close in the future? Do you have a sibling you’ve had a tough relationship with?
Is there anything you wanted addressed at the end that you didn’t see? What would you add or change to make it your ideal ending?
Now that it’s all over, what do you think this book is saying about Earth’s future? Do you like this vision of our future?
Would you read a DISASTERS sequel?
Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter drawing for a chance to win signed hardcovers and ARCs of MK’s books after you finish your comment.
Rafflecopter Link
M.K. England’s next book:
Spellhacker
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 1/21/2020
Genre: YA fantasy/sci-fi mashup
Available Formats: Information forthcoming
Official blurb coming soon! SPELLHACKER is the story of a heist gone wrong in a futuristic world with magic, starring a girl named Diz who is basically a cactus secretly filled with marshmallow. Diz is joined by her NB childhood friend Remi (who she is definitely not dating), her fierce bestie Ania, and her dad-friend Jaesin. I love the magic system, setting, and found family dynamics in this book, and I hope you do, too!
In case you missed it, you can check out my review of The Disasters HERE.
Thank you so much to M.K. England for choosing my blog for this very cool read along. And please remember to check out the other bloggers and information for giveaways. Also answer the questions (as many as you’d like) in the comments below.
Confessions of a YA Reader 
I would totally read a sequel to this book! I loved the characters and world so much! My brother and I have experienced a long distance and lack of communication relationship for a long time–we are down to birthday cards as he won’t answer my calls or emails, etc. Part of this is our relationship with our parents and the anger/grudges they hold. So anytime I can find family themes in books, I love it even more.
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I also really enjoy families in books. Whether it’s siblings, parents, grandparents, or just guardians. And I like when they feel realistic since no one has a perfect family. I’m sorry that you and your brother aren’t close. I unfortunately don’t have any siblings.
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It’s over! Are you satisfied with how things ended?- I am pretty happy with the ending. Although not all of Earth First is disbanded, I still love how the members of the Swift Kick are now like family.
2. How did you feel about the progress in Nax’s relationship with his brother? Do you think they’ll be close in the future? Do you have a sibling you’ve had a tough relationship with?- I think in only a couple of days, they have gotten a lot closer. I think it will be tough at first, but since they only have each other I think it will help them get closer.
3.Is there anything you wanted addressed at the end that you didn’t see? What would you add or change to make it your ideal ending?- I think I would have loved Nax to meet with his parents face to face instead of on skype. But, I think doing that makes the ending more emotional.
5. Would you read a DISASTERS sequel?- I would definitely want to read a sequel. I feel like it ended on a little cliffhanger and I want to know what happens.
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Great answers! I would love a sequel, too. I definitely wanted more, but was still good with how it ended.
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“How did you feel about the progress in Nax’s relationship with his brother? Do you think they’ll be close in the future? Do you have a sibling you’ve had a tough relationship with?” I think they will be close in the future! I have no tough relationships with siblings because I have no siblings!
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I don’t have any siblings either.
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