Encore to an Empty Room: A YA Romance of Music, Love, and the Choice Between Dreams and Goodbye (Exile Series, 2)

Book info: Encore to an Empty Room: A YA Romance of Music, Love, and the Choice Between Dreams and Goodbye (Exile Series, 2) (Paperback, 336 pages) – HarperCollins, 2016. Language: English.

Kevin Emerson's Exile trilogy combines the swoon-worthy romance of a Susane Colasanti novel with the rock 'n' roll of Eleanor & Park. Filled with infectious music, mystery, and romance, the electrifying Encore to an Empty Room, the second book in the Exile series, doesn't miss a beat.

Summer always wanted Dangerheart―the band of talented exiles she manages―to find success. Now that they've become an overnight sensation, they are on the verge of a record deal, and all of Summer's hard work is about to pay off. All they need to do is find the next missing song. But are Caleb, the band's future, and the lost song more important than college? Summer will have to decide. It's time to choose who she wants to be, even if that might mean kissing Caleb good-bye.

• Son of a Rock Star: Summer’s boyfriend Caleb is living in the shadow of his famous, deceased father. Finding his lost songs is the only way to discover the truth and forge his own path.
• High Stakes Band Drama: With a rival band on their heels and internal tensions rising, Summer must hold Dangerheart together if they want a shot at a record deal.
• A Cross-Country Road Trip: The search for answers takes the band from sunny California to snowy New York City on an unforgettable musical adventure.
• College or Rock and Roll: As her own future hangs in the balance, Summer must decide between her college dreams and a once-in-a-lifetime shot at managing the next big thing.

“Emerson’s created a page-turner of a sequel that will rivet music-minded teens.” - Booklist

“Well written with believable characters, this read will appeal to a reader interested in life behind the scenes of a rock-and-roll band.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Emerson’s talents for creating cool characters, writing effortless dialogue and maintaining a quick pace continue to shine. A solid follow-up to Exile that will leave readers clamoring for the final installment.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Emerson’s seasoned music references and deep knowledge of the business (including its slimy side) will draw readers in, but it’s the emerging conspiracy theories that give the book its edge-and provide the perfect setup for the sequel.” - Publishers Weekly

“Emerson talks rock history with a style and fervor that will send readers to YouTube to catch the classic moments mentioned by his music-savvy characters.” - Booklist

“A captivating road trip of the heart.” - Susane Colasanti, Bestselling Author of When It Happens

“Kevin Emerson’s EXILE offers a pitch-perfect depiction of rock fandom and band life. But its genius lies in Summer’s faith in what she knows to be untrue: the impossible promise at the heart of any great song or first love―that a defining, electric moment can last forever. Funny, tragic, and true.” - Daniel Ehrenhaft, author of Friend is Not a Verb, Dirty Laundry, and Drawing a Blank (and Tiger Beat's guitarist)

“A standing ovation for Exile! Kevin Emerson rocks out a story filled with twists and turns, harmony and heart, mystery and emotional mayhem. I can’t wait for his encore.” - Elizabeth Eulberg, author of Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality

“EXILE is a witty, fun read that will appeal to a broad audience. Even though the novel is told from Summer’s perspective, the author weaves in subplots that feature strong male characters. The plot moves quickly, hooking the reader from the very first page. Masquerading as a novel about bands and romance, the story integrates mystery and betrayal to create depth in each character. As the mystery unravels, the reader is drawn into the world of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll. Each puzzle piece leads the reader to realize the destructive nature of fame and how corporate greed makes people expendable. Although it contains 320 pages, reluctant readers will gravitate to the interesting characters and well-developed plot. Educators and librarians should add this novel to their shelves.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Praise for Exile: “This engaging read steeped in music, romance and mystery opens a promising trilogy.” - Kirkus Reviews

Kevin Emerson is the author of the acclaimed novel Last Day on Mars and its sequels in the Chronicle of the Dark Star. He has written thirteen middle grade novels, including The Fellowship for Alien Detection, the Oliver Nocturne Series, and Lost in Space: Return to Yesterday (based on the Netflix series), as well as eight young adult novels, including The Atlanteans trilogy and Any Second. A former science teacher, Kevin is also a drummer and singer, most recently with his band Model Shop. He lives with his family in Seattle, Washington. You can visit him online at www.kevinemerson.net.