The Asylum Tales #1 Angel's Ink

An urban fantasy and an open world (according to author)....lets see what this is all about. Presenting The Asylum Tales #1 Angel's Ink by Jocelyn Drake.

Here is the summary of the book:

The series is firmly settled in the urban fantasy genre, set in what I like to call an open world (ie, everyone knows about all the other races and has for a really long time, allowing everyone to live side-by-side in a relative, occasionally strained, harmony.) Some of the races that you meet in this series include, but are not limited to: humans, elves, trolls, dwarves, pixies, werewolves, vampires, ogres, minotaurs, incubus, faeries, goblins, and many many more that are fighting to get their time on the page. At the center of this mess is Gage Powell, a tattoo artist who owns a parlor in a sketchy little neighborhood in Low Town called Asylum. In a world that is naturally filled with magic, it only makes sense that many of the non-magic folk (like humans) could use an edge. In this world, tattoo artists aren't just tattoo artists. They are also licensed potion stirrers. For the right price, they can help you get an edge. Need courage, love, or luck? A tattoo artist can stir a potion to be placed in the ink of a tattoo that can help you achieve those things. Unfortunately, Gage has a secret that keeps coming back to haunt him despite his attempts to keep his head down and his nose somewhat clean. Lucky for him, he had a pair of employees that help him out. The first is Bronx -- a patient troll who manages to keep a level head and his sense of humor when things get bad. The second is Trixie -- a elf who is pretending to be a human because she's got her own problems, but she still manages to make time to give Gage a hand when he needs it.

The author describes the book as an urban fantasy and based in an open world.....a world where all sorts of creatures of the paranormal quota roam free and in broad day light. At the center of all this mess is the tattoo artist, Gage Powell. In this open world, tattoos are no longer just a symbol of style but a way to gain a sort of an edge in a world populated by all assortments of creatures. A licensed potion stirrer, Powell is one of the best there is. But the past comes back to haunt and it does in the most disastrous of ways that Powell never thought possible. A small sympathetic mistake proves to be his undoing.....the catalyst of a chain reaction of which the end product is his destruction. And Powell only has a short time on hand to deal with his problem on all the fronts.

Gage Powell plays the protagonist of the tale. A rogue warlock and a quite successful tattoo artist, a potion stirrer, Powell hides some big secrets up his sleeve. He is definitely not your traditional tattooist. He holds a rather good quality of virtue and a rather lack of self-preservation and stirring up trouble for himself. His coworkers though are of varied assortments, troll and a Seelie Elf. Things never stay quiet if he somehow involved.

Then there is the moderately unconvincing romance between his coworker Trixie and him. Although one scene in particular really begs to differ...rather graphic i tell you. A major arc of this book focuses on this romance and the lengths Powell goes to safeguard his relationship.

But putting it aside Angel's Ink is a moderately good book deserving to be read because while the situation is pretty chaotic, she made a clear head and tail of the deal and lays it out for us. Action lovers and preferably magical action lovers will not be disappointed....plenty of magical crossfire in here. I may consider checking book 2 now when that comes out. A good and a very layered read.

"Jocelyn Drake puts forth a smart read - a different world that our own"

Genre :      Urban Fantasy


Publisher: Harper Voyager


My Copy:  Publisher and edelweiss


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Owl Post #2 [August]

Guys, today I'm doing something new on my blog....been coming on for a long time. 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 first Owl Post will have all the books that I received in August.

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

From Author

 Solid #1 Solid - Shelley Workinger

Netgalley

Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince - Julie Kagawa
Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave - Deron R. Hicks
The Iron Druid Chronicles #5 Trapped - Kevin Hearne
Throne of Glass #1 Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
House of Night: The Graphic Novel #1 - House of Night: Legacy - P.C. Cast, Kristen Cast, Kent Dalian
Gone with the Respiration #2 Dearly, Beloved - Lia Habel
Eve and Adam - Katherine Applegate
Crewel World #1 Crewel - Gennifer Albin
The Shadow Society - Marie Rutkoski

Bought

Newsoul #1 Incarnate - Jodi Meadows

Every Other Day - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Under the Never Sky #1 Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Carrier Trilogy #1 Carrier of the Mark - Leigh Fallon
Of Poseidon #1 Of Poseidon - Anna Banks

RECAP OF THE MONTH

The Order of Darkness #1 Changeling - Philippa Gregory

Transcend Time Saga #1 Remembrance - Michelle Madow
Transcend Time Saga #2 Vengeance - Michelle Madow
Divergent #2 Insurgent - Veronica Roth
Bloodlines #2 The Golden Lily - Richelle Mead
Dark Companion - Marta Acosta
Newsoul #1 Incarnate - Jodi Meadows
Lunar Chronicles #1 Cinder - Marissa Meyer
Interview with Jodi Meadows
Once Upon A Time Machine - Lee Nordling, Jason Rodriguez, and Tara Alexander
Interview with Michelle Madow
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle & G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers
Darkest London #2 Moonglow - Kristen Callihan
Every Other Day - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Under the Never Sky #1 Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi
The Demon Catchers of Milan - Kat Beyer



Be Sure to add your Owl Post links too in the comment section so I can check them out and comment!

The Demon Catchers of Milan

Presenting The Demon Catchers of Milan by Kat Beyer.

Here is the summary of the book:

Mia's ordinary life is disrupted in the most horrifying way possible when she is possessed by a hungry and powerful demon--and only saved by the arrival of relatives from Italy, the country her grandfather fled many decades ago. Now her cousins Emilio and Giuliano say the only way to keep her safe is for her to come back with them to Milan, to live, to learn Italian, to fall in and out of love, and to master the family trade: fighting all demons with the lore of bell, book, and candle. Milan is not what Mia expected, but it will change her forever, in this stunningly well-written novel about an American girl who, fleeing an ancient evil, finds her only salvation in her ancestral home.

I'm definitely a little mixed up about this book. While it features one of the places of this world I want to visit, Milan. The plot though kinda sketchy to me. But this is Mia's story. A typical but not so obvious American teenager, Mia's life takes a u-turn when a demon possess her and she must go back to her roots in order to survive.

Totally not the best book of the year, although it does have its moments. The story straight drops us in the middle of the pivotal point of the story. While that strategy is helpful(sometimes) but here it makes it somewhat difficult to get into the story like this. I definitely liked Mia's character and her ability to embrace the changes in her life and tackle it.

The one pro about this book was the incorporation of Milanese culture and that extensive background and the way Mia had to learn it all to survive. As well as the demon hunting tradition of Mia's family. But with all the action and a sometimes clueless Mia, left us a little clueless in the mix as well. A well written book through!

"A good read"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: EgmontUSA


My Copy:  Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Under the Never Sky #1 Under the Never Sky

A port-apocalyptic dystopia. Another view of how the the world might shape with our present actions gone wrong. Presenting Under the Never Sky #1 Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.

Here is the summary of the book:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse. Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

After hearing such raving reviews about this book I finally picked it up....and it was totally amazing. Dystopia is a rave at present and under the never sky totally makes a niche in this ever growing awesome list.This is the story of Aria, a dweller, better yet, one of them who went underground when the conditions above ground became impossible for them to live. And life thrived as thus but circumstances lead her to be wrongly thrown out of her pod. Out in the open, Aria is vulnerable, she has no idea what to do and how to get back to the pods. But one of her best characteristics? She is a determined person, very righteous and loyal. You can definitely sympathize with her throughout the book as she and her body goes through a lot of changes (there is one particular embarrasing change...that is explained by Perry when it happens ;) ).

But Under the Never Sky is also Peregrine aka Perry's story. Unlike Aria, Perry is an outsider. Roughened in these tough conditions he does not like what Aria's presence brings to him. Like Aria, Perry is also on a mission, he wants his nephew back and she wants to go back to her pod. So these two form a partnership of sorts. Again like her, Perry is also very stubborn and loyal...oh and with the added nose too ;) (sorry that was a spoiler).

Throughout the book the one thing that kept it interesting was the strong chemistry between them both. They are both angry at each other at first but as this journey continues, they start to know each other and slowly but surely their feelings change towards the better....definitely a welcome change.Then there is the dystopian atmosphere of the book. The author did a good use of the "rumored" fifth element "aether" and those electrical storms and the aether clouded skies gave it the nice dark background to the story of a destroyed world. 

They formed a perfect driving factor in the book. Also a very good use of Darwinism in here....actually one of the basics of the dystopian genre is Darwinism...and it is the factor that forces the humans to adapt to survive....Totally looking forward to 'Through the Ever Night'.

"An amazing dystopia, a worthwhile read"

Genre :       Young Adult,Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic


Publisher: HarperCollins


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Every Other Day

Presenting Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Here is the summary of the book:

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human. And then every day in between . . . She's something else entirely. Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism. When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by
one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends.

This is one of those books that are also good as well as bad. Every Other Day is a paranormal-alternate universe-ish standalone novel. Kali D'Angelo, a loner but a bad-ass. She lives in a world where hellhounds and the other creatures of the paranormal world once thought to be a myth or extinct are alive and declared endangered by the government. But Kali's hunter instincts or her other half doesn't agree and in the in between time every day she changes into this being who lusts for the kill and the thrill of the blood. But now she is in danger and may have to change her views about the world to survive this ordeal.

Every other Day is a standalone book, every page spewing non-stop killer action, and the mysteries of the past but a fat load of info dump too. Yes, that's just about it. The only problem I had with this book was the huge info dump. This is one that should have been made as a series and the info dumped on us layered out bit by bit over the duration of the book. Also while the course of the book transitions well over the chapters and Kali is a perfect protagonist, I had a little trouble getting into the book. But maybe you all will feel differently when you read it.

"A modern Buffy - a badass hunter"

Genre :       Young Adult,Paranormal


Publisher: EgmontUSA


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Darkest London #2 Moonglow

Oh my! as marvelous as the previous one. Presenting Darkest London #2 Moonglow by Kristen Callihan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . . Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . . Their growing passion knows no bounds . . . Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

Moonglow, second book in the darkest London series and tells the story of Miranda's sister Daisy. Fresh out of mourning for her husband, Daisy is now ready to shed her black clothes and again take up the colors of society. What she doesn't foresee is that in the dark alleys of London roams a monster vicious to the teeth and deadly. As Daisy comes in its line of sight.....as it remembers her scent....well only Lord Northrup is her only hope but she needs to start trusting him for that to happen.

Ember and Firelight spoke of Miranda's story with and before her husband Lord Archer and Moonglow tells us Daisy's entangled with Lord Northrup's and it totally does not disappoint. All the elements that were in the previous book, that made them amazing are all present here. All the darkness, the emotions, the dark and the dirty, the sarcasm, its all in here.

As I already mentioned, Moonglow changes its perspective to two new characters.....well old but still.....Daisy and Ian/Lord Northrup. So it was a little difficult follow the change of perspective and a new story arc but it was a wonderful and an exotic change. The story of Daisy and Ian held many parallels with Miranda & Ben. In that both the sisters are a stubborn and headstrong lot, Daisy is also very insecure and doesn't let anyone in easily, in Miranda's it was her Fire elemental but with Daisy it was the treatment she received at the hands of her dead husband. But she has the ability to love and love she does in leaps and bounds.

Ian/Northrup again like Daisy and Miranda, draws parallels with Benjamin Archer. Both are old souls, both are creatures of the paranormal world. They both have experienced extreme sadness and betrayal at the hands of their loved ones and just want to feel loved again. And just like Miranda & Archer, Daisy & Ian will take you in their tumultuous relationship when you are least expecting it and make you ride the waves of their tussling emotions. Oh now I want to know what Winterblaze has in store for us rather badly.

"From the pen of Ms. Callihan - oh the magic that happens when she mixes the dark and foggy London, Steampunk and the Paranormalia - out comes a tale of two stubborn souls who only want a little love in their loves - Moonglow is just as wondrous and sexy as Firelight was!"
 

Genre :      Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Romance


Publisher: Grand Central Publishing


My Copy:  Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Cover Reveal #2: Conjure [& a giveaway]

Okay guys,

Today I'm bringing before you all another COVER REVEAL feature.

This time it is LEE NOLAN's CONJURE......oh and a little giveaway too, read on....

About CONJURE: 

Be careful what you search for…

Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry--hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.

When a strange girl appears, bent on revenge; demon dogs become a threat; and Jack turns into a walking skeleton; Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends--are lost forever.

Some External Links for you all to visit:

CONJURE on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425130-conjure
Lea's website: http://www.leanolan.com/
Lea on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lea_Nolan


OH AND HERE IS THE ONE YOU ALL WANT.....THE GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Turn Back Time: [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles] & [G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers]

Ahh! Nostalgia....

Remembering those good times, I bring before you all two graphic novels I found on netgalley.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Vol. 1
by. Dave Garcia

Classic animated TMNT action is collected here in this re-presentation of two fan-favorite cartoon adaptations! In both "The Return of Shredder Parts 1-2" and "The Incredible Shrinking Turtles Parts 1-2" read along as Shredder comes back to Earth from Dimension X and attempts to exact his revenge upon the hard-backed heroes.

OH MY GOD! This stuff is GOLD. You are a 90s kid? Then this is blast from the past. Your a 20s kid, then this is a welcome to an amazing cartoon for you. Contained here are two of the fan-favorite adaptations of the series. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are here with the evil Shredder playing the age old game of good vs. bad. Very old school/disney-esque artwork, our heroes are the friendly ones and villains as it was in the cartoons put down as bullies, clutzy and definitely not spewing evil at all. But remember here, as it was originally TMNT was meant to be fun and it remains fun even if you have crossed the age appropriate  to read stuffs like this (like me).

Thus, clearly for the kids this is a story that the kids of today accustomed to Power Rangers and action packed visuals may love or hate it. But for a parent going to introduce cartoon/comics to their kids - this is definitely the safest bet.

G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers

by. Michael Higgins

The worlds of G.I. JOE and The Transformers combine in this first volume of crossovers. Contains the 4-issue G.I. JOE and The Transformers limited series, plus issues #139-142 of Marvel's G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero. Megatron and Cobra versus the JOEs and the Autobots - who will come out on top?

Who doesn't love Transformers or the G.I.Joe! Everybody knows who Optimus Prime, Autobots, Decepticons, Duke, Snake eyes, Ripcord and the such are. And this is definitely a treat. Both the good groups the G.I.Joes and the Autobots come together against Cobra and the Deceptions. You don't want to miss it.

Very old schoolish design, this is another one which is meant as a re-introductions to the old stuff which is definitely the good stuffs. Its action and its one adventure that will be with you forever.

"For both the books i'd like to thank Netgalley and the publishers"  

Interview with Michelle Madow

Hey

Today I had the pleasure of putting forth a short Q&A session I had with the MICHELLE MADOW, the author of the Transcend Time Saga.

A Little bit about Michelle:-

Michelle Madow was inspired to write Remembrance after seeing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video while a junior at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. The song and video gave her the story idea about a high school girl reincarnated from Regency Era, England. She handed in the first chapter as a homework assignment for class, and when her teacher and fellow classmates wanted her to continue writing, she decided to go for it. By the end of the school year, her first novel was completed!

Along with the Transcend Time Saga, Michelle Madow has written two other young adult novels, both which will be developed into series’.

Michelle Madow graduated from the Park School of Baltimore in 2005, where she always took two English classes each semester. She graduated from Rollins College in 2010, cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English. At Rollins she was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a member of the International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta.

She received the Charles Hyde Pratt Award for Excellence in Creative Writing in 2010.

For more information on Michelle and her books, please visit www.michellemadow.com.

Michelle lives in Florida, where she is hard at work writing more novels for young adults.

L'interview:- 



Q: What is the best part of writing for you?

My favorite part of writing is having the finished product, and sharing the story with readers! I write so other people will be able to enjoy the stories I’m constantly thinking about, and knowing that there are people out there who love the characters and their journeys as much as I do means so much to me.

Q: How to you research for a book before you begin the writing process?

Before I begin drafting, I create character bios for the important characters in the story, and then outline the story from the beginning to the end. When it came to the historical research needed for the Transcend Time Saga, I looked things up while I was outlining or writing. One website I found, Social Customs During the Regency Era, proved so helpful for me!

Q: How did it come to you that you wanted to write something based on Taylor Swift’s music and Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice?

After watching the “Love Story” music video in 2008, I was completely enchanted. In the video, Taylor Swift is dressed in modern day clothing, and once she sees a dark haired guy the scene switches to the two of them dancing together at a ball in Regency Era, England. This ignited Lizzie and Drew’s story in my mind, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them! When I shared the idea with friends and family they loved it as well, so I decided to turn the idea into my first novel. As for the Pride and Prejudice references, I actually didn’t go into writing Remembrancewith the intention of that parallel, but as I was writing it just sort of happened, so I decided to go with it.

Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. What are your thoughts on all the recent covers coming out featuring Venetian masks on their covers?
Thank you! The moment I found the image I knew it was going to be perfect to get across the feeling of Remembrance. It was lots of fun to design my own cover! I think it’s neat that there are other books coming out with masks on the cover, too. For theRemembrance cover I used the mask because Lizzie wears a gold mask to a dance at school, so hopefully other books have masks on the covers because it gets across a part of the book and not just because it looks cool!

Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?

My number one piece of advice is that if you’re serious about finishing a book, you have to dedicate yourself to writing a certain number of words a day for at least five days a week. Writing isn’t always fun, and you’re not always going to be inspired to sit down and write. The only way to finish is to treat it like any other work you would take on. I like to write 1,000 – 1,500 words a day, but I also edit as I go. Find the words per day that works for you, make yourself write, and within a few months, you’ll have a first draft of a novel!

CHECK OUT HER BOOKS HERE(click the covers to know more about the books)



Also do visit my reviews of the books - 
Click Here

Once Upon A Time Machine

Another marvelous form of back to basics fairytales with a twist - marvelous indeed. Presenting Once Upon A Time Machine by Lee Nordling, Jason Rodriguez, and Tara Alexander.

Here is the summary of the book:

Fairy tales have fueled our dreams and fired our imaginations for centuries. Step inside a time machine built by a collection of today’s finest storytellers, and enter a range of futures where familiar tales are reimagined in an astonishing variety of styles. Editors Andrew Carl and Chris Stevens bring you the next wave of leading writers and illustrators working alongside superstar creators like Farel Dalrymple (Pop Gun War), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Khoi Pham (Daredevil), and Brandon Graham (King City) to deliver a reading experience that will delight generations young and old.

Its back to basics folks. Another one adding itself to the list of successful fairytales and classics re-imaging. Thats right this is a perfectly lucid and geniously crafted re-imagined collection to the classics and the fairytale. "One hundred and one nights", "Peter Pan", "Goldilock and the three bears", "The Three Musketeers", "Alice in Wonderland" and more..... all are present here and with a new life and a new twist. Every story down to the minute details is re-written, all the while maintaining the originality of the story they are inspired from.

All the stories written, illustrated and colored by different artists, you really get a  color explosion and variety as you go through all the stories. Clearly meant for and older crowd seeking for a reintroduction to the classics with a twist, this book is not meant for those kids who are looking to step into the world of stories. My only problem here was the format, a book with a collection of stories this engaging is not meant to be read in digital format but felt through your fingers as you leaf through each page. Regardless you need to get this book to marvel at the extravagance within.

"A re-imaging of the age-old classics - this is one book you don't want to miss out on - Go Buy it folks!"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Fairytale re-imaging


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


My Copy:  Publisher & Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Interview with Jodi Meadows

Hey Guys! OMG this is totally fab.

I'd like to present before you guys the author I wanted to interview since I read her book recently....

That's right folks, JODI MEADOWS, the acclaimed author of the NEWSOUL series.

Here are some very good questions she answered for me -

Q: What is the best part of writing for you?

All the parts. I love everything about writing, because each part has its definite perks. First draft? Exciting! Revisions? Getting the story how it's supposed to be!

Q: How to you research for a book before you begin the writing process?

It depends on what I need to know for the book. I have a rule: if I know a little about something I want to write about, I pretend like I don't know anything. That way I don't just make stuff up when it suits me -- I actually look it up to be sure. 

I'll often look up location information, study/buy/print maps, get lists of local wildlife and plants, try to get an idea of weather patterns. I also try to determine what time period the book is set in, or the closest approximation, and get an idea of what level of technology the characters might have at their disposal.

Basically, I research everything I know I will need before I start writing the book. Later, as I'm actually writing the first draft, I know I'll have to look up more information, too.

Q: How did it come to you that you wanted to write something based re-incarnations? In one line how would you describe your book to someone to sell to?

INCARNATE is about the only girl who is new in a world where everyone else is perpetually reincarnated. 

I didn't start my writing career thinking about writing a book about reincarnation. INCARNATE is actually myseventeenth finished manuscript. Yep. I wrote sixteen manuscripts before that, about different characters and worlds. 

The premise behind INCARNATE was a huge challenge for me. I actually had the idea for it three years before I started writing the book, but I tucked my note for it into a file because it looked too hard to write. I wasn't ready. I started writing the book when I was ready for a challenge, and ready to start thinking about my stories in a different way. The idea of INCARNATE had never left me, even when I was working on other stories. 

I didn't expect INCARNATE to be the one that sold (at that point, I didn't expect any of my stories to sell), but I'm pretty darn pleased by the fact that it did, let me tell you!

Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. Did you have any inputs on it while its conception stage?

Thanks, I think it's awesome, too. I didn't have anything to do with it. The closest I came to having input was when my editor called me before the model casting to double check on Ana's appearance. 

and, Lastly,

Q: Something….anything you can tell us about ASUNDER that we don’t know yet?Pretty Please.....

There's something really, really strange happening with the sylph. As for what? You'll just have to wait to find out. 

"OH MY! "

CHECK OUT HER BOOKS HERE(click on the covers to check out their descriptions)

 


Also don't forget to check out my review of INCARNATE here -
Click Here

Cover Reveal #1: Perception

Hey people!

I have finally decided to do a cover reveal post and this is the first one.

Check out this amazing new book cover of author Lee Strauss' PERCEPTION :-

Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.

Her brother Liam is missing.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn.  She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.

PERCEPTION is a ( SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not too distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically.  It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or alliance us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love.

This is the first book in a planned three book series. 

Official Website of the author - Click Here
Goodreads page of the book - Click Here

Lunar Chronicles #1 Cinder

A fairy tale re-imaging of Cinderella....marvelous...carry on folks as I present before you all my views on Lunar Chronicles #1 Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

Here is the summary of the book:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Its back to basics these days it seems. Fairy tale re-imaging is in rage. Some failed to deliver and some did...spectacularly at that. Lunar Chronicles is definitely going on my spectacular list and I actually finished it in 25 hours.....nice. But being on that list, it will be a difficult review for me to write because it was that good......hope I can get my feelings in right....

A futuristic-dystopic re-telling of Cinderella, this is the story of Linh Cinder, the gifted and best mechanic of New Beijing. Residing in Eastern Commenwealth, Cinder like in the fairy tale works for her stepmother and two step sisters day and night and hearing their taunts. All the while keeping her cyborg deformity a secret from the world. But all this starts to fall apart when Prince Kai visits her booth to get an old android fixed, he says it is not important but of sentimental value but Cinder catches the lie and somehow along the way her sister catches the plague, she is thrust into a dangerous world of political diorama, of deceit, of treachery, and schemes...also love. Only she can rise above the ashes and defeat the enemies from the past.

First book on the Lunar Chronicles, this is Cinder's story and I oh so loved her for it. Cinder while a cyborg was a pleasure to read about. She is very strong and very resourceful (cue the fact that she is a cyborg), she is also very cares for her step sister Peony, her only friend a lot and would move both heaven and hell to help her. But she is also very insecure, of her cyborg parts to save herself of the possible heartbreak.

Then there is Prince Kai, he is a lovable person, he has all the characteristics of a sovereign and deeply cares for the welfare of his people. His innocent rapport and mindless flirting with Cinder, and the growing attraction was definitely very sweet. Then these are there the Lunars, the Lunar Queen to be exact, scheming, deceptive and vain, she made the perfect villain for this tale. Cinder and Prince Kai truly redefined Cinderella's story for me.

Marissa Meyer in her debut novel put forth a spectacular and a genius re-imaging of Cinderella. The sci-fi futuristic element really brought wonder to this. There is Cinderella, there is the Prince, the step mother and two step sisters, the pumpkin carriage and even the lost shoe on the staircase, all geniously engineered into the story making something as old as the tale complete new and her own. As we read through, we completely become one with Cinder's predicament, her insecurities about her cyborg parts, her insecurities about her feelings for the prince and the tussle within herself about whether or not to let the Prince in or not. Truly a marvelous job by the author.

"Another re-imagination, a spectacular one too - a story you'll be a fool to miss out on, that I can guarantee"

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Dystopia


Publisher: Feiwel & Friends


My Copy:  thanks to Kindred Dreamheart


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

I'M PARTICIPATING: a GREAT read: 1000 Follower Giveaway

I'M PARTICIPATING 

GO HERE - a GREAT read: 1000 Follower Giveaway

Here it is! The contest I promised you all! Sorry I'm late to posting it, but here it is!


So since nothing special came to mind I decided to tweak my winner gets a book giveaway! One winner will get to do a little shopping spree at Book Depository and get $25 (US) worth of books!


As long as Book Depository ships to you, you're in! Just fill out the entry form!

Newsoul #1 Incarnate

You can be anything and everything you want, regardless of the soul you possess. Presenting Newsoul #1 Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.

Here is the summary of the book:

New soul. Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why. No soul. Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame? Heart. Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

Regardless of what is inside or how you are born, you can be anything you want to be if you put your hearts and souls into it. This is what Incarnate tells us in its own subtle way. This is the story of Ana as she tackles the world around her, being the only new soul or as the people around her liked to curse nosoul, has known all but contempt, loneliness and anger her whole life. Now at 18 when she finally leaves home to find her origins, Ana comes across a world that does not know what to do with her....it is upto to make a niche for herself....find why she is the only one....and maybe even let friendship and love inside as well.

Incarnate was one of the book that rightly opposes the quote "never judge a book by it cover".... because GOD THE COVER IS SIMPLY HEAVEN .... HEAVENLY and the story was equally such. I definitely loved Ana and Sam....come on what was there not to like! Ana is strong, determined, loyal and somewhat reckless when the moment calls it. She had all but contempt at the hands of those around her so it is but natural for her not to be trusting of others. All she wants to know is 'why?' and 'how?' is she there when all around her everyone is a reincarnated soul. She just wants to belong somewhere and I commend her for that.

Then there is Sam, he finds and rescues her. At first even he doesn't want to do anything with her but that slowly changes. He sees her as what she is ..... not a nosoul but a newsoul ... a person while new but still a person capable of feelings. Their's is a connection and rapport that builds up slowly through time. Sam is Ana's mentor and friend....the burgeoning attraction between these two is a sight for sore eyes. You can definitely see yourself rooting for these two as you skim through the pages.

I am so adding Jodi Meadows to list of favorite authors. Her's is a work of coalition, futuristic as well as fantasy. Incarnate while a little difficult to understand at first with the sci-fi element is a marvelous read. Through the pages you'll find everything you'll need, first experiences, adventure, action, mythology, trust, friendship, wonder and most of all love ...... I want to read ASUNDER NOW .....

"Calm,Serene and Action packed - Incarnate takes the concept of reincarnation to a whole new level"

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


Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

I'M PARTICIPATING - Shatterbooks: 6 Month Anniversary Giveaway!

I'M PARTICIPATING - Shatterbooks: 6 Month Anniversary Giveaway!: 


Hello My Lovely Followers! I just hit 300 followers and also I reach my 6 Month Anniversary! My 6 Month Anniversary was a couple of weeks ago but I decided to do a giveaway! I'm so happy to say that I love blogging! I can't believe it's half a year ago since I made a blog, crazy! I'm hoping to reach my one year anniversary and also do a huge giveaway for that. For this giveaway, I'm going to giveaway one book from the list below. All the books below is August YA Releases. I hope you guys enjoy my blog.

I"M PARTICIPATING - Shatterbooks: 300 Follower Giveaway!

I"M PARTICIPATING - Shatterbooks: 300 Follower Giveaway!: 
Hello, My Followers! I finally hit 300 followers today! I was planning on doing this giveaway for quite a while ago. I just want to thank you everyone for following me! I love you guys. I also want to thank for taking the time to follow me. For this giveaway, I'm going to do July YA Releases. I will link all the books down below and also the covers.

Dark Companion

A sense of belonging in life, that is what we all want most of all. Presenting Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.

Here is the summary of the book:

Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true. They are. The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much? As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….

A sense of belonging, family, sensibility and love. A luxury that is not affordable to many. It is this need for a sense of family that pushes many to do things that are not really good or not bad in the sense. It is on this desire for a family that Dark Companion is based on.

Getting a full scholarship from the elite all girls school Birch Grove Academy, our protagonist Jane William seizes this opportunity for a second chance at life away for the violet slum areas of Helmsdale where she had lived her entire life. For the first time Jane feels accepted by a group of friends. That's not all...she goes and falls for the boys who live near. Life seems good for JW, she has a good life at school, she is living in a cottage and tutoring the headmistress' son Lucien...but it does not remain so, there is a reason Jane is brought to the academy....there is a reason she is there and it is more sinister and dark than anyone ever thought of.

Going onto a deeper level than just the paranormal Gothic feel, its about family, chance at a second life. An 'ok' in my books. I definitely like Jane and Jake's character. Jane because she is a strong yet vulnerable character. Strong in the sense that despite her abysmal background she works hard to overcome her current life and go on to a new & better one. But vulnerable too..because she is alone and the promise of family draws in. I like Jake because one he is a good person, two he is dashing and three, he has Jane's best interest at heart and it is clear enough that he loves her. I definitely like Jane's friends though....

But the only character that I didn't like...well its a given....Lucien "Lucky" Radcliffe, Jake's younger brother. While he sounds very likable at first but little by little all the layers to him are peeled off and the darkness in unveiled. He is one of those guys, who are the unattainable - playboy sorts, using girls here and there but never belonging to anyone. Throughout the better half of the book, I was disgusted at Jane for succumbing to his charms and dancing to the 'Lucky' tune.

With a simple and easy to follow narrative, Dark Companion is a fast read. Marta Acosta did a wonderful job, with layering out all the characters and all their dark like layers to be peeled off as we readers proceed. You will definitely feel sick at all the things these people, the "family" can do to achieve what they want. A good read!

"Dark Companion, instills in us in its own dark ways, the sense of family & belonging...and how some of us are much more lucky at it than others"

Genre :      Young Adult, Gothic


Publisher: Tor Teen


My Copy: Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)