Wednesday, 31 December 2014

Red Queen Trilogy #1 Red Queen

Presenting Red Queen Trilogy #1 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

Here is the summary of the book:

Graceling meets The Selection in debut novelist Victoria Aveyard's sweeping tale of seventeen-year-old Mare, a common girl whose once-latent magical power draws her into the dangerous intrigue of the king's palace. Will her power save her or condemn her?

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood--those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard--a growing Red rebellion--even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.


A Dystopia like no other. A fantasy-like world far more technologically advance than imaginable. Dynamic characters. Layers and layers and layers of secrets. A royal power play. Treachery, love and the ultimate betrayal notwithstanding and a world that contains them all and lets them shine all on their own. Red Blood vs. Silver Blood. The conclusion remains to be seen but "Red Queen" marks for an explosive start.

Mare, Maven & Cal. Our protagonist trio. One a red girl from the village and the latter two royal silver Princes. Nothing connects them. The girl waiting out her conscription to the army, a faith that awaits all those who are unable to attain jobs at a certain age. The two princes Cal & Maven, set in their life of comfort, the oldest meant to rule and the youngest meant to live out his days in his brother's shadow. But rebellion brews tall and as fate would have it Mare, Cal & Maven's lives tangle in the most unlikeliest of coincidences, and ensnaring us in their brilliant narrative.

Mare was a stubborn and hardheaded heroine. Being taught since the start that the Silvers get everything and the Reds must labor for their's , she had developed a harsh view of the world. But black and white are not the only shades of life, there is a gray too, she learns that soon. Showcasing the most character growth throughout, Mare ensconced in this game for power and learns to survive against every hurdle this dark game sends her way.

Cal & Maven, not far behind form another section of the lot. Hidden beneath layers of complexity. And they hide quite a few secrets themselves. Heart & Mind do not go together when court politics comes into play and as the story progresses and we peel away layer by layer of their character, their roles change and our understanding of them changes by the minute and each and as every twist & turn plays out.

The question of romance is considered too. It wasn't a focus of the tale but it did play its role where the dark manipulations are concerned. Who pulls which string and who gets the short end of the straw, politics is not made for the light-headed as it soon becomes apparent when the final blow is struck and we are left feeling the stench of betrayal.

This has the bearing of becoming the book of the year. A riveting plot. Dynamically complex characters. A well constructed world. And all of its twists & turns and surprises. It will keep you holding onto the edge of your seats from page one and you will wont to have it any less. 'tis a YA Dystopia I highly recommend. Victoria Aveyard has put forth a smashing debut and I urge you all to read it. This is a must read for all.

"A smashing debut. A riveting page-turner"

Genre :      Young Adult, Dystopia, Paranormal, Romance, High Fantasy

PublisherHarper Teen

Release Date: 10th February, 2015

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Sunday, 28 December 2014

Owl Post #20 [November & December, 2014]

This meme, called Owl Post is created by Brodie of Eleusinian Mysteries inspired by In My Mailbox by The Story Siren. Been meaning to do this since forever and I just love this idea. I'm being a Ravenclaw since at the age of eleven and couldn't seem to remember to do this....kudos to Brodie for thinking about this!



Before you all proceed further, let me make something clear:-

1. Just like my IMM posts, this will not be done every Sunday but on the last Sunday of each month... the reason why you'll see a lot more books in here than normal.
2. This Owl Post will have all the books that I received in November & December, 2014.
3. Also it will feature a list of recap link at the bottom of the page, which enlists all the review, interviews and tour posts I have done that particular month. Now I expect you all to visit each link and give out a comment here and there(would very much appreciate it) and you all can link your reviews too, i'd love to comment.
4. You are all welcome to share what you all got in the comment section below....i'd love to visit....


For Review


Netgalley





Edelweiss



Hachette India






Bought
















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A collective 2 months haul this is....

Anyways, what did you all get do comment and share your links i'll be sure to check your out too........


Monday, 22 December 2014

Starbound #2 This Shattered World

Presenting Starbound #2 This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner.

Here is the summary of the book:

The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.


'Tis a new story. 'Tis a new world. 'Tis a new pair. but equally epic star-crossed pair as the first. It is always a concern with series featuring new lead pair in every story, if the readers could form a connection with the new characters as they did for the previous ones. But fear not just like Tarver & Lilac, Jubilee & Flynn will make you feel right at ease in their high-octane space opera.

The girl Jubilee Chase, a soldier sent to Avon to route out the rebellion. The boy Flynn Cormac, a rebel, who only wants what should have been given as right. Jubilee Chase, a badass famed soldier, pretty set in her rules and a no-nonsense woman. Flynn Chase, not your typical buff rebel but shrewd and honorable to boot. Both passionate and resilient beings, situations may have set them apart but inherently they are the same and when they meet, they connect and share.

The stakes are high. Avon is ready for a great war. Thus, Jubilee and Flynn learn to trust one another even against the backdrop of their warring factions. She is the action-centered one, Flynn forms her voice of reason. Change is inevitable and our stubborn, set-in-their ways pair soon realize that if they wish to see Avon flourish, then they must put aside their past and their deep set beliefs to work together.

'Star-crossed' lovers they may be but stubborn they both are. Like Romeo & Juliet they may feel but strong characters like them (Lee & Flynn) need no comparisons at all. The romance is there of course, the promises made, passion displayed but it doesn't let itself be heavy on the plot and lets the action carry it in its current..... And what chemistry *swoons* ... They truly don't need comparing with Romeo & Juliet at all, if I do say so myself.

Of course Kaufman & Spooner didn't finish it there. The connection between "These Broken Stars" and "This Shattered World" was just fantastically portrayed. Tarver & Lilac and Jubilee & Flynn, the connection is surprising, its subtle but its also obvious. In a good way it jumps at you when you are least expecting it. It was great to see them again and helping each other out in their fight against the common enemy and persevering till it lasts.

Such high-stakes, high-octane action. Where "These Broken Stars" had more of a surviving-exploring aura, "This Shattered World" was filled to the brim with nerve-wracking action. The authors build this new world from scratch and they built it brilliantly. The atmosphere is just right, the characters are strong & well developed and the plot is well balanced with its own share of excitement..... A gem that must not be missed......  ohhhh already anticipating what will happen on Corinth next.

"A high-octane sequel. An exhilarating drama fit to be experienced. Bravo"

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Romance, ,Dystopia

PublisherDisney-Hyperion

Release Date: 23rd December, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books in the series (review links):
                #1 These Broken Stars 

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Saturday, 20 December 2014

The Shadowhunter's Codex

Presenting The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis.

Here is the summary of the book:

Taken from back cover:

Congratulations. You are ready to embark upon the righteous and rewarding life of a Shadowhunter. We have been chosen by the Angel to keep our world safe from the evil creatures we call "demons". And now you are one of us, and with this book, you will learn our lore and our ways. Angels, demons, faeries, vampires, werewolves, warlocks: they all exist, and they all must be managed and kept at peace. Welcome to our ranks, and study hard. This book could be the difference between life and death.

The book that contains it all. Be it Shadowhunter law, their history, weapons catalogs, a short & detailed writing on Downworlders imaginable. Idris, the institutes, the Shadowhunter capital of Alicante, to the Silent City or the Adamant Citadel. The Shadowhunter's Codex is the handbook, nephilim need to be aware of this hidden world around them. What to do and what not to do, the codex tells it all. Alongwith some running commentary from Clary, Jace &Simon providing the biting and silly humor to the serious textbook material of the codex.

Coupled with some gorgeous artwork and illustrations, the codex tells the story of world before the beginning of the nephilim. Of what led Jonathan Shadowhunter to call upon the Archangel Raziel, his parabatai David establishing the Silent City and becoming the first Silent brother and Abigail Shadowhunter becoming the first Iron Sister. To a short description of the void and precisely, the Pandemonium City from where the demons appear to come from, or the history of the Accords.... This is a book to be cherished. Praises to Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis and all those who had a hand in the publishing of The Shadowhunter's Codex.

"The necessary handbook for every Shadowhunters and fans of this series"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Tie-in

PublisherSimon & Schuster

Release Date: 29th October, 2013

My Copy: bought (paperback)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Other Books from Cassandra Clare:
                       (review links)
           
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1

Presenting The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1

Here is the summary of the book:

Elena, Stefan and Damon make their comics debut in a new series based on the hit CW television show! This anthology graphic novel will bring some of comics' greatest talents to Mystic Falls and set them loose to bring the characters to life. Or death. They are vampires, you know.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is a must-read for any fan of this runaway hit TV series. Collects digital chapters #1-39.


Damon, Stefan, & Elena, our Thursday trio. Hugely successful, The Vampire Diaries, showcasing the paranormalia of and around Mystic Falls, Virginia. Vampires, Werewolves, Witches and the ever present humans, and viewers of all ages have fallen in love with this popular show. Leading to publishing & producing of spin-offs and tie-ins.... The Vampire Diaries Vol. 1 is one such.....

Containing 39 stories, filling in the blanks between the stories shown on the show. Be it Stefan's experience on the war front. Instances of Damon disrupting Stefan's life before he came to Mystic Falls before the start of the show. Jeremy's spirit encounters at camp with Bonnie's ghost hanging around. A glimpse of the other side with the Bennet witches. Sheila Bennet's first meeting with Stefan and many more. This volume is a treasure full of stories and all brilliantly represented.

Brooding Stefan. Damon's dry humor. Elena's rather rampant impulsiveness, Caroline's sass and of course Bonnie's magic. Every detail and of course Bonnie's magic. Every detail is illustrated to our hearts's content. The art is also very well done accentuating the actor who play them on screen. Although one of the stories is actually a bit more cartoonish but barring that Vol.1 is guaranteed to win hearts.

"Fans of the Vampire Diaries will enjoy this artistic representation of the characters"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Graphic Novel, Tv tie-in

PublisherDC Comics

Release Date: 25th November, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books on "The Vampire Diaries"
                        (review links)
    
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Friday, 12 December 2014

The Body Electric

Presenting The Body Electric by Beth Revis.

Here is the summary of the book:

The future world is at peace.

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

But not all is at it seems.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Someone’s altered her memory.

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

So who can she trust?


We asked and she answered. Beth Revis enamored us with her sci-fi dystopia series, Across the Universe. We asked for more and she answered, while Amy & Elder were on Godspeed this here is what was happening on Earth. Across the Universe showed us life in space in an ingenious made up colony aboard a space ship and The Body Electric shows a utopian Earth with chaos hanging just round the corners..... Of course this is a standalone and you don't really have to read Across the Universe series to read this.

And Beth Revis went all out. She held nothing back. There is a level of details prevalent, be it the world building, the plot or the characterization. Be it Malta itself or the fictional New Venice, its quirks and its opulence, the finesse is there. Revis mentions that the world building is inspired by her travels and we can find no fault with that claim. Vivid and exotically conditioned you can just about construct every detail in your mind and there it will be with you a long while.

Characters too play their parts well. Well fleshed and equally heart-rendering, each of them bring something new. Be it the humans or the androids. They all held their personalities and they each held a unique spot. Truly Ella was the cream on the top. Ingeniously fleshed out and highly relatable and rather unreliable too. A higher degree of vulnerability, she just fights on. Be it the loss of her father, her mother's terminal illness, or Jack. She feels them all very deeply. And you just can't help but read on. 

Ella & Jack are definitely the apple of our eyes. The romance may play a key role to the story but it is safely held in the corners, important but not all consuming. With a past shrouded among layers and layers of secrets, an obsession for answers is not far behind. There are not many authors who can hide such truths and keep us tethered till the end and keep us invested in the lives of these refreshing characters.

There is a marked improvement. While Across the Universe held its own mysterious peculiarities and its eccentricities, The Body Electric is a virtual treasure trove of creativity. Revis' world isn't new but all of the allusions to some of the mainstream pop culture and it is very much her own. Twists & turns, and secrets, unexpected truths and whatnot. Read it folks, just give this a read. Highly recommended.

"Vividly exotic and highly imaginative. Another jem worth experiencing from Beth Revis"

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Dystopia, Romance

PublisherScripturient Books

Release Date: 6th October, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books from the Author (review links):
               Across the Universe #1, #2, #3
    
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Best of 2014 GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]

best of 2014
Best of 2014 Giveaway Hop
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookhounds
December 11th to 18th 
Here is what you may win (2 WINNERS-1 ebook 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. 


Monday, 8 December 2014

The Copernicus Legacy #2 The Serpent's Curse

Presenting The Copernicus Legacy #2 The Serpent's Curse by Tony Abbott.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Serpent’s Curse is the second full-length novel in the Copernicus Legacy, an epic tween adventure series that New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson says is “full of mystery and intrigue.”

Wade, Lily, Darrell, and Becca may have found the Copernicus Legacy’s first relic—a beautiful blue stone named after the constellation Vela—but they have lost much more than they have gained. Darrell’s mother, Sara, has been kidnapped by Galina Krause, the conniving leader of the Teutonic Order, who hopes that the renowned academic will lead her and her minions to the next relic.

That means the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Kaplan kids, who trek across the cold wilderness of Siberia, along the winding canals of Venice, and through the streets of Moscow’s Red Square in search of their beloved family member and the sought-after relic called the Serpens. In the process, they meet another network of Guardians and discover that Galina’s plan for Sara involves a scientific experiment that could jeopardize her life.

Filled with another globe-trotting quest and more riddles, puzzles, and secret histories, The Serpent’s Curse is a heart-stopping and suspenseful read for fans of Rick Riordan and Peter Lerangis. The second book in a six-book, six-novella journey, The Serpent’s Curse will leave readers hungry for the next adventure and excited to enter a sweepstakes to participate in a real-life scavenger hunt hosted by Tony Abbott that lets fans become part of the story.


It is the next leg of the journey. Dr. Roald Kaplan, Wade, Lily & Becca may have found Vela but there are still more needed to be searched. Centuries prior Copernicus had disassembled this time machine and hidden its key parts to be guarded under lock and key (metaphorically) by these brave historical & mystical figures to be kept away from the fiendish clutches of the Teutonic Order. This may be a new age and a modern era but the order with the ruthless Galina Krause has come knocking and the Guardians of the relics must protect their dues even if their lives depend on it.

Tony Abbott has presented a solid sequel. Following much of the pattern set in the first book, the high stake chase, the ingenious clues, the factoids, the relation to history and their jaw dropping heroics. The Serpent's Curse felt an experience much more heart-pounding. Our adevnturors have finally come to terms with their sacred mission. Their enemies are many but their friends are less and every second matters. Trust is a precious commodity not easily bestowed and once broken can never be regained. They realize that now such lessons have hardened them even more. Sara Kaplan is still missing, in the hands of the order but our Guardians have no choice but to keep going on. Success in their quest may be the only chance they could actually get her back.

This time it is the serpens. A two piece relic that is needed to be rediscovered. With a history blacker than thou and an elusive background, our heroes must pool every resource at their disposal, if they are to not only find the relic but Sara too. Pooling all of their resources possible, the Guardians spread out throughout the continent to piece together their mission and if not but try and be a few steps ahead the order. Truly a hit by Mr. Abbott, this is an adventure that has something for all ages and we are more excited to see what adventures they have next.

"Full of the intrigue and the mystery. An epic globe trotting sequel and a heart-rendering-ly gripping saga"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure

PublisherKatherine Tegen Books

Release Date: 7th October, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books in the Series (review links):
                    #1 The Forbidden Stone

Other Books from the Author (review links):
   The Copernicus Archives #1 Wade and the Scorpion's Claw
    
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Survival Tips For Lunatics

Presenting Survival Tips For Lunatics by Shandana Minhas.

Here is the summary of the book:

To save the most important things in the world, you have to first find out what they are... 

Tip No. 1: Believe it or not a camping trip is the best place to start especially if it has: 

Changez, 12 
(Tip No. 2: Think constable in the lunatic police) 

Timmy, 10 
(Tip No. 3: Think capuchin-monkey brained snotasaurus) 

A mud volcano 
(Tip No. 4: Yes, it can erupt!) 

Saw-toothed crocs 
(Tip No. 5: The animals, not the shoes) 

A snippy sparrow 
(Tip No. 6: Small is Big) 

The last Ursus thibetanus 
(Tip No. 7: Think large, furry and walking towards you!) 

A herd of hyperherbivorous Baluchitheria 
(Tip No. 8: Don't think... Run! ) 

One poetic Markhor 
(Tip No. 9: Yup, get the earplugs) 

A Protoliterodragon 
(Tip No. 10: It may go from bad to verse! ) 

Vegetarian Velociraptors 
(Tip No. 11: Be glad you are not green) 

And as always Assorted pesky humans, including angry soldiers and heartless rogues 
(Tip No. 12: Think the most dangerous animal on earth...) 

Got the idea? Here's a story that tells you what on earth is really happening. If you are a clever Smartosapiens Survival Tips for Lunatics is the mad, mad handbook for you to make sense of the world and where it is going, besides round and round!

Survival tips for Lunatics..... It sounds like a self-help book doesn't it? But by no means is it one. A fire-cracker of an adventure, amidst cracking humor and witty banter of brothers Changez and Timmy stranded in a volcanic forest and surviving nature's obstacles to return back to their mother & father. Set in Balochistan and following the point of view of Changez, Survival Tips.... may target a younger audience but this is a tale for for all ages..... Ohhhh and it is to be noted - the story is written in prose format, don't be mislead by the way the synopsis is presented. ;)

Stranded behind by their parents on their camping trip, Changez and Timmy's journey offers us rib-tickling scenarios as they overcome every hurdle in their path. Guided by a no-nonsense sparrow, a sage-ly bear and a mighty fuming dragon who just hates bad poetry. Of course Velociraptors, Baluchitheriums and a mad Chiltan Markhor (wild goat) are not far behind.

Shandana Minhas is a a true cracker of a story teller. Well written dialogues, well worded plot and coupled with gorgeous Illustrations, Survival tips for Lunatics is not a book meant to be marked for later but to be experienced in its full delight. There is not a moment of rest for the boys or for us readers as we follow this witty, intelligent and a light hearted journey.

"Witty, rib-tickling and a light-hearted fire-cracker"

Genre :      Middle Grade, Adventure

PublisherHachette India

Release Date: 28th September, 2014

My Copy: Hachette India

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon (India) | Flipkart 

Saturday, 6 December 2014

Judge Dredd Year One: Omnibus

Presenting Judge Dredd Year One: Omnibus by Matt Smith, Al Ewing, Michael Carroll.

Here is the summary of the book:

Three celebrated Judge Dredd writers take you back to Dredd’s first year on the streets of Mega- City One as a full-eagle Judge, in three thrilling novellas.

Bred to dispense Justice, the young Dredd is not the wizened veteran we know, but a Judge with built-in determination and little experience. In City Fathers, the brutal murder of a Justice Department-sanctioned spy uncovers something new and dangerous in the sector’s murky black market. Unless Dredd can stop it, chaos will be unleashed.

In Cold Light of Day, a savage killing spree results in the deaths of two highlyregarded Judges, and many consider Dredd to be responsible: a decision he made five years earlier – while he was still a cadet – has come back to haunt him. The third story in the collection will debut in this collection and is guaranteed to thrill.


 Not really sure how to begin. Aside from a short read through on the internet I have no idea about Judge Dredd. I know about the movies and the comics but I have never seen or read them. So when I saw this on netgalley, well it was on  whim that I decided to request it..... And I must say I quite liked it. This is an omnibus that showcases the first year of Joe Dredd as a certified 'Judge' of Mega-city One and they were pretty interesting.

Dredd is a rule follower. He is passionate about upholding the law upto unimaginable limits and rather exerts his authority when needed. Not someone who ever partakes in lazing activities,you would categorize Dredd as a brutally honest Judge, free from corruption. He is quick on his feet and attempts to judge the perps with extreme prejudice. On the whole I very much liked the stories, they each show a different aspect of Mega-City One and some very cool cases Dredd was handed. My only negative point would be the heavy slang usage and heavy language used in the stories. Sometimes they bored me but it was enjoyable nonetheless. 

"Thrilling adventures of Dredd as a first year"

Genre :      Sci-fi, Dystopia

PublisherAbaddon

Release Date: 28th October, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Thursday, 4 December 2014

2014 Debut Author GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]


2014 Debut Author Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookhounds

December 4th to 11th 

Featuring books released in 2014 by Debut Authors (First Time Authors)

Here is what you may win (2 WINNERS-1 ebook each) - 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 :
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