Lockwood & Co. #1 The Screaming Staircase

Brilliant...... as expected of Stroud's caliber. Presenting Lockwood & Co. #1 The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud.

Here is the summary of the book:

When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest, most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .

To be honest this is my second Stroud read. I have only read the first book of the Bartimaeus series till now. But as expected this is a fine piece of literature. A strong premiere to an exciting new series..... and that's coming from someone who doesn't have a habit of reading this genre.

This is a world where every other ghost stories and fictional monsters that give you the creeps are real...... The problem has taken enough of a hold on the country to force the government to sanction ghost hunters. And its primarily the kids hunting all things that go bump in the night. Kids? Because the body and mind are still developing then and they are much more attuned to the paranormal diorama and more sensitive than adults.

Lockwood & Co. One of the agencies that deal with exterminating these hauntings and its Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle and George Cubbins of the aforementioned agency that we look to as protagonist of this spooky and equally riveting order of business...... Its dark, its gritty, gory, with the slight humor and spooky enough to send that chilling spike you expect in horror stories.

As I explained, it is spooky. There is a solid world building here. Stroud had done a marvelous job in that area, with descriptive detailing and the spooky atmosphere too, needed to set the tone of the book. But that's not all. We get three strong protagonists too, to shoulder the weight of the plot and take it to even greater heights.

Lockwood, Lucy & George...... In the form of Lockwood we have the leader of the agency, adventurous, reckless, resourceful, yet calm too if needed. Lucy, our narrator, overtly sensitive, brave and talented. Both Lockwood and Lucy share a tendency to jump first and ask questions later which sometimes leads them to some rather interesting situations. Finally is George - the calm and collected researcher. He can be pretty sarcastic too...... As a group they can weather the raging storm rather well but alone they are different as day and night.

I strongly recommend this book people... go buy it. A brilliant & descriptive world building, a plot like no other you have ever encountered With twists and turns of the spooky, enough to give you chills. Three amazing characters and some kick ass ghost hunting missions.... And then its a plus that this is written by Jonathan Stroud....... Come on folks i'm giving you enough reasons to buy it.... what are you waiting for?..... Oh! Looking forward for the sequel..... so good.

"A damn good spooky tale. BRAVO Mr. Stroud"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, Horror

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: 17th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Aberrant #3 Isaura COVER REVEAL

Title: Isaura

Author: Ruth Silver

Publisher: LazyDay Publishing (ebook)

Patchwork Press (print)

Expected Release: December 2013

Book Summary:

SECRETS WILL BE REVEALED.

Olivia has little choice but to head into the dangerous Gravelands, as the new government wrestles with fixing the damage to society. If traveling through outlaw territory isn’t frightening enough, Olivia learns she has exposed her secret and is hunted by those she trusted. With a race against time, her life and those she loves are in jeopardy.

Alternate Paperback Cover:

Books 1 & 2 in this series:

 

About the Author

Ruth Silver first began writing poetry as a teenager and reading heaps of fan fiction in her free time. She has written under three unique pseudo names and penned well over a hundred stories.

She attended Northern Illinois University in 2001 and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication. While in college she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, "Deuces are Wild", which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories.

Her love of writing, led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading YA novels and sharing her favorite books with other readers. She runs her own book blog and also enjoys photography and traveling.

Her favorite YA genre is a mix of Dystopian & Fantasy which is evident in the upcoming release of her latest book, Aberrant. Slated for release April 2013 by Lazy Day Publishing, it is the first in a trilogy.

***Author Links***

   

Cover Reveal Organized by:

The Brokenhearted

Well written prose but a slightly unbalanced plot. Presenting The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney.

Here is the summary of the book:

A teenage girl is transformed into a reluctant superhero and must balance her old life with the dark secret of who she has become.

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.

The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

A broken heart. Vigilante justice. A city of mass criminal activities. The superhuman protagonist fighting to bring the criminals to justice..... All fodder for an amazing story.... In a way Kahaney's tale, is a fun read but sadly an unbalanced plot hammers it down a bit.

This is Anthem Fleet's tale. An overpriviledged girl from from upper Bedlam city. She has everything that money can buy. She goes to a private school and works hard at being a ballerina. She had always done everything to gain the approval of her parents, always feeling a disappointment and only a replacement to her sister who died before she was born.

But then she meets the mysterious Gavin, one day shirking from her routine to go party in the wrong side of town. Before long she starts to sneak off to see him during her ballet sessions. And the unforeseen happens one day, Gavin is kidnapped and Anthem is asked for a hefty ransom. If all that wasn't enough, she gets into an accident before she could get home. Lucky enough she is saved but now she carries a bionic heart......And fights back.

As you can already see, Anthem is our protagonist. Not a very strong one I tell you. For a better part of the book, she remains rather naive and I don't wanna compare but she reminded me a lot of Bella (Twilight). She tends to take everything at face value. Not a good thing I tell you.....

 Her short romp with Gavin lacked luster. While I have no problem with insta-love(occasionally) but here it just felt like the author forcibly added it for a plot twist when she could have done it differently. But Goodness, she (Anthem) gains back that momentum after she gets the heart and decides to get even with the bad guys...... that there is the make up for a great superhero. Overtly, the plot held a lot of parallels to Dark Knight movies and Arrow (I seriously don't see much of Cinder in here) and the plot was very much predictable.

It was a fun read, the half of it anyway. The world building also isn't very well done. By the looks of it Bedlam may hold similarities to Gotham and Starling Cities but the author left a lot of details up in the air. A little more description may have cleared a lot of plot holes and the majority of its focus on this person called 'The Hope'. Who is he/she exactly, what was this person to the people of the city and why be constantly mentioned.

The action was definitely very well done and one of the best parts besides Anthem discovering her abilities..... On the whole I'd say a lot of things could have been much better but it was an okayish but a fun read...... Though not a solid standalone.

"There is a new superwoman on the block" 

Genre :      Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Sci-fi, Superhero

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: 8th October, 2013

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Ender's Saga #1 Ender's Game

Experienced one of those book hangovers here (one of the many)...... amazing, simply amazing. Presenting Ender's Saga #1 Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

Here is the summary of the book:

Government drafts genius child Andrew "Ender" Wiggin to defend against alien Buggers, but rejects sadistic brother Peter and beloved sister Valentine. In orbiting Battle School, rigorous military training, skill and natural leadership elevates boy to isolated position, respected by jealous rivals, pressured by teachers, afraid of invasion.

A book way out of its time. Classic SF. First published as a novelette but later serialized into full fledged novels. I know a lot you all had problems with it or the symbolism per say ...... but you have got to admit it is a well written story. And if you go by the book, it is actually Ender's story that makes this work and not the SF part of it.

Andrew "Ender" Wiggin. The third of the family. Born in a world at risk from alien invasion 'again'. A highly intelligent child, he never really could fit in with his peers at school. Always one step ahead of them all. But then chance comes when he is pulled from school and recruited into the International Fleet, with his education beginning at Battle School.

Finally among a group of like minded, highly intelligent kids who are just like him..... maybe he can fit in. But that was not to be so. Instead of being looked after and nurtured by from the staff, seniors and peers..... they isolate him. Pushing him, creating circumstances that develop the instinct of survival within him. He is brilliant at what he does, always one step ahead but they don't want him to feel secure in his surrounding. They want hi, to be the best of the best commanders..... All in the name of an intergalactic war that threatens the existence of the planet. All the while completely disregarding the repercussions of such acts on the mind of young Ender.

My word, I know what I wrtie in the review may bot do this book justice at all. And I agree kids, especially those of high IQ and socially awkward do not act the way Ender or the other kids of Battle School do. But this is SF, and a futuristic one.And authors are known to take certain liberties with this also a lot of it maybe scientifically incorrect but this is foremost fiction and it should be taken as such.

That said, you just can't help but be memorized by Ender. His prowess at the games and the way he employs the forces at his command in the Battle room. You also pity him with the way his elders deceive him into being used for their personal goals. He maybe just a child but a look in mind..... he carries than an adult or even a child should. This is the army and Mr. Scott perfectly illustrated the workings of such, the harsh reality and the tough environment perfectly well.

But i'm glad I got to read it because Ender's game is soon coming tot he big screen as a live action film with a string of A-listers - Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin and Hailee Steinfield..... 

"A dangerous game and much more is at stake than winning or loosing..... I highly recommend it"

Genre :      Sci-fi, Young Adult, Dystopia

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: 1st December, 2011

My Copy: from Shoppingwish.in

Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository | 
                Shoppingwish (Best prices for India)
                 

Stoker & Holmes #1 The Clockwork Scarab

A most wonderful..... wonderful book. Presenting Stoker & Holmes #1 The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason.

Here is the summary of the book:

Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes never meant to get into the family business. But when you’re the sister of Bram and the niece of Sherlock, vampire hunting and mystery solving are in your blood. And when two society girls go missing, there’s no one more qualified to investigate.

Now fierce Evaline and logical Mina must resolve their rivalry, navigate the advances of not just one but three mysterious gentlemen, and solve murder with only one clue: a strange Egyptian scarab. The stakes are high. If Stoker and Holmes don’t unravel why the belles of London society are in such danger, they’ll become the next victims.

There is everything to like in here..... Come on what's not to like.... There is history. 1800s Steampunk London..... Some pretty slick inventions too. A great plot. A delightfully mysteriously crime scene. Time travel. Egyptology. Action..... And at the heart of it two legendary names - Stoker & Holmes...... and this is just the beginning.

Mina Holmes & Evaline Stoker. One is the niece of the infamous Sherlock Holmes, while the latter, the sister to Bram Stoker and a vampire hunter. Called in to help with the murder of two young woman. Curiouser and Curiouser, there is a clockwork Scarab found close to their bodies. The evidence may suggest it to be suicide but the appearance of these contraptions may just suggest otherwise.

Reluctant partners. While similar in many ways, they are as opposite as night and day. Mina inheriting the priced qualities of her uncle, portrays a calculated mind, with the ability to make decisive deductions. Just by a glance she can state the history or the day timeline of a person and just like her uncle loves to conduct experiments on any and everything imaginable. But a loner, she is socially awkward and insecure when it comes to the opposite sex.

Eve stoker. She is beautiful, determined, boisterous and the type who attacks first and ask the questions later. Super strong and isn't afraid to get dirty with the opponent but despite all that goes numb at the sight of blood, which is rather strange for her since she was born to be a vampire hunter. Although highly regarded in the society, prefers hunting the vampires instead of attending balls. Resourceful in their own means, both Mina & Eve come together as the perfect partners supplying support where the other falls short.

The plot cleverly constructed around these two, there are no shortage of males. As possible love interests, there is one charming and notorious thief, another the imposing uniformed member of Scotland yard and the third, to a lesser extent, our out of place modern boy.... as for the villain, cunning.... very cunning.... and I'm eager for a sequel to see how things pan out.

I would highly recommend it you guys. Again I say, you have everything in here you want. There's 1800, London, Sherlock Holmes, Bram Stoker, Dr. Watson, some pretty slick steampunk inventions.... an interesting and a very strong plot..... the boys of your dreams and pretty ass-kicking heroines.

"Fresh and riveting heroines with the name tag Stoker & Holmes ..... 1800 Steampunk London ...... Pick it up folks, highly recommended"

Genre :      Young Adult, Thriller, Steampunk, Paranormal, Historical fantasy

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Release Date: 17th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Fawn COVER REVEAL (+GIVEAWAY)

Title: The Fawn

Author: Susan Griscom

Genre: New Adult

Publisher: Amber Glow Books

Release date: Winter/Spring 2014

 Note: Contains strong language and violence.

Description:

After a not-so-wonderful young adulthood—shuffled from one foster home to another—Lena Benton had hoped marriage would be her ticket to happiness. Wedded a year after high school graduation, Lena was certain she’d found her knight. But when Troy Harington’s true colors surface shortly after their glorious day of elopement, things aren’t quite as rosy as Lena had envisioned. When an unforeseen event turns ugly, all she can do is ... run!

But does she run far enough?

Jackson Beaumont prides himself on being a nature-loving, guitar-strumming carefree sort of guy, known for his eagerness to help injured animals find their way back into the wild. When Lena Benton walks into his bar, he’s once again swept off his feet with concern and desire to help the wounded. Will he risk having his heart torn apart again when the memory of the fawn he rescued as a child resurfaces?

Add it to your to wish list on Goodreads.

Something about Susan

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, spending most of my time daydreaming or playing around in the mud. I grew out of the mud play, well, most of the time, a good soak in the mud is always fun. I still daydream often and sometimes my daydreams interrupt my daydreams. So, I write to remember them. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play--a dreadful disaster, though not from my writing, of course. I'm pretty sure it was the acting.

I enjoy writing about characters living in small quaint towns and sometimes they tend to lean toward the unusual and edgy.

My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running hot as does a steamy contemporary romantic suspense.

Author Links:

Website: http://susangriscom.com

Blog: http://swblog.susangriscom.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanGriscom

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/SMGriscom

Facebook personal:  https://www.facebook.com/SusanGriscom1

Goodread: http://www.goodreads.com/SusanGriscom

Other works by Susan Griscom include:

Whisper Cape, book 1, a steamy paranormal romance trilogy.

Reflections, Whisper Cape book 2

A Secret Fate, Whisper Cape book 3 Releasing November, 2013

Allusive Aftershock a young adult contemporary/dystopian

Brief Interludes – a collection of short stories

Erotic Interludes – an anthology of two erotic tales.

Enter below for A Special Treat - A Giveaway of 

A Secret Fate, Whisper Cape book 3 when available.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Off to Oz GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]

Off to Oz GIVEAWAY HOP

September 10th-17th

Hosted by Angela’s Anxious Life and co-hosted by I am a reader not a writer.

1 Winner can choose 2 from the ebook selection below

RULES : 

1. There will be only ONE Winner (subjected to change). 

2. Winner will be informed via email and *must* reply within 48 hours else I won't have a choice but to select another winner. 

3. All entries would be verified. 

4. Just fill in the rafflecopter below :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Countdown

The EPIC game of life or death pitted against the decreasing countdown.... an unputdownable book. Presenting Countdown by Michelle Rowen.

Here is the summary of the book:

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER

I'll say it again, Harlequin Teen is fast becoming my go-to imprint for unputdownable books & Michelle Rowen on of my favorite for power-pack standalones.

Countdown is everything a thrill seeker could ask for. A dangerous game, an illegal game at that. And every level, some new deadly act is presented that needs to be done before the countdown reads 0 or die trying. With the perfect blend of constant rollar-coaster thrill-inducing dangerous action-packed games.... the layer-upon-layer of surprises, secrets and shocking truth.... Coupled with a cast of complicated and dynamic characters and that swoon-worthy EPIC romance..... This book definitely should not escape your notice at all.

Kira Jordan & Rogan Ellis. Our power couple. Kira is our kick-ass heroine. Living on the streets with her whole family murdered. But she is a good person, one of those who weigh in the pros & cons before determining the truth for themselves. She is quick witted, resourceful and given the setting, the perfect action star.

Rogan Ellis. Now he is a bit difficult to explain. Absolutely amazing, YES. Trailing a baggage full of ghosts, YES. But there is a quality to him, that makes him instantly likeable. Strong, clever and resourceful.... sarcastic even. And he is definitely a good looking one.....

There is an instant connection between these two. The romance, slowly developing through the course of the book was a bonus edition and passionate. They also gain a deep understanding towards each other as the levels progressed, cementing them together as the perfect couple.... And got to say Ms. Rowen.... you sneaky lady, just when the moments between them got intense..... you threw in the next phase of the chase.... Enough to take us deeper into the action.

"Unpredictable, unstoppable, thrilling, action-packed and intense.... This is a standalone you don't want to miss out on"

Genre :      Young Adult, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1 Witchstruck

Tudor England with a witchy twist..... Presenting The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1 Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb.

Here is the summary of the book:

If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. 

If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged. 

Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. 

With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. 

The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy.

Circa 1554, Tudor England, and definitely not a good time for witches and the young adult paranormal twist....... a paradise for book lovers of the particular genre.

Lady Elizabeth is held prisoner at a surly estate by her sister Mary on the charges of her not being a Catholic and our protagonist, Meg Lytton is her maid. She is an apprentice witch under her Aunt Jane and both well versed in the art of casting a circle and deducing the future of their Lady. But evading greedy witch finders, rebels and the Spanish Inquisition is also on the agenda but love...... now that is nor something that can be evaded easily can it.....

Set around the most famous of royal courts with all its opulence, the secrets and conspiracies, another the coming of the handsome handsome Spanish priest..... love may definitely be on the horizon but whose to say we be denied the pleasure of the feminine charms, the late night forays into the unknown and the pure sense of adventure with a strong and dynamic cast.

Meg Lytton, as the historical genre would allow makes for an interesting and strong protagonist. She is very determined to see the Lady Elizabeth on the English throne and very loyal to the cause and to friends and family as well. Time and time again she has proven her worth.... You would also not want yourself on her bad side you know.

Alejandro. He is one swoon-worthy Spaniard. Complete with the looks and the accent, her is a guaranteed on my book boyfriends list. We see a strong sense of dedication in his action and the impulse to the right even if they go against his teachings.

The romance as according to the setting is appropriately light and subtle. But the off charts romantic tension prevalent throughout the book between these two is sure to elicit goosebumps in us. Enough to make us edge towards the seat end in anticipations of "that" moment..... because you know it is about to happen sometime. And Victoria Lamb does not disappoint at all.....

Brilliantly done with a fast paced plot, coupled with the elegance of the Tudor court, the chase to evade the witchfinder, Marcus Dent, the burgeoning rebellion, and the meaning of the future hidden within the stars..... Both Meg and Alejandro have their hands full and not to mention their own feelings added in this mix.... And the author presents it in a well balanced plot with a sweet and passionate ending with promises of more in 'Witchfall'.

"A marvelous journey into Tudor England, with the right mix of history, witchcraft, adventure and romance"

Genre :      Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Arrow Vol. 1

Now this is more like it..... An awesome book albeit a graphic novel after 3 okay books..... the odds are pretty good. Presenting Arrow Vol. 1 by Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Mike Grell.

Here is the summary of the book:

Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry's best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV's hottest new series.

Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition.

Based on the popular CW show of the same name 'ARROW' and not on the original comics. This is a much needed tie-in with the show that the fans have been waiting for...... And if the one page sneak peeks the production team released for almost every episode of the first season and their level of artistry is to go by..... then you should be very excited for this treat.....

This is a companion piece to season 1 episodes of the CW Action-Adventure show ARROW based on the Marvel universe hero, Green Arrow. Oh and world of mouth & caution, watch the whole season before you read this. Contains stuffs that could be spoilers from the episodes but largely meant to be a companion book to the season providing background details that may have not been included in the show.

While the show is of course in Oliver's perspective, the graphic novel tells each of the 18 stories from varying point of views, thereby maintaining a balance throughout. The writing is very well done (considerng the show's writers wrote it, well it shouldn't leave room for doublts at all), the illustrations again very well done, typical comic art but maintaining a constant flow throughout.

"If you are an ARROW fan then this is for you"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Action, Adventure, Tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Tumble & Fall

I wouldn't exactly call this Apocalyptic.... Presenting Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts.

Here is the summary of the book:

A novel about the end of days full of surprising beginnings

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.

Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world.

When the words "Apocalyptic", and/or "Dystopia" or "end of the world" are mentioned, what comes to mind is a gritty dark world minutes from annihilation, (in the process or about to) and people desperate at last ditch attempts to save themselves..... But reading Tumble & Fall that scenario definitely doesn't come to mind at all.

The world is supposed to end in a week from an asteroid coming towards Earth. But instead of a frenzied atmosphere and dark and gritty situation, things are rather calm for the people. These seven days for them are just like any other day, mundane..... One of the biggest let down was the fact that the author mentions the coming Apocalypse in a sort of off-hand manner. And the way the characters seem to be leading their lives, you can actually forget that the world is about to end in there.

This story has a lot may characters but not one felt protagonist worthy for this kind of gritty genre. While I'd give it to Ms. Coutts, the idea behind the story was pretty great but nothing comes out of it and the prose was also well composed but it killed the purpose of this genre. So, an okay book.... 

"Apocalyptic but on the lite side"

Genre :      Young Adult, Apocalyptic, Contemporary, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Release Date: 17th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              2/5 (It was Ok)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository  
                

Pax Arcana #1 Charming

Presenting Pax Arcana #1 Charming by Elliot James.

Here is the summary of the book:

John Charming isn't your average Prince...

He comes from a line of Charmings — an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is — until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.

That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn't change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar... Right?

I chose this book for just 3 reasons. First, the cover - come on whats not to like about this and its inviting enough. Second, the synopsis seemed competent enough. Third, and most important because of the blurb by Kevin Hearne who is also an urban fantasy author (an amazing one), of the Iron Druid Chronicles that I loved loved loved......

Sadly, it felt short on all accounts. Its an info-dump. Although I can understand the author wants to give out as much information as possible to familiarize us readers with his story but he takes the idea to even greater levels..... Come on he is even stringing in info during action scenes..... Focus on the story would you.....

There were a few good points in this though. The cover again. The history and the purpose of the Charming family as monster hunters. And the first paragraph, literally that is the only paragraph I actually liked. As far as the characters go John Charming was an okay character but not protagonist material at all.... And exactly why name a girl after a weapon ('SIG') I would never know..... But I liked the character of Parth, in a sort of creepy scientist way, he reminded me of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the 12th divison captain and the second head of the shinigami research institute in the popular anime 'Bleach'.

Again I don't know how I finished it but I would say it dragged a lot and the crux of the plot is way more simpler and overdone than you realize...... I'd say this is an Ok attempt from Elliot James.

"An Okayish attempt"

Genre :      Urabn fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              2/5 (It was Ok)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 
                 

Techie @ Heart

Presenting Techie @ Heart by Karthik S.

Here is the summary of the book:

When I got into India's top-most software company, I thought, Dude, your life is set.

My future was bright, my parents were damn proud of me, my hot girlfriend and I planned a great life together.

Then things began to happen...crazy things I had not foreseen...

I was forced to reassess my dreams...to reconfigure the way I thought...to look again at this thing they call love...

I am Karthik S. And this is my story.

Another book that joins in the category of modern Indian contemporary stories that focus on the mundane and romance factors rather than the profession part to maintain the balance. Joining the ranks of Chetan Bhagat, and the likes..... As such I was pretty disappointed with this book.

Still a very light read. This is the story of Karthik, a typical Tam-Bramh boy of a typical South Indian family. Whose only aspirations is joining the top IT company and impress his father. He does it. Joins Silky to prove himself. But the thing is life is much more than joining a big company. And this naive boy soon realizes that.

Karthik as I said is the typical Indian male, who seems to rely on astrology much more than i would consider healthy.While at first he looked and sounded more like a follower, but eventually he does grow up to blaze his own trail. I like his chemistry with his roommate Aditya, bonus point there. Very little romance, another good point . Although Aarti and his being pushed together with no apparent chemistry, felt rather bland..... And the native curses used here make it even less desirable for me.... On the whole this was an OK book.

"Rather bland & Okayish"

Genre :      Contemporary, Non-fiction

Publisher: Hachette India

Release Date: 15th July, 2013

My Copy: courtesy of the publisher

Rate:              2/5 (It was OK)

Buy:           Amazon | Hachette 
                 

September is for Sequels GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]

September is for Sequels giveaway Hop

September 2nd to 9th

Hosted by Lisa Loves Literature & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

2 WINNERS can choose from the list below 2 (SEQUEL) EBOOKS EACH 

RULES : 

1. There will be only TWO Winner (subjected to change). 

2. Winner will be informed via email and *must* reply within 48 hours else I won't have a choice but to select another winner. 

3. All entries would be verified. 

4. Just fill in the rafflecopter below :

a Rafflecopter giveaway