Posts Tagged ‘YA Fantasy/Science Fiction’

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I can’t wait to share this fabulous series with you today.

R.E. Sheahan’s Storm Of Arranon books are a blend of YA Fantasy and Science Fiction. The worlds are fantastical and filled with wonderous creatures and genuine characters.

Come on in. Check them out.

Enjoy my reviews.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Allies And Enemies

Storm Of Arranon #3

by R.E. Sheahan

23365281

Genre: YA Fantasy / Science Fiction

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My Review

It’s always difficult to review a next book in a series, but here goes!

What a rush. The suspense starts right from the get go. A key character is attacked and lies in a coma, slowly dying from a mysterious poison. The only one who can save him is their most dangerous enemy.

Both worlds are threatened by one beings arrogance and lust for power.

Trust is in low supply and appearances aren’t what they seem.

Friends will betray friends and some enemies will become allies.

Not everyone will survive the war to come.

A compelling story line and taut writing drive this action packed story to a fast and furious ending. I can’t count on two hands how many times I held my breath as I read on, worried about what would or wouldn’t happen next.

The blend of fantasy and science fiction lends much to this story of two worlds, fantastical creatures, mysterious forces, and danger around every corner.

Love, loyalty, and honor keep these character’s going when it looks like all hope is lost. Many of my favorite ones are back in this third chapter and some new ones appear to love or loathe. All have a strong presence and feel genuine, flaws and baggage included.

I should tell you that you can read this third story without having read the first two. The author easily fills in most of previous events fluidly and in the right places to keep you from becoming confused and the story flowing smoothly. That being said, I’d recommend you read the others first. Why miss all the fun!

And the ending. It was so good, but I warn you, while it’s not a cliffhanger, the author drops in a “what the ? just happened” that will have you anxiously wanting the next book. A little birdie told me it’s in the works and shouldn’t be too far away.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

A vicious attack on life and love. A race to deny death. Trust blurs and alliances break. The chase begins.
A powerful evil threatens the natural balance of Arranon, endangering all that lives. No less important to Captain Erynn Yager, a life treasured above her own hovers in a coma, close to death.
In a race to uncover a cure and stop the mounting peril, Erynn risks everything—becoming the hunted. She challenges authority and allies herself with a being others believe a mortal enemy. In pursuit of the true evil, Erynn finds the line blurred between those they trust and those set against them.
Answers remain beyond reach.
Erynn embraces her abilities, joining her will with the living consciousness of Arranon. Her authority and confidence rises, and she strikes out against a murderous cruelty—becoming the hunter.

Amazon / B&N

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Storm Of Arranon #1

by R. E. Sheahan

13553378

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My Review

The story takes place in the future. The daughter of a famous general, Erynn is in training to be an interceptor fighter pilot. A sudden betrayal reveals an alien species has infiltrated the government at its highest levels. They want to harvest the planets of Korin and Arranon for their resources, which means total annihilation. With betrayal everywhere Erynn and her friends are not sure who to trust anymore.

Forced to flee Korin and seek safety on Arranon, Erynn learns about the mystery of her origins and her ability of Prophesy. She begins to understand her connection to the planet. A secret forced upon her since childhood may hold the key to saving both planet if only she can unlock it in time.

What an adventure! It is fantasy and science fiction all rolled up in one.

I really enjoyed reading Storm of Arranon. All of the characters are well-developed and understandable and the world building is almost visual without being too complicated and overshadowing the plot.

Erynn’s connection to the animals on Arranon was fun to read. I kept trying to envision what a Capora looked like – maybe a cross between a yak and a horse? And the Maejen, maybe a giant species of timber wolf?

R.E. Sheahan does a superb job of world building. She shows you the planets, their inhabitants and their cities, revealing an earnest desire for you to easily understand and enter these worlds.

If you have seen Avatar and remember how the flora and fauna all glowed with iridescent,brilliant colors, that is how I picture the Anim Blath.

They are alive, sentient, and they speak to Erynn, sing to her. Like the living voice of Arranon.

There is a budding romance between Jaer and Erynn, but the author kept it in its place. It was not the focal point of the plot but did add to my interest.

Storm of Arranon has magic, action, good and evil, friendship and romance, with an out of this world flavor. I think young readers and adults will enjoy this story. So well written, I was surprised that this was R.E. Sheahan’s debut novel. This story can stand alone and the ending is very satisfying. I am happy to hear there will be more. A great beginning to a series.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Beneath Erynn’s petite build, curly red hair, and startling blue eyes, lies a deeply hidden secret.If the truth about her were revealed, her life would be in danger. Her dream to be a fighter pilot would tailspin, crash, and burst into flames.

Jaer’s wise brown eyes reflect his smoldering strength. An enigma, charismatic and moody, he is a physically powerful warrior who defends his world. A warrior afraid to love because of mistakes in his past.

When the presence of a marauding alien society is discovered on their planets, a struggle of life and death begins. Both Erynn and Jaer’s worlds face annihilation.

A mysterious force plunges Erynn into Jaer’s cold, dangerous, and beautiful world with its magical essence and living consciousness. Both the alien enemy and this strange inexplicable power purse Erynn.

Amazon / B&N

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Fire And Ice

Storm Of Arranon #2

by R.E. Sheahan

13569242

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My Review

I’m going to do my best to tell you about Fire and Ice, Book Two, without giving any spoilers. You’ve been warned:)

How about I give you a taste of the opening to this awesome sequel!

“A high piercing scream ripped through the icy air and echoed along the dark intersecting tunnels. The shrieking faded and died.”

Right away I’m entranced! Read on.

“Possession was a painful adjustment.

For the one being possessed.

Dhoran smiled. He felt the corners of the host’s lips jerk in a reluctant response.

Resistance is useless.

Dhoran stared down at his new body. Sensations dead for nearly two decades rushed through him. ….A light sweetness lingered in his mouth and he licked full lips, finding more of this spicy syrupiness. His tongue darted across even teeth blunted with flat surfaces for grinding. He frowned.

There will be no rip and tear to this bite.

Dhoran raised his hands and glared down at the shape and size of them….he missed the thick claws and taut muscles that had rippled under the glossy red-gold scales of his body.”

The evil Dhoran is back and up to some new tricks.

I was introduced to the world of Arranon in Storm of Arranon, Book One. I made many friends and was fascinated by the world R.E. Sheahan built.

The first book won my heart and imagine how happy I was to find Fire and Ice was even better. The author’s writing is tighter, more showing then telling. This is excellent as I would love to be able to see Erynn’s world of Arranon. You almost can.

I love the world beneath the surface of Arranon, the soul of the planet. Yes, the planet is alive, and the connection to Erynn is strong. The exotic visual descriptions of flora and fauna had my imagination spinning.

One of my favorite creatures are the wolves. I have a thing for the beautiful creatures and I could just see them so clearly.

My favorite characters, Erynn and Jaer, along with some others, are back. And there’s a new one that will keep you guessing. I’d like to know more of this one’s story.

If you haven’t read the first book, the good news is you will still love this one. The author gives you enough background to fill you in.

There’s more danger, action, and suspense too. Erynn’s determination to protect Arranon has made her mature and step up her game, keeping you so wrapped up in Fire and Ice. Dhoran’s lust for power, to rule the world, is formidable. The many characters enrich the story and bring it all to life.

The battles are intense, but not too graphic, and the romance is light, with no sexual scenes. I would recommend this to everyone.

A wonderous continuance in the addictive story of Arranon and it’s fate.

5 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

Newly commissioned Interceptor fighter pilot, Erynn Yager, knows sacrifice. Her battle against a brutal alien enemy intent on destroying her two worlds set her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, all while struggling to gain control of her secret abilities. With the alien threat crushed, Erynn believes the worst is behind her. She settles in to experience first love and a changed life on a hidden military base deep inside a glacier covered mountain on Arranon.

Her peaceful existence can’t last.

Dhoran, the evil sovereign of Arranon’s underworld has risen from the dead to possess an unwilling human. Dhoran’s powers grow while he plots a war that may plunge Arranon onto a path of destruction neither realm will survive. Arranon is pulled into chaos as violence spreads across the planet.

Drawn first in visions, Erynn enters a diverse world beneath Arranon’s surface, a realm teeming with danger, mystery, and beauty. The battle thrusts her into an uncharted kingdom, intensifying her connection to the heart and soul of the living Arranon.

Amazon / B&N

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Author R.E. Sheahan

R.E. Sheahan

Before I wrote, I read. Voraciously. When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to audio books on tape or CD. Still do.
Hi. My name is Robynn E Sheahan and I live and write from the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

I started to dabble in writing while working as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Northern California. Trust me, it’s not like it appears on TV. There was plenty of time for books.
Ideas from dreams follow me into warm sunny days or the quiet of falling snow. What ifs feed a vivid imagination. Even miss-typed phrases may lead to an aha moment. Brain storming sessions standing in windy, dark parking lots with fellow writers release thoughts that pry at the corners of my mind, grasping for purchase. Sometimes the ideas pursue me, with persistence.
About three years ago the dabbling became serious when worlds and characters screamed for, no, demanded attention. So I wrote my first manuscript. Critiques and rewrites filled the next two years.
I now had STORM OF ARRANON, the first book in the series.

Contact links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

The author is letting me give away three print copies of Allies and Enemies. US ONLY. Sorry to my International friends.

Entry is easy. Just leave an email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question: 

“What do you love most about science fiction or fantasy stories?”

Giveaway ends August 23rd.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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January Black

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He’s been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost…or call the king’s bluff.

Praise

Refreshingly intelligent and loads of fun!

I lost a few hours as I read this book. It’s a Young Adult novel that is refreshingly and astonishingly intelligent, and the love story is perfectly played out.

~Christine Ashworth, Amazon Review

The mystery was intriguing – I loved how Wendy Russo weaved in all her secrets throughout the book, how she incorporated just enough to keep you reading, while never actually divulging much of anything. I was guessing for most of it and that’s pretty hard to make me do.

~Julie, Clean Teen Reads

Wendy Russo has created a masterpiece.

~Ivan Amberlake, Author
Book Trailer

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q1kwpZI-vg?rel=0]

.

Author Wendy S. Russo

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

~
BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck ya’ll!

Starseed

Author: Liz Gruder

ISBN: 978-1937178291

Publisher: WiDo Publishing

Published: February 2013



SUMMARY

Kaila Guidry has always known she is different. When she meets Jordyn Stryker at school, she finds out just how different.

Jordyn was born and raised far from Earth, a starseed, one of six new students sent to Louisiana’s Bush High to learn human ways. But Jordyn didn’t count on meeting someone like Kaila.

When Kaila is pushed to her limit by high school bullying and cruelty, Jordyn awakens her to a new reality—and to love. But to prove herself, Kaila must look the other way as the real purposes of the starseeds unfold.

As the horrific plan behind the starseed visit to Earth moves inexorably forward, Kaila and Jordan, caught in an impossible love, must determine where their true loyalties lie.
Praise

“You know from the opening paragraph that something very strange is going on… We see Kaila try to live the life of a normal teen, and we see her “otherness” pull her back into an increasingly tangled web of questions, deceit, and hidden intentions. Liz really shines as a writer, lining the closets and drawers of everyday life with spine-chilling suspense that springs out at you when you least expect it. Starseed is an entertaining read. I highly recommend.”

–Patricia B. Smith. Author “What the Animals Tell Me” and “Fifty Shades of Santa” (clean romance fiction)

“Liz Gruder’s characters come alive through youthful, spunky narrative, and her headstrong heroine, Kaila Guidry, elicits a reader’s encouragement from the first page. Fans of Amanda Hocking will find themselves similarly transported into Gruder’s exploration of the dark sides of faith, love, higher dimensions, and, of course, high school.” –Jadie Jones, young-adult fantasy author

Purchase

Author Liz Gruder

As a youth, Liz Gruder saw a series of UFOs with her best friend while riding bikes. Ever since, she’s held a fascination for the stars. An avid reader, she used to hide under her covers and read with a flashlight. She has degrees in English and Psychology from Tulane University, a nursing license and a yoga certification. After going through Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Liz realized how short life is and is now slowly fulfilling her bucket list: she’s been to the Egyptian pyramids (totally awesome and thought provoking) and is now teaching yoga and writing speculative fiction. Starseed is her debut novel.

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/7/13

Click on the link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you and Good Luck Everybody!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift
Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being
awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your
parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced
here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will
be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter,
Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of
eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized
by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the
authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

When I spotted this cover art, I knew I had to read this. Sometimes an image will catch my eye and stay with me. I try not to read the excerpt for the book before I review it, but I do recall that this cover art was complimentary of the story within. That is very important to me. I have difficulty giving a good rating if the story and cover do not match. Check this out!

Storm of Arranon

Some people may think this is too busy. I think it is beautiful. I love the lettering and the way her eyes shimmer. The wolves eyes are like christmas ornaments. And the picture of this girl represents Erynn perfectly.

Before my review I have something great to tell you.  R.E. Sheahan is stopping in for an interview and she has offered 3 signed paperbacks with three signed posters for me to giveaway. Read my review and interview and enter for your chance to win this novel at the end of the post. Just look for the planets at the bottom!

Enter the world of Arranon

The story takes place in the future. The daughter of a famous general, Erynn is in training to be an interceptor fighter pilot. A sudden betrayal reveals an alien species has infiltrated the government at its highest levels. They want to harvest the planets of Korin and Arranon for their resources, which means total annihilation. With betrayal everywhere Erynn and her friends are not sure who to trust anymore.

Forced to flee Korin and seek safety on Arranon, Erynn learns about the mystery of her origins and her ability of Prophesy. She  begins to understand her connection to the planet. A secret forced upon her since childhood may hold the key to saving both planet if only she can unlock it in time.

What an adventure!  It is fantasy and science fiction all rolled up in one.

I really enjoyed reading Storm of Arranon. All of the characters are well-developed and understandable and the world building is almost visual without being too complicated and overshadowing the plot.

Erynn’s connection to the animals on Arranon was fun to read. I kept trying to envision what a Capora looked like – maybe a cross between a yak and a horse? And the Maejen, maybe a giant species of timber wolf?

R.E. Sheahan does a superb job of world building. She shows you the planets, their inhabitants and their cities, revealing an earnest desire for you to easily understand and enter these worlds.

If you have seen Avatar and remember how the flora and fauna all glowed with iridescent,brilliant colors, that is how I picture the Anim Blath.

They are alive, sentient, and they speak to Erynn, sing to her. Like the living voice of Arranon.

There is a budding romance between Jaer and Erynn, but the author kept it in its place. It was not the focal point of the plot but did add to my interest.

Storm of Arranon has magic, action, good and evil, friendship and romance, with an out of this world flavor. I think young readers and adults will enjoy this story.  So well written, I was surprised that this was R.E. Sheahan’s debut novel. This story can stand alone and the ending is very satisfying. I am happy to hear there will be more. A great beginning to a series.

       Loved it! I highly recommend it.

Now let’s get to know R.E. Sheahan shall we!

Hi Robynn. Thank you for stopping in to answer a few questions. Please start by telling us about yourself.

Thank you, Laura, for this opportunity to connect with your readers.

Hmmm, about me, well, I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I love books and reading. For me, bookstores are a bit like drug dealers whose highs are legal.

A few years ago while working as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Northern California, where, by the way, I read at least three books a week, I decided to try writing.

I moved to Oregon, changed my career to rancher and during my free time, usually in the wee hours waiting for a lamb to be born, I worked on my books. Yes, there are multiple ideas, all waiting their turn.

About four years ago, one particular character and her worlds demanded I devote more time to their story. So two re-writes, countless critique sessions, and a huge jump in my learning curve later, Storm of Arranon was born.

I would list your book as YA Fantasy/Science Fiction. What genre do you list Storm of Arranon as and where did you get the inspiration to write this story?

Yes, I would definitely list Storm of Arranon as YA Fantasy/Science Fiction, although many adults seem to enjoy the story, also.

As for the inspiration, okay, don’t laugh. Star Wars. I loved Luke’s innocence, his growth as a person and a Jedi through his adventures. Luke never backed down no matter how bad the situation.

The ‘what if’s’ started and in a very round about, convoluted way, Erynn and her two worlds came into being. The other characters arrived, adding their voices and suggestions, and, with the help of critique groups, I believed I had a story worth printing.

I’ve been wondering. How do you go about building a world and how do you choose names for places and species that don’t exist?

World building, well, sometimes situations, places, and the inhabitants of these worlds, come to me in dreams. Often I just look at my surroundings and wonder, what if? I know, there’s that ‘what if’ again. Imagination. Mine was never restrained, even as a kid, and my parents encouraged this in me.

Naming my creations has been great fun. I’ll share a little secret here. I have an extensive Gaelic dictionary and I will use a translation, but with letters added, dropped, or changed. Hey, with a last name like Sheahan, what would you expect?

What is the hardest part of your writing process and do you have a routine you follow?

The hardest part of a book is the first page, the first paragraph, that first line. It’s so important.

I like routine, but for writing, I pretty much go where my thoughts take me, which tend to be linear. Sometimes there is no choice, though. When the characters are talking, it’s time to get what they’re saying down. This has happened often at four in the morning.

My usual writing process is to take a scene, the setting, the characters, and begin like I’m watching a movie in my mind. (Note: I imagine my characters with actual actor’s faces along with their personalities.) If I don’t like where the dialog is going, I rewind and direct the scene in a different way. I may ‘watch’ the same scene over and over again, until I am happy with what I ‘see, feel, hear, taste, and smell,’ on that virtual sheet of white paper.

Is there a favorite place you like to write?

In the summer, I would sit at the kitchen island. In the adjoining family room cartoons, (frequently Star Wars -The Clone Wars), were on TV and Parker would be sitting with his Legos asking questions every few minutes. I got more work done during those times than when I was alone, in a silent room. So now, I make sure to have something playing in the background. I especially like old- I Love Lucy re-runs.

Who are some of the authors that inspired you?

Dean Koontz, for his descriptions. I felt like I was right there with Christopher Snow, or Odd Thomas. That and the dog never dies in his books!

Nelson DeMille for his intricacies in weaving a complex plot. Wow!

Sue Grafton for her realistic and flawed character, Kinsey Milhoune. She gets herself into so much trouble! I like that in a protagonist.

What are you reading now and what is one book you would recommend?

I have three books going right now.

Dragon Gem By Brian Beam

Symphony of Dreams by Cynthia Rogan

The Watchers by Russell Turney

And, yes, I can keep them straight.

Book recommendations are so subjective. What I love, someone else may not enjoy. But here goes. And sorry, but it’s two books.

Fear Nothing and Seize the Night. The Christopher Snow stories by Dean Koontz.

Is there anything you would like to share with us?

I’m actually quite shy so publishing my book was difficult. A book is such a personal journey and an insight into the author. Well, it is for me anyway.

Let’s do a few fun ones, shall we?

If you could do anything (except write), what would you do?

Good question. I’ve driven fire engines and ambulances code three, run into burning buildings, and saved a few lives. That’s kinda hard to top. I’ve worked on a ranch and helped many a newborn lamb or calf into the world. Very rewarding. I’ve trained dogs, Border Collies, to work livestock. I love dogs!

I think if I could do anything, I’d be a veterinarian.

What is your favorite junk food?

WooHoo! Cupcakes!

Where would you choose to go on vacation if you could go anywhere?

That’s easy. Ireland.

Imagine space travel is a common thing now. Would you go if you knew you would be gone for a long time?

In a heartbeat.

Do you believe in aliens and would you like to meet one?

I would love to meet an alien. In fact, I’m sure I already have.

That was a lot of fun. Thanks for the great interview and for allowing me to host this awesome giveaway!

And now for the Giveaway! It’s International!

I have three signed paperbacks with three signed posters to giveaway to three lucky winners. To enter just leave a friendly comment  about the interview or the book, along with your email address.  Easy! Good luck everyone!

Contest ends at midnight on September 15th. I will contact the winners for mailing information to give to the author. Must be able to provide a complete mailing address.

It isn’t required, but I would appreciate it if you followed my blog and on twitter. To follow R.E. Sheahan just click on the links provided below.

A great beginning to a brand new series. If you like this post, don’t forget to hit that Like button. Thanks so much.

You can find R.E. Sheahan here:

Happy Dance!!