Sunday 30 September 2012

Owl Post #3 [September]

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

Netgalley

Crewel World #1 Crewel - Gennifer Albin (GOD I HAD TO REQUEST THIS AGAIN BECAUSE I GOT APPROVED FOR IT JUST BEFORE IT GOT ARCHIVED)


From Pan Macmillan India




Bought







GIVEAWAY WON



Courtesy of Pan Macmillan India's "Take Action Week" contest held from Aug 13-20th - A framed cover of The Tattoed Fakir book and a signed copy of the book(click here)



Recap Links


The Asylum Tales #1 Angel's Ink - Jocelyn Drake
Journey to Wudang #1 Earth to Hell - Kylie Chan
Journey to Wudang #2 Hell to Heaven - Kylie Chan
Immortal City #1 Immortal City - Scott Speer
Follow Friday #17
House of Night: Legacy
Ashfall #2 Ashen Winter - Mike Mullin
Ironskin #1 Ironskin - Tina Connolly
The Clann #2 Covet - Melissa Darnell
Throne of Glass #1 Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince - Julie Kagawa




update 

Guys these are 3 giveaways open on my blog at the moment so please do check them out and enter....

Demons by Heather Frost
UnGentle Sleep by B. Lloyd
My Post Apocalyptic BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY




oh and don't hesitate to share your owl posts as well........

A Post-Apocalyptic Birthday GIVEAWAY


Hey folks!

Wish Me Its My Birthday.....

Happy birthday to Me!!!

Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!

I'm feeling particularly very happy today because Tanglewood Press is letting me giveaway author Mike Mullin's Ashfall and Ashen Winter.

Goodreads page of - Ashfall
Goodreads page of - Ashen Winter
My Review of both the books - CLICK HERE


Thats right folks 1 winner gets to win a print copy of both Ashfall and Ashen Winter. YAY!! All you all need to do is to fill in the rafflecopter form. INT GIVEAWAY.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday 29 September 2012

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: UnGentle Sleep by B.Lloyd [Guest Post & Giveaway]


Hey Folks! Hope you all are doing great....as promised by the specifications of the TOURZ DE CODEX, I present to you all the last tour spot of author B.Lloyd's UnGentle Sleep "Haunted House Virtual Book tour". Let me present before you all a guest post and the only exclusive giveaway of the tour.....enjoy....


About the Author:-


A Beautiful artwork by the author.

A Bustle attached to a keyboard, occasionally to be seen floating on a canal …

After studying Early Music followed by a brief career in concert performance, the Bustle exchanged vocal parts for less vocal arts i.e. a Diploma from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.

Her inky mess, both graphic and verbal, can be found in various regions of the Web, and appendaged to good people’s works (for no visible reason that she can understand).

About the book:-


“1930

When Aubrey Marchant's engagement to Eleanor Maydew was announced to his friends, he received mixed blessings.

‘The Maydews are a bohemian lot – not many servants, even before the War.’

‘Keen on brown bread and vegetables – don't expect too much in the way of creature comforts.’

‘Brave chap, I am sure you'll find the country air bracing.’

‘And Eleanor comes of good stock, too. Never mind the burst water pipes.’

Aubrey managed to shrug off most of these under a jocular guise. One of his closest friends however, let slip something that would come back to him later.

‘I wouldn't mind the rest of it – only I believe it may be a House of Spirits. Hope you can sleep all right at nights.’

Aubrey laughed at the time. ”

A crowded house party – with more guests on the way. Despite instructions to the contrary, the older part of the house is opened up . . .and something is inadvertently let out, to wreak mild havoc and insanity on the Maydews and their guests. That nasty incident involving Eleanor, followed by unpleasantness over Penny’s dress, and what is it Aubrey can hear, on the outer edge of his dreams?

Hysteria, missed cocktails, and something nasty in the attic.

Snrrip, snrrip. Snip, snap.

Even the rats run away.

A ghost tale, almost not quite long enough to qualify as a novelette, created in celebration of M.R.James’s 150th anniversary.


Exclusive Guest Post

As part of the Haunted House Virtual Tour here is a quick peek into another of the famous houses in ‘mock’ gothic literature (we’re not saying which one it is – you can either guess from reading, or from working out the anagram at the end!)…

***

‘Mind the step and try not to fall down any cracks,’ advised my host, stepping precariously between the broken up flagstones.
‘I shall indeed…’
Crunch, crinch, plod, plod plod.
A creaking, squealing gate (of course), a great rusty key in a great rusted lock (naturally), and a fearful screeching sound as the one turned in the other – quite ear-spittling.
‘Eh? What?’ asked my host.
‘I said – quite ear-splitting,’ I repeated, hands over ears.
‘Oh, yes – never oiled, acts as something of a deterrent to poachers and trespassers, however. Worth the occasional torture. This way,’ and the impervious host led the way across the uneven ground, up the uneven steps and through a broken doorway into a magnificent courtyard.

Only one wall still stood up to defy the sky in craggy, uneven shape, empty window frames, like eyeless sockets staring vacantly into nothingness.

‘Must have been quite an impressive building, once,’ I commented, taking in the breadth and sweep of the land, dotted with rubble, overgrown piles of bricks and stone quoins.


‘Indeed, I believe it was once. I may even have a print of it somewhere …now, down these steps, and mind the last one …. Yes. Here we are.’

A pile of earth, some shovels and a handsome L-shaped hole confronted us. Two men were kneeling at the base of the hole, brushing away at the soil.

‘Good afternoon, gentlemen. Your colleague has come to give you a hand.’
‘Oh hello, Jameson – you took your time,’ was the jovial response from one of the men, standing up and gesturing at me with his brush.

‘Yes, sorry about that,’ I replied, ‘the train was late, and I had to walk from the station.’
‘Well, now you’re here, there’s an interesting little item here, looks like an oil lamp. And Parker thinks we may have a mosaic as well, so tread careful.’

Our host left us to it and for a couple more hours before the light went we brushed and trowelled and brushed away, occasionally muttering and exclaiming as we picked out bits of terracotta and glass. The dig had been something of a last minute thing, from a  reference Parker came across in the archives, and now he was almost convinced we might be onto the remains of a third century Roman villa. He and Lewitt had been free to start on the dig before me, thereby gaining a whole day’s work. We hoped to clear a good deal more before going public, so everything was kept under wraps for the time being. Nobody apart from our host knew we were there and we only had resources for a few days to complete the whole enterprise.

Once the light began to go, we wrapped our tools up and got ready to leave; there was a thread of yellow pink across the horizon and the trees took on a dark and dreary aspect. The faint breeze which had caused them to rustle was now gone, not even the birds had remained to keep us company. A certain air of desolate eeriness took over and dampened my spirits – and I suspect, my companions, for they were quite taciturn and began to look about them in a nervous way. I attempted to lighten the atmosphere: ‘Bless us, who are you expecting at this hour? Mind, I ate all the sandwiches, we’ll have nothing to offer them!’ At which Lewitt stared around him once again, and Parker grunted. Something was certainly affecting them and they seemed disinclined to stay longer than absolutely necessary after dark.

Once we reached our host’s home and were treated to some wine and cheese, our spirits rose a little – but we none of us referred to the dig, which was unsual.

The following day we were up at crack of dawn, and back at the site with renewed enthusiasm. The weather held, and soon we felt the scorching sun beating on our backs. It was a hot summer and our flasks of lemonade soon emptied. Our chatter remained cheerful and lively until the evening – when again that uncanny silence fell on the trees, the birds – and us. Once more, my colleagues packed up hurriedly as if fearful of being caught there; this was infectious and I made similar haste, questioning our irrational behaviour at the same time. We were a little later than the previous evening, and as we crossed the ruined courtyard leading to the gate, I thought I heard a distant cackle of laughter. I turned my head, and noticed the other two do the same; yet Parker did not stop and walked faster, encouraging us to ‘hurry up, a chap’s appetite needs feeding…’

Again, once back in the house with food and drink and warm lamp light we relaxed once more; the eeriness and uncanny feeling left us completely.

Come the third day, and a series of incidents occurred over the course of the morning and afternoon which caused first Parker then Lewitt to leave the dig; each of them on leaving counselled the others not to work late; Lewitt in particular stressed this as he left me, and even suggested I leave together with him. It was but four in the afternoon, the light was excellent and I had just come across something of particular interest: part of a tile, and the beginnings of what promised to be a complete pitcher. I was in no mind to leave just then; a form of devil-may-care took over and I carried on regardless. I was rewarded for my efforts by recovering the pitcher intact, but the hour was indeed quite late and I discovered not only the last of the light was going but even a full moon was riding high already. I was so cheerful about my find however that I did not notice the silence, or the atmosphere. I even whistled as I packed up; my back was aching and I had thoughts of a hot bath. I could not have been more carefree as I tripped up the old cracked steps and crossed the old ruined courtyard. The greater the shock then, when I stepped forward – into a towering inferno. Flames, high as trees billowed up about me, crashes and groans of timber being wrenched asunder by sheer heat, shrieks and shouts of people, thudding, banging, the running of feet – all of this and – and -  I looked up, bewildered, horrified, and saw silhouetted against the blinding light the figure of a woman at the top of the ruined wall – standing with arms spread out, dress streaming behind her – and next, a fearful laugh – the same laugh I had heard the night before … and she threw herself into the sky.

I could not speak nor shout nor move as the frightful figure sailed down to the ground. Not even when I heard the frightening, sickening thud of a body coming into contact with the cold hard earth. Only when I heard a man’s voice, raised above the sound of crackling fire and crumbling masonry, shouting one word. ‘Earth’ was it? ‘Birth?’ No, it was a woman’s name, surely – Bertha…

How I stumbled out of that nightmare, I do not recall – my next memory is of being grasped by the arms by Lewitt and Parker who, concerned I had not yet returned to the house, had set out again to look for me. ‘And thank goodness we did,’ commented Parker later on, over a very late supper.  Our host nodded. ‘I imagine it was the final fire you saw – the one that destroyed the original building. Legend has it the owner kept a mad woman locked up in one of the upper rooms, and that she escaped one night and set fire to the place. Can’t say I have ever experienced anything myself. Wouldn’t want to, either.’

We went all together the following morning, made our final notes and left by the afternoon train. Parker has written up a paper on the site itself and who knows, there may well be a bigger dig organised next year. I doubt I shall take part in it myself, though …..

***

This was one ‘visit’ to a gothic place from literature – if you hadn’t already guessed the place referred to, the place name or book from which it is derived is below – as an anagram ... have fun ! and think about your favourite gothic place in literature: what would it be like to visit …

Anagram: Lad hen hill fort


GIVEAWAY

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Friday 28 September 2012

I'M PARTICIPATING: A Book Vacation: Goodreads 200 Books Read Challenge--GIVEAWAY!

GO HERE - A Book Vacation: Goodreads 200 Books Read Challenge--GIVEAWAY!


I am ecstatic to say that I have just now achieved my goal of 200 books read in 2012–and it’s only September!!! Obviously, I am going to have to update my challenge, but before I do, I think a giveaway is in order.

I’ve gone back through my reading list, picking the books that I’ve given the highest ratings this year, 5 stars, and am offering ONE of them to TWO lucky winners.

I'M PARTICIPATING: Mostly YA Book Obsessed: Blog Makeover and Giveaway!!!

GO HERE : Mostly YA Book Obsessed: Blog Makeover and Giveaway!!!

Hi! Notice anything different about my blog? 

Yup, I got a brand spanking new Blog Header and Button! It was made by the awesome and super talented Lea @ LC’s Adventure’s In Libraryland. I am in LOVE with the way my blog looks now! It matches perfectly with the rest of my blog and it fits me perfectly! To celebrate my new look, I am doing a great giveaway for you guys for helping me get this far. I have 12 books that are waiting for a new home and they will all be going to one lucky reader. (US only) International readers can also enter to win a $25 Gift Card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository.


Thursday 27 September 2012

The iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince

Oh! We can't get get enough of the Nevernever .... now can we. Presenting The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them. That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for. Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

There are very few authors out there, whose any genre of work i'll happily devour. Julie Kagawa is one of them. I have read all of her books - the Iron Fey, the Blood of Eden and now this new series joins the ranks, set in the wondrous Nevernever, Call of the forgotten is the story of Meghan, the Iron Queen's younger brother, Ethan Chase.

You guys who have read the Iron Fey series .... remember Meghan had a younger half brother Ethan who was kidnapped by Machina's minions and brought to the Nevernever and Meghan had rushed to save him? Well he's all grown up now and has the sight....yup he can see them loud and clear and even they can't resist showing off, pestering him and ultimately getting him in trouble. He is all grown up now and in the rebellious phase of his teenage years....and is more or less a handsome stud, who can be a jerk big time....but we can definitely sympathize with him after all went through as a child ..... but what will he do when a chance friend, a half-fey gets kidnapped by these nameless fey entities. Will he bottle up his rage and rush to save his friend? Because time is slipping away and there might not be a friend left to save if he is too late.

OH MY GOD! This book was amazing. Ms. Kagawa's captivating penmanship is as stunning as ever. A mark of a great author for her to formulate new and engaging stories from an already well fleshed out world. So, the major plus point of this book is definitely the plot. Stunning, engaging and fantastical, the plot is totally at par with that of her Iron Fey books. The characters form a great part of the story, responsible for moving it forward. We get to meet both new and old characters....Ethan, Kenzie, Keirran, Meghan, Ash, Puck, Grim....

Ethan, the gorgeous one (from the gorgeous cover) ....who is filled to the brim with rage against all things fey and is a kali expert. Erecting this huge wall around himself, keeps him hidden and only Kali keeps him grounded. Kenzie, the girl from his new school is for the lack of better word annoying but she turns out to be the one person who breaks down Ethan's walls and makes him feel again openly. There is Keirran...if you all have read the Iron Knight then you know how I'm talking about .... we finally get to meet him for real. To tell the truth I didn't really care about Ethan, Kenzie or Keirran...but rather wanted to see more of Meghan, Ash and Puck.....sue me I like them more.

But at the end I must tell you all that Julie Kagawa has done it again. Even if Ethan is the one true star of the book (you'll need to read to know the meaning behind the title). The story is thoroughly enjoyable and as I said before magical and captivating till the end. This is a new direction to the Iron Fey series and I'm very happy to tell you marvelous......Marking the days till the next book I am.

"A new captivating and adventurous direction to the Iron Fey - this is Ethan's rebellious sojourn into the Nevernever - A race against time" 
Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

I'M PARTICIPATING - Bookworm Mia: Stormdancer Giveaway! (Sept 20-30)

GO HERE TO ENTER - Bookworm Mia: Stormdancer Giveaway! (Sept 20-30)

Hello everyone!

Stormdancer is hands down, the most raved about book this month, I have not seen a negative word said of this book and you can win a copy of it by joining my second giveaway!





Giveaway is open internationally where The Book Depository .com delivers free. please check here.
All entries will be checked (making a false entry/representation will disqualify you not only in the current giveaway but in all future giveaways of Bookworm Mia).
Winner shall be sent a confirmation email within 24 hours after the giveaway closes, thereafter, he or she shall have another 48 hours to reply and to send me his or her shipping details.


Join now!

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Throne of Glass #1 Throne of Glass

A young skilled and widely popular woman assassin...the hype totally worth it. Presenting my views on the amazingly written and conceived Throne of Glass #1 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Here is the summary of the book:

Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness. In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught. Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

It is not everyday that you get to see a woman assassin or a woman as a bad-ass heroine. Grave Mercy was one, now Throne of Glass joins its ranks. And I just need to mention - the hype was totally worth it.

Throne of Glass is the story of master assassin Celaena Sardothien, the most famous assassin of all the lands. Serving her prison statement in the brutal conditions of Endovier, bidding her time under these harsh conditions for the time when she will be free of this hell-hole. Chance comes in the form of Captain Chaol Westfall and Crown Prince Dorian. They make a proposition to her that she couldn't pass on. To participate in the competition taking place in the Glass Castle for the position for the King's Champion and if she wins then she must serve the king for 3 years before she can taste that freedom....but there's more than a competition going on at the castle, its a power struggle and in the middle of it Celaena must control her heart to save herself and win this tournament.

My word! I'm speechless ..... I spent the whole 24 hours of the day and finished it in one go. This is one book I don't think you want to pass out on. What doesn't this book have. It has drama, action....loads of action, twist & turns, love triangle, Epic tournament and the added paranormalia. There isn't a single stale moment at all, if one ended the other begins. The characters are a wonder to read about, Celaena, Chaol and Dorian provide the aforementioned charm to the story.

Celaena is the perfect bad-ass heroine. Beautiful and sarcastic, she literally and figuratively packs a punch. For an assassin, she is rather a jovial person. Then there is the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. He exudes a rather serious vibe and very loyal to his friends and family .... he seems rather very shy too...and of course handsome. Finally its the obvious flirt Prince Doran, loyal to his subjects and tries to voice his opinion whenever he feels that something is not alright. With such a bad-ass heroine and two gorgeous men there is bound to be some friction....but that is not so. All three are bound to their duty and loyalty towards each other....so there was just a bare trace of the triangle....but it was there. (Does it make me bad if I want Celaena and Westfall to be together?) One of the best books of 2012 .... I want to read the next one fast....the wait is going to be excruitating. An excellent debut by author Sarah J. Maas.

"Love, Deaths, Mystery, a tournament of epic proportions - this is one tale you will loathe to miss out on"


Genre :      Young Adult, High Fantasy, Paranormal


Publisher: Bloomsbury


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

CEDAR FORT BOOK TOUR STOP - Demons by Heather Frost [Interview & Giveaway]

Hey everyone, 
Today i'm pleased to welcome to my blog the author of Seers, whose second book Demons just came out .... please give warm welcome to Heather Frost..


About the Author:-



Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she has always been an avid reader and writer. She graduated from Snow College and is currently attending Utah State University. She enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. Ever since she wrote her first short story—at the age of four—she has dreamed of one day becoming an author. Demons is her second published novel. Visit www.HeatherFrost.com to leave her a message, or learn more about her and the Seers Trilogy.


Website: http://heatherfrost.com/
Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seers-The-Official-Fan-Page/158893460846605?ref=ts
Goodreads Author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983261.Heather_Frost


About the book:-


Demons are not just killers, they are also masterminds. Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.









An Exclusive Interview with the Author

Q: What is the best part of writing for you?
            I love exploring characters. Learning their personalities, discovering how they react to situations, and how they interact with each other. I just think it’s really, really fun.

Q: How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process?
            I spend the most time researching a location in which to start the story. But once I have a location figured out, a feel for my characters, and maybe a major twist or two, I just start writing. I’ve found that over-thinking an idea stifles a story. So I like to write by discovery—follow my characters and basically narrate everything they do.
Q: How would you describe your book in 5 words? Also for yourself too.
            Demons: Intense. Original.Funny.Alive.Exciting.
            Me: Thoughtful. Loving.Positive.Nerd. Introvert.
Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. Did you have any inputs on it while its conception stage?
            I wanted the cover to follow the basic model of the first one—so a face. I asked for shadows. They sent me that gorgeous cover, and my jaw dropped in happiness. I was grinning for hours.

Q: Something….anything you can tell us about DEMONS that we don’t know yet?
                Well, you may have heard about Kate meeting up with the Demon Lord in this one. You may have even heard someone dies. But if you’re familiar with “Seers”, you’re familiar with Lee Pearson: Kate’s best friend. And you may just be interested to know that her new and bold fashion statement in Demons is orange. We’ll see her completely decked out in orange. And I mean completely: hair, backpack, pants, shoes, makeup—she’s ORANGE. So see, it’s not all darkness and doom! J



Giveaway Time!

Just do as the rafflecopter says...its an international giveaway....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday 25 September 2012

The Clann #2 Covet

The cover isn't really that amazing (sorry I really don't like it) but don't let it fool you, this next installment in the series is as intense if not much more than the first one. Presenting The Clann #2 Covet by Melissa Darnell.

Here is the summary of the book:

Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart.Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake. Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for. A reckoning is coming…and not everyone will survive.

Crave ended with disastrous consequences, Covet proves the aftermath of those consequences. In Crave, Savannah comes into her vampire side struggling with all the changes taking place in her body. She suffers from all sorts of feeling throughout. But she remains strong and fast and in her love for Tristan. Never once does she give up on her belief over Tristan and nor does he.

Covet follows the action and the consequences of Crave, Savannah and Tristan may have broken up but Tristan still holds on. As sweet and intense as ever Tristan, does every thing he can to rekindle what he and Sav had (not that it was lost). But it is rather fun to see the transformation that had taken place in Savannah.

In Crave, Tristan is the one protecting Savannah but in Covet it is Sav who grows stronger and does all she can to keep the people around her safe. But it is not enough anymore there is an inter-racial war game going on and the peace treaty between the Clann and the Council may well be on a dangerous ground. Much more than Savannah and Tristan is on the line here.
Melissa Darnell produces this perfect! perfect! book. There is nothing in here that can in any way prove that this can in any way prove that this is just a mere second book in the Clann series (i'm willing to overlook that horrendous cover). What I really loved about Covet apart from the author's excellent penmanship is the fact that she fleshes out her characters more. The development in the relationship between Savannah and her dad is also a major point in her book. Savannah really proves her worth in Covet, staying strong and inspiring. This book had enough action and drama that it kept me anchored throughout till the end....and OMG! that cliffhanger-ish ending....I WANT 'CONSUME' NOW NOT IN 2013!

"Amazingly fantastic - Covet takes the story up another level keeping us anchored in a world where witches and vampires are treading war again"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Monday 24 September 2012

Ironskin #1 Ironskin

A world at war with the fey. After all everything everything comes with a prize doesn't it.... Presenting Ironskin #1 Ironskin by Tina Connolly.

Here is the summary of the book:

Jane Eliot wears an iron mask. It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin. When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help. Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey. Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.

Literally Jane Eyre, steampunk style. While yes I have yet to read Bronte's masterpiece but I know enough about it to know where Ms. Connolly draws her inspiration from. So I can't as of yet compare but one thing is certain Ironskin is one book you don't want to miss. A marvelous edition to the fey-centric genre.

In a post WWII style world - a war torn world. The Great War with the fey has been over for 5 years as of now. Jane Eliot is a war victim. Half of her face destroyed. Struck by a fey shrapnel, the curse of rage and must wear an iron mask to contain it within herself, preventing it from leaking it out onto others. Such is the way of life post war. be it a mask, gloves, body armour and the else.....Ironskin is  a way of life for these war torn victim.

This is where our story begins. Jane answering to the governess position for another damaged (somewhat) victim, a little girl, Dorie. With no clear bearing being fey cursed but doing everything a fey can do. Jane knows what its like to be a broken soul. She feels she can do something good for the child, But things are much more sensitive and dangerous at her new employment than she had anticipated....a little too close to the enemy than is comfortable. Shrouded in mystery and suspense. Mr. Rochart, Dorie;s father is another mystery. Missing for hours, sometimes days in his studio, when Jane falls for her absentee employer. The danger is far closer than they though.  

As far as Jane and Edward Rochart are considered. While they might not seem the conceptional couple but they had a very intense but at the same time very light chemistry. Enough to make Jane question her reality and maybe want to live iron free and not contain herself in it. To be whole again. The prose on the other hand was very much Victorian and a certain magnificence to it that every book in that dialect had. A one of a kind debut and an entertaining read. While it is still very light on the steampunk or the fantasy elements but the way Ms. Connolly portrays Jane's struggles to come to terms with her ailments and curses is a marvel to read about. I'm definitely excited for the next book.

"An amazingly crafted Jane Eyre, Steampunk way"

Genre :      Young Adult, Steampunk, Re-telling


Publisher: Tor Books


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Sunday 16 September 2012

Ashfall #2 Ashen Winter

Things are taking a turn for the worst in this post apocalyptic world....another well written book. Presenting Ashfall #2 Ashen Winter by Mike Mullin.

Here is the summary of the book:

It’s been over six months since the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Alex and Darla have been staying with Alex’s relatives, trying to cope with the new reality of the primitive world so vividly portrayed in Ashfall, the first book in this series. It’s also been six months of waiting for Alex’s parents to return from Iowa. Alex and Darla decide they can wait no longer and must retrace their journey into Iowa to find and bring back Alex’s parents to the tenuous safety of Illinois. But the landscape they cross is even more perilous than before, with life-and-death battles for food and power between the remaining communities. When the unthinkable happens, Alex must find new reserves of strength and determination to survive.

Set in the post volcanic eruption world, things are much worse now than they were in book 1. After this bitter Ashfall comes an even bitter winter. A frost bitten winter. A winter that we at present have to encounter. This deadly winter is what we find our characters Alex, Darla and their family and the other resident of the world in. And the worst is yet to come.

Beginning roughly half a year after the events in Ashfall. Alex and Darla are still at his Uncle Paul's farm and this Ashen Winter is not an easy way of life. But this all goes downhill when bandits attack and Uncle Paul informs them that one shotgun that they carried belonged to his father. So without much further ado they set out in search of his parents but trekking after bandit in that frost bitten winter in search of his parents is definitely not easy.... If only things were easy....

An obviously amazing follow up to Ashfall. Ashen Winter takes the danger level up another few notches. Just when you think that Alex and Darla are now safe in with at his Uncle's farm. A plethora of obstacles get thrown at Alex and Darla much more dangerous than the first. Just as action packed as the first.... the author definitely does not disappoint.

There is one thing that I appreciate about Alex and that is determination and stubborn persona. He never  once abandons his quest even if there is no hope of it coming to fruition. He is one character who is really above all else. Its his loyalty, faithfulness and determination that gives him strength and a pleasure to read about. Darla on the other hand was someone I never liked not even in the first book. A hardened girl of this dystopic world. There are also a great many new character introduced in this book who help these two and even heighten their problems too. But Ashfall series on the whole in a great focus on how human nature deteorates in worse conditions .... when surviving by any means (both good and bad) becomes much more important to them.

As far as it is considered I loved it. The dystopic world. The survival instinct. The waning humanity. The obvious hardship on Alex and Darla's part in their determination to find his parents. The obstacles and the dangers. 

I had one heck of a time reading this. Mike Mullin's penmanship is an amazing an ever. Sometimes too graphic making me skip a few of those scenes. A gripping plot. I loathe to think what horrors will be spewed on is in the next one.

"Mike Mullin produces another worthy of recognition - An excellent view into the minds of the people and changes one goes through, be it for the better or for the worst when their survival is on the line"

Genre :      Young Adult, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic


Publisher: Tanglewood Press


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Saturday 15 September 2012

House of Night: Legacy

A visual or graphic representative of great books even if you have lost interest in the book...a great treat  i tell you. Presenting House of Night: Legacy (House of Night: The Graphic Novel #1) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast, Kent Dalian, Joëlle Jones, Karl Kerschl.

Here is the summary of the book:

Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you're Marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood Based on the international bestselling series of novels by mother/daughter duo P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, House of Night: Legacy follows Zoey and her group of devoted friends as they turn to The Fledgling Handbook, a historical vampyre tome, in hopes of better understanding this big, new world of vampyrism.

Before I begin I would like to mention that when House of Night series began I absolutely loved it. It had a new concept, it presented vampires very differently than was known. But my interest began to wane around the fourth book as the quality of the story began to decline so much so that it felt like I was reading an amateur fiction not a well published book but this graphic novel puts a  new spin to things. I'm particularly partial to graphic novels and read them even if they are on books and series I don't like anymore.

So here goes my views on this. It was marvelous. It was totally amazing. The artwork was just to the point. The artists have given each and every character the perfect sketch. Zoey and her friends turn to the fledgling handbook, the historical vampyre tome to better understand why Goddess Nyxmarked Zoey to lead. Divided into five sections: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit, the book through them gives us a glimpse of the history of the House of Night following the lives of famous and well known vampyres. A definite new spin to all things House of Night.

The graphic novel is actually much more better written and sketched than anything from the series. Every story served to teach Zoey an important life lesson on her way to better understand Nyx's choices but yes coming from someone who has long since left the series (ME)....it was a good read.

"A much better edition to the otherwise gone stale House of Night series"

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal


Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


My Copy Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Friday 14 September 2012

Follow Friday #17

"Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. Don’t forget to comment and leave your link so I can return your follows.


WOW I'M DOING THIS AFTER SO LONG...

Q: What hyped up book do you think was not worth all the talk?

ANS: I'll make it to plural and say-

Twilight Saga - Stephenie Meyer
&
Fifty Shades series - E.L. James



What about you all?

Sunday 9 September 2012

Immortal City #1 Immortal City

You love angels but want something more, an added edge to the mix?....Then you are at the right place. Presenting Immortal City #1 Immortal City by Scott Speer.

Here is the summary of the book:

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery. Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love. Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat & and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

Angels are out and about in the world. They now openly protect their designated person....for (erm) a small fee. No longer do movie stars feature on billboards, magazines or be the big names at parties and endorse million dollar projects....its the winged ones who are the real celebrities now. An angelstruck world, a world that watches with anticipation as they make each save......for the ones who can afford to pay them. It is this angelstruck that sees them with baited breadth to see them in action.

But things are changing. Up and coming guardian angel Jackson Godspeed, definitely very different to the norm...he may actually end up shaking the system and save for love and not money. But things are dire....celebrity angels are being murdered in the most brutal ways and Jaks is the next target. The girl he wants, Maddy Montgomery might just be the key to his survival.....ahh....forbidden love.....my favorite kind (*wink*).

Immortal City is a marvelous book by acclaimed director Scott Speer. An explicit look into the dichotomy of celebrity life and all its pros and cons. Every character in this book brought a sort of a charm to it. Be it the angels, Jackson, Maddy or the humans....there is a certain charm to it brought out by such a myriad collection of characters. My absolute favorite are (obviously!) Jaks and Maddy. And for them the phrase 'opposites attract' is definitely true.

Jackson is a celebrity up and coming, angel about to take the mantle of the guardian angel while Maddy is a mundane girl. Jackson is every girl's dream come true, Mr. literally-tall-dark-and-handsome and definitely HOT (*swoons*). And an exception to the angel status quo. Maddy on the other hand is a loner. The only girl in all of Angel City who doesn't give a damn about angels. She is just doesn't care. But at heart she is just as insecure as any teenager and only wants peace. The chemistry that they share between and the love that happens is sure to set the stage aflame.

Immortal City is one book that had me sleepless through the night. Try as I might I couldn't find any cons in this book. The plot, the twists and turns sprawling every page, the characters and their sizzling chemistry....the penmanship of Mr. Speer and the editing was a sheer wonder. Oh! This is one book that I guarantee will render you speechless and make you desire the next book coming out in April next year.....OH WHY SUCH A LONG WAIT!!

"Angels with a twist - A perfect feature of celebrity dichotomy and love forbidden by the norms in Scott Speer's words will win you over for sure"




Genre :      Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Angels


Publisher: Razorbill



Rate:             /5 (It was Amazing)

I'M PARTICIPATING: Book Haven: Awesome-Sauce Followers Giveaway! (INT)

GO HERE: Book Haven: Awesome-Sauce Followers Giveaway! (INT):

Hey everyone! I've been thinking that with my new level of 360 followers (WOOT! You guys rock.) it was time for another celebration! I love...


I'M PARTICIPATING: Book Nerd Reviews - International Giveaway

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Good morning readers!

The giveaways are back. After a little bit of giveaway hiatus, I’m bringing it back in September. As I fund these giveaways each month myself, I was spending upwards of $60 per month just in prizes for people, and found I was getting a bit burnt out from it. So a couple of months break, and it’s back again, yay!!!

In September, seeing as you all have pretty diverse tastes, I am giving you what you want this month, and that is – your own choice of book. So three winners will each receive a book of their choice up to the value of $20 US. So you tell me what it is you would like, and I will order and pay for it to be shipped to you. Sounds fair? I thought so!

Saturday 8 September 2012

Journey to Wudang #2 Hell to Heaven

The first book didn't sit well with me but everyone deserves a second chance..... Presenting my views on Journey to Wudang #2 Hell to Heaven by Kylie Chan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Dragons and martial arts, science and magic ... the second fabulous book in this sequel series to the Dark Heavens trilogy that began with ′White Tiger′. Emma teeters on the edge of becoming fully demon, and must make a journey to the Kunlun Moutains in the West, home of the palaces of Nu Wa and the Yellow Emperor, in an attempt to regain her humanity. Travelling with Emma is Xuan Wu′s daughter, Simone, who is struggling with her growing powers and trying to defend herself from the demons who want to destroy her. And Michael is trying to come to terms with the shock of finding out he might be half demon ...

(Again Warning: Not my usual style of reviewing....full of ranting about my feeling on the book...again this is not for those who loved this series)

Just like Earth to Hell this is another one with an eye catching cover. While I still remain clueless about Chinese jargon but these covers sure have a sense of grace to them.....an elegance and a wonder. But I kinda liked this book.....while I still couldn't understand a lot of what was going on again, the writing was a bit better and a little fleshed out. The author goes a little deeper into her story telling, retaining a bit of suspense.

I know the review doesn't tell us much but it still didn't make a deep impact on me to write a lengthy review. But if i'm to rank the book in order of my liking then they will be ranked in the order of their release......Yup I liked this book much better than the first one.

"Likeable - improved penmanship - but still doesn't have the WOW factor expected in stories centered about Asian themes"

Genre :      Paranormal, Urban Fantasy


Publisher: Harper Voyager


My Copy Publisher and edelweiss


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)
 

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