Sunday 29 December 2013

Owl Post #14 [December, 2013]

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 December, 2013.
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



Hachette India




Recap Links


Friday 27 December 2013

Janitors #3 Curse of the Broomstaff

Presenting Janitors #3 Curse of the Broomstaff by Tyler Whitesides.

Here is the summary of the book:

A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business - deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It's a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way

Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.


In the author's words, this is one of the trashiest book he had ever read..... so in that context i'd say that this was definitely the trashiest book I ever read.

The story literally and actually takes place around heaps and mounds of trash as the epic war between the rebel janitors and the BEM comes at a headway. They are finally about to find out the source of the glop and planning to destroy it preventing anymore creations  or bastardizations of Grime, Filth and Rubbish.... The actual treasure hunt takes them to a land fill, the dumping and if correct the home of the mysterious Aurans..... But what they find there is another matter entirely.

Tyler Whitesides' mystical rebel warlock Janitors and their admirable fight to save education is a fiction read and appreciated with much gusto. Both Spencer and Daisy grew as characters, although certain attributes of their we observed in book 1 are still prevalent till date and enough to make us sigh in exasperation (case in point 'Gullible Gates'). But these kids and the band of adults helping them sure was a fresh point seeing as almost every other protagonist out there play an important role/

With a fast paced and well paced plot with the adrenaline induced adventure through the enormously magical landfill..... well the ending was rather unexpected..... I have no idea if this is the last book of the series r if there will be more after this one. But what I am certain of is you guys - both kids & adults and well teens out there, you need to read this series because despite it being a juvenile fiction, there is something in it for everyone and you will totally not be disappointed in it one bit.

"An epic battle of the trashiest kind - Literally..... I RECOMMEND"

Genre :      Juvenile, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing

Release Date: 10th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Janitors 
                 #2 Secrets of New Forest Academy

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Janitors #2 Secrets of New Forest Academy

Presenting Janitors #2 Secrets of New Forest Academy by Tyler Whitesides.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Bureau of Educational Maintenance (BEM) is after Spencer, and the only place he is safe is within the walls of the New Forest Academy. Or so he thinks. In this fast-paced adventure, the kids must figure out where their loyalties lie and who they can trust as they fight to discover the true secret of the New Forest Academy and what it means to the future of education.

Begins almost a week after the events of Book 1. Secrets of New Forest Academy, is the next step in the fight against the Bureau of Educational Maintenance(BEM) with the help of rebel janitors, Spencer and Daisy. BEM are after Spencer so alongwith Daisy, must flee to another school New Forest Academy guarded as Walter claimed said Toxites by another rebel Janitor. But what goes on in that school is another matter altogether.

Like Book 1, book 2 also doesn't not disappoint. We read and see the evils of BEM and their manipulations of the Toxites as things take an even more of a dangerous turn in this leg of the fight. While the author expands on the mythos of the book, the concept behind the story stays the same - keeping the educational productivity safe from encroachment. There is mystery, teamwork and lots of Toxites and BEM fighting action. BRAVO......

"Just as entertaining as the first one and likewise action packed"

Genre :      Juvenile, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing

Release Date: 4th September, 2012

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Janitors

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Thursday 26 December 2013

Janitors #1 Janitors

Joy..... I have found a new juvenile fiction worthy of note. Presenting Janitors #1 Janitors by Tyler Whitesides.

Here is the summary of the book:

The magical, secretive society of JANITORS will sweep the country in the fall of 2011. Have you ever fallen asleep during math class? Are you easily distracted while listening to your English teacher? Do you find yourself completely uninterested in geography? Well, it may not be your fault. The janitors at Welcher Elementary know a secret, and it s draining all the smarts out of the kids. Twelveyear- old Spencer Zumbro, with the help of his classmate Daisy Gullible Gates, must fight with and against a secret, janitorial society that wields wizard-like powers. Who can Spencer and Daisy trust and how will they protect their school and possibly the world? Janitors is book 1 in a new children s fantasy series by debut novelist Tyler Whitesides. You ll never look at a mop the same way again.

Education is important..... Institution is important.... and to make sure that the educational institutions are in working order.... Janitors too are very important...... Without the janitors to fight the evils of 'Grime, Filth & Rubbish', the state of education would crash and empires would crumble into smithereens..... Who would have though that Janitors actually were that important to the state of education.

But Tyler Whitesides does that beautifully. Janitors is the first book of a trilogy of the same name. With normal elementary school janitors playing the role of the mystical guardians of education mopping, dusting, plunging out the grime, filth and rubbish, aka brain waves sucking creatures classified as Toxites rendering the learning abilities of kids null and void if unchecked. 

Whitesides gives a paranormalistic twist to Janitors in his story with the antagonist in the form of an evil organization looking to control education of the country under their thumb and a group of rebel Janitors as the good guys on one side fighting tooth and nail to protect the education of kids, and two 12 year olds, Spencer Zumbro and Daisy Gates find themselves a part of the good team.

Spencer Zumbro & Daisy Gates. The former, with an annoying dose of OCD, a clean freak and the the latter known as Gullible Gates, believing in almost every outlandish things anybody would tell her. But both of them form a tight team of determined children. An amusing and hilariously silly adventure, Tyler Whitesides' Janitors although focused for a juvenile reader with the much desired action and adventure of the genre, also provides the strong moral for young children - "education is important" and that is something adults would find very good about here. The world building is also very well done, providing a solid background to his tale of warlock Janitors.

"Janitors - The warlocks protecting education..... oh you would never look a Janitor the same after this.... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

Genre :      Juvenile Fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

My Copy: Bought(ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Sunday 22 December 2013

The Hunted #2 Crystal Fire

A gorgeous conclusion... Presenting The Hunted #2 Crystal Fire by Jordan Dane.

Here is the summary of the book:

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

A storm is brewing on the streets of LA, one that has intensified since a tragic and deadly confrontation claimed an innocent life.

While Gabriel Stewart trains his army of teen psychics to stop Alexander Reese--the obsessed leader of the Believers--the fanatical church becomes more bent on the annihilation of all Indigo and Crystal children. They're silencing the voices of the telepathic hive, one soul at a time, with frightening experiments cruelly executed on vulnerable minds.

When the Believers torture a mysterious homeless boy, Oliver Blue, they brainwash him into betraying his own. The boy becomes a deadly pawn to take Gabriel down. As the fires of chaos burn around him, Gabe is running out of time. He'll need to confront his past--and the man who made him--before the hope of peace for the future is silenced forever.


'Indigo Awakening' awed me with its brilliance of a genetically advanced species, the next step in human evolution. Exhibiting almost X-men like powers. And it does share a likeness to the CW show 'The Tomorrow People' (I don't know much about the original story). So you can guarantee it is as awesome as that one is and 'Crystal Fire' delivers it.

Things are coming at a headway. With the addition of new characters and the return of the old, all the pieces are finally adding up. The dominos are finally lining up and ready to be toppled over. And the epic fight is just enough to send you to the edge of the your seats with excitable anticipation of the coming events.

Rayne and Gabriel...... Oh I loved her alright. She was the only one non-Indigo among the troop but that didn't do anything to hammer her down. Instead she compensates for it and learns to defend herself instead of staying behind the lines. Gabriel..... Ohhhhh *swoons* my list of book boyfriends sure keep growing every day. One of the crystal child among them and the leader. He exudes charisma, a sense of loyalty and his desire to help every Indigo or crystal child out there is sure to win hearts.

Rayne and Gabriel's chemistry sure was sizzling. Thank God for small mercies I liked the fact that there were no triangles anywhere in this book. And these two not only establish their importance with one another but also grow stronger together throughout the events of the book, in a blissfully and romantically happy sort of way.... *squeal*

With Kendra and Rafe. Much like Rayne and Gabe, these two too cement their presence throughout the book. All the while training for the concluding battle and finding out about their past.

It is now turn to talk about Lucas and the two new characters Oliver and Caila and the good Dr. Fiona. Lucas little by little finds his purpose and trains, he knows he is important and this time around her soon realizes he needs to fight for his own rights if he needs to survive. The new characters Oliver and Caila..... well I have nothing more to say but that I felt sorry for them. For having gone through what they do at the hands of the believers and the doctor, they surprisingly remain resilient and fight for the right side when the time comes for them to. But most of all I liked what they did to Dr. Fiona, for the atrocities she committed towards innocent children in the name of science.... well she deserved what she got.

Jordan Dane definitely did not disappoint. While I do not like two book series I loved how things progressed in Crystal Fire. in the way every loose end ties up and every character gets to play a role...... And those supernatural powers of their's ..... well suffice it to say this is one exciting book you don't wanna miss out on.

"The much awaited sequel and just as dark & exciting and gritty as the first"
Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 26th November, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Indigo Awakening

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Blackcoat Rebellion #1 Pawn

Presenting The Blackcoat Rebellion #1 Pawn by Aimee Carter.

Here is the summary of the book:

YOU CAN BE A VII IF YOU GIVE EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked - surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed, and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.


Dystopia is definitely the 'IT' on the market. And if you think you have them all.... Well think again because Aimee Carter's Pawn is a sure hit and it is new..... Must say after mythology, dystopia is a pretty big leap but Carter sure did a wonder with this one.....

This is a world ruled by ranking, a way of deciding your worth and a powerful controlling aristocratic propaganda. Rather bleak circumstances I tell you. The setting does seem familiar there but Carter does something marvelous, she makes it her own. There is political intrigue, a sense of deception, a conspiracy, the hidden dark face of politics, a case of agendas and the romance which actually takes the backseat for this plot.

Kitty Doe, is the protagonist. Her resemblance to the Prime Minister's niece Lila Hart keeps her on their target list. What I liked most about her? She felt real as a real life person. She may have fallen into the clutches of the Harts and 'masked' to look like Lila, she doesn't exactly rush to do the right thing, because she hears of the rebellion but isn't quick to join as you would expect. She is skeptical at first because she is a survivor and leading a rebellion does not guarantee that at all. Her low rank may be for life but she soon adapts to the life of a high rank and even gives that identity her own touch. She is strong willed and determined to keep her loved ones safe.... So what if the face she wears is not her own. Through her actions she makes it her own..... maybe even do some good with it too while she is at it.

Benjy and Knox. They are two possible love interests here. An almost triangle, though romance takes the back seat because it is the rebellion that maters. One is the over protective boyfriend and the other is more of a friend.... well we'll have to see what happens in the next books to fully gauge the circumstances. But I liked Knox. He was quite the dynamic character. He is her support there and plays that pretty well. Can't say much for Benjamin aside from that he loves Kitty and is prepared to do anything to keep her safe.

Politics is literally a big game of chess and 'Pawn' both literally and figuratively elaborates just that. Political chaos being the perfect example of dystopia, there is thankfully no info-dump. Aimee Carter illustrates this new world in a clean cut way, bit by bit as the story progresses, if you have read her Goddess Test series then you'll know she does that pretty well without things becoming overbearing.

This is a fast paced read and like all fast paced reads, things happen, secrets are unveiled, twists and turns pulled in, the conspiracy and the rebellion takes shape..... and you just won't be able to put it down amidst all the continuous action at all..... Not one bit.

"Aimee Carter leaves you breathless with her new unputdownable and stunning dystopia"

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

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 26th November, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Saturday 21 December 2013

The Heir Chronicles #1 The Warrior Heir

Presenting The Heir Chronicles #1 The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima.

Here is the summary of the book:

An epic battle between good and evil...

Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high schoolers. Then one day Jack skips his medicine. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great - until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.

Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: he is Weirlind, part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At their helm sits the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game - a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir.

As if his bizarre heritage isn't enough, Jack finds out that he's not just another member of Weirlind - he's one of the last of the warriors - at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.


Taking known events of history and giving it the major fiction-y twist, 'The Warrior Heir' sure was a competent read. 'War of the Roses' now knew of the term but not what it described, since our world history lessons don't go that deep. But yes war between the 'White Rose' and 'Red Rose' to control the throne of England...... well that maybe what history books tell us but Chima gives it quite the amazing twist..... In her universe these two factions are powerful magical houses and for hundreds of years they have been fighting 'the game', pitting warrior against warrior in a game to the death to show their supremacy..... And this is how Jack finds himself in the middle of all the commotion.

Jack Swift, was quite the protagonist. Last of the warrior race.... Well born a wizard but transplanted with the warrior stone, he grows into quite the capable teenager. Things start to unravel for him as soon as he finds out he is a part of an ancient legacy. I particularly liked the way he takes everything new with a pinch of salt coming his way. His metamorphosis into the titular character with his magical sword is perhaps one of the greater goods of the book.

This actually starts off as quite the different book. Witches, Wizards and enchanters and ghosts and soothsayers and dragon. Chima gives her invention quite the solid mythos, starting from the past and ending at the present. Everyone of them plays some important role in this tale.... I'm still thinking exactly why it took me a year to get to this because this was quite the wonderful read. The chase, the fights. the bouts, the training, the game of death and finally the Earth shattering conclusion....This is quite marvelously a perfect standalone tale (even without the consequent companions).

"Action packed and an exciting, and riveting read"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: 27th February, 2007

My Copy: bought (paperback)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Best of 2013 GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]

Best of 2013 Hop
Best of 2013 Giveaway Hop
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookhounds
December 11th to 18th 
Featuring your favorite books read in 2013. 
So I have read 134 books this year till now.... Woohoh!!! And each of them deserves a mention in their own right.
But i randomly selected a few to feature in this giveaway. There will be 2 winners and they each can select the ebook of their choosing from below....

OHH SINCE I JUST CROSSED THE 1200 GFC FOLLOWER MARK..... I'M DOUBLING ADDING TWO MORE BOOKS I RECENTLY FINISHED AND LOVED TO THE LIST BELOW AND NOW THERE WILL BE 3 winners..... YAY!!!!


RULES : 

1. There will be only THREE Winner (subjected to change). 
2. Winner will be informed via email and *must* reply within 48 hours else I won't have a choice but to select another winner. 
3. All entries would be verified. 
4. Just fill in the rafflecopter below :


a Rafflecopter giveaway <!-- end LinkyTools script –>

Friday 6 December 2013

YA Bound Tour: Crystal Fire by JORDAN DANE

So excited to be a part of the promotional tour for JORDAN DANE's just released sequel to Indigo Awakening (Review Link) - Crystal Fire..... Oh and stay tuned I will be posting my review of the book in a few days.... Its an Amazing book better believe.


About the Book-

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down. A storm is brewing on the streets of LA, one that has intensified since a tragic and deadly confrontation claimed an innocent life. While Gabriel Stewart trains his army of teen psychics to stop Alexander Reese--the obsessed leader of the Believers--the fanatical church becomes more bent on the annihilation of all Indigo and Crystal children. They're silencing the voices of the telepathic hive, one soul at a time, with frightening experiments cruelly executed on vulnerable minds. When the Believers torture a mysterious homeless boy, Oliver Blue, they brainwash him into betraying his own. The boy becomes a deadly pawn to take Gabriel down. As the fires of chaos burn around him, Gabe is running out of time. He'll need to confront his past--and the man who made him--before the hope of peace for the future is silenced forever.



About the Author-

Bestselling, critically-acclaimed author Jordan Dane’s gritty romantic thrillers are ripped from the headlines with vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Publishers Weekly compared her intense novels to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag, naming her debut novel NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM as Best Books of 2008. She also pens young-adult novels for Harlequin Teen. Formerly an energy sales manager, she now writes full time. Jordan and her husband share their Texas residence with two lucky rescue dogs.



Some Itsy-Bitsy Links for you fellas-



Crystal Fire GOODREADS link
Indigo Awakening GOODREADS link


Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Kobo



Now for the post you have been reading for-

As the Indigos prepare to battle the Believers, they train in every way possible. Rayne Darby is the sister of Crystal child Lucas, but has no powers of her own, except for her unflinching courage and loyalty, which will be tested in Crystal Fire. Here’s a training scene between her and Gabriel Stewart.



Crystal Fire by Jordan Dane - Excerpt


Stewart Estate Bristol Mountains—east of L.A. Next morning

Rayne Darby had on her lucky stuff, a black Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” T-shirt with her favorite jeans that were shredded on the thighs and her dark brown café racer motorcycle boots. Both wrists were laced with leather, and beads coiled around them. She wanted to kick ass today in her best gear. If her parents had been alive and knew she planned on declaring war on a church, they would have totally grounded her.

A spotlight shone down on her as she stood in the cool darkness of a large room and stared at a man’s lighted silhouette twenty-five yards away. The tiny details of his face didn’t matter to her. Only one guy haunted her mind whenever she held a gun in her hands, like now.

The Stewart Estate had a firing range located in its basement, along with other rooms Gabriel and his uncle Reginald had dedicated for training. The Stewarts came from a long line of Indigos. The family had taken every opportunity to hone their abilities because they knew they’d need every protection possible. The others had powers that made weapons unnecessary. Rayne was the only one who clocked time at the firing range. At first Gabe had resisted the idea of her with a gun, but when she told him that he might not always be around to be her white knight in blue flames, he reluctantly agreed to lend her a handgun and show her how to use it.

She’d come alone to practice with a Glock 21, but Gabe’s ghost dog Hellboy had followed her. She welcomed the company, but the dog must have sensed her jittery mood and paced the floor behind her, whining.

“Settle down, boy. I can’t kill you, remember? I’m the only one in danger here. I could shoot my eye out.”

Guns made her nervous. She had to get over that. Not long ago, she’d pointed a gun at Boelens, a cruel man who hunted kids for the Believers. He’d made fun of her for not knowing about the gun’s safety. She was determined that wouldn’t happen a second time. If she ever had that man in her sights again, she’d know which end to point and how to wipe the smirk off his face.

Staring at the paper target of a man’s silhouette, she imagined facing someone who could shoot back. She got the cold sweats every time she pictured standing in front of Boelens again. With her eyes on the target, she slipped on her protective goggles, but before she donned her ear muffs, a low voice with a faint British accent sent shivers down her arms.

“You look quite fetching in those goggles.”

When she turned to see Gabriel standing on the edge of the spotlight, she smiled and put down her weapon.

“That’s something a girl doesn’t hear every day.”

He walked up and pressed his warm body against her back. He fit in all the right places as if he’d been made for her. Rayne couldn’t help it. She stifled a gasp when he ran fingers through her hair and she felt his breath on her skin.

“Protection is important,” he whispered in his sexy British accent as he nuzzled and kissed her neck.

“Are you here to give me a…lesson?” She leaned back against his chest and let him wrap his arms around her.

“You need one?” He put his lips next to her ear. “Anything you want, I’m your guy.”

Rayne heard the smile in his voice. She fought a grin too.

“Give me the run down one more time and do it slow. I want to remember everything.”

It would have been easy to stick with the flirty teasers and kiss Gabriel all afternoon, but he took weapons seriously and she did too. Too much was at stake and she hadn’t forgotten the reason she wanted to practice. After Gabe pulled away, he stayed at her back and spoke in her ear as she stared at the target, the second object of her growing obsession.

“You must do one very important thing before you ever pick up a gun,” he told her.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Read the manual. Not everything comes with instructions, but firearms do. Take advantage of that.”

After she moaned and flashed back to high school, she said, “Okay, I got a homework assignment. What comes next?”

“Find a suitable target, preferably very bad men. Not me,” he said. “And don’t fire at Hellboy. You’ll only piss him off.”

“I’d never shoot your dog.” Rayne winced. “Not on purpose.”

“Ah…your confident assurance makes me feel much better, but my four-legged friend is another matter.”

When she looked down at Hellboy, the phantom dog cocked his head and perked a blue shimmering ear.

“I swear he understands every word you say.” She smiled.

“Funny. He never listened when he was alive. Being dead has improved his disposition.”

“Okay, don’t shoot dead dogs. Got it. What’s next?”

Gabriel went down the list, cautioning her to keep her finger outside the trigger guard unless she was ready to shoot. He had her practice holding the gun until she felt more comfortable and watched her rack the slide to load the chamber.

“Spread your feet, shoulder width.” He moved his fingers along her arms as she aimed and repeated what he’d told her, about where to place her feet, knees and elbows.

“Firm grip and lean forward a bit,” he said. “Now align the front sight with the rear one and aim for center mass. No fancy head shots, Annie Oakley. When you’re ready, take a deep breath and let it out before you squeeze the trigger.”

Gabe slipped her earmuffs over her head and put on his own gear before he stepped out of the way. When he gave her the thumbs-up, she took her deep breath and aimed her Glock.

Rayne squeezed the trigger and blasted the target. This time she didn’t close her eyes.



GIVEAWAY TIME-

10 finished copies of Crystal Fire (US/CAN)


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blog Tour Hosted by: 

Wednesday 4 December 2013

2013 Debut Author GIVEAWAY HOP [INT]

2013 Debut author hop
2013 Debut Author Giveaway Hop

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

December 4th to 11th 

Featuring books released in 2013 by Debut Authors (First Time Authors)

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


RULES : 

1. There will be only TWO Winner (subjected to change). 
2. Winner will be informed via email and *must* reply within 48 hours else I won't have a choice but to select another winner. 
3. All entries would be verified. 
4. Just fill in the rafflecopter below :


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thursday 28 November 2013

Under the Never Sky #2 Through the Ever Night

An enticing sequel. Presenting Under the Never Sky #2 Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi.

Here is the summary of the book:

It's been months since Aria learned of her mother's death.

Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.

Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It's a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it's a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at first.

Then it slips away. The Tides don't take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe is swirling out of Perry's control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a captivating adventure-and a love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.


What follows after 'Under the Never Sky' in the form of 'Through the Ever Night' is a fantastic sequel. They said Book 1 was Aria's tale and now Book 2 is Perry's story. Well they are right. Perry takes center stage in this book. And struggles to find his voice among his people. He is a blood lord now, so his first duty comes as that of his tribe's protection and well fare. He struggles because he wants Aria with him. He struggles because he knows his tribe don't seem to take him seriously and would never allow a mole to live with them. And then there is the elusive land free of the the aether ridden sky called 'the still blue', a constant motive throughout.

Now let us look towards the highlights of this story. Perry most of all owned it. You could practically feel his emotions raw and passionate within these pages. Literally you one with Perry's dilemma, and that is something an author should be proud of. Of course Perry & Aria remained strong. This time they had some big hurdles along their way and they overcame it with vigor. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, well with the forces at work determined to keep them apart I daresay it proves to be true......

Another notable factor was the friendship between Aria & Roar, a friend who knows your every thought, in sync with you always. And of course Aria's character saw massive development. Much stronger now, she wields that knife like a pro. She is no longer the scared girl she was in 'Under the Never Sky'.

Rossi sure makes the feels come tenfold. I particularly liked her style because you can feel the raw passion or the determination of the character, which is there of course. But you actually feel like a part of the tale and that is an achievement, that is. And then twists & turns and shocking reveals and the betrayals..... well I can definitely say i'm officially counting the clock for 'Into the Still Blue'..... ha! Good thing i've got and e-arc of it, can't wait to see how it finishes.

"Enticingly apocalyptic, Veronica Rossi did a through job on this one"
Genre :      Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Sci-fi, Romance

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: 8th January, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Under the Never Sky

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Anna #2 Girl of Nightmares

Presenting Anna #2 Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake.

Here is the summary of the book:

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.


Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.


Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.


Begins where 'Anna Dressed in Blood' left off. And must say 'Girl of Nightmares' is a change of pace. Wherein the first book, Anna Korlov throughly spooked us with her vicious after life tendencies, at the end saving Cas and his friends lives against the Obeman..... And don't forget the effort Cas put in catching her.... it was definitely the perfect Halloween read..... But what progressed was the point that never sits well with me..... the romance between a ghost and a living being.

Still Girl of Nightmares was a change of pace purely because Cas is not hunting ghosts this time but answers.He knows Anna is in hell or wherever the knife sends them but so is the Obeman and he wants to get her out of there.

While the change of pace puts the spook factor to a lower degree but what I liked of this book was that we found out more about Cas' history or more probably on that of the knife and just how dangerous it actually was. Kendare Blake presents a much subdued and calm finale to her ghostly saga..... but worry not you will find all the ghosts, secret societies and action you desire out of this book.

"An intense unraveling and action-packed finale"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Horror, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Tor Teen

Release Date: 7th August, 2012

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Anna Dressed in Blood

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Conquered Earth #2 The Severed Tower

Presenting Conquered Earth #2 The Severed Tower by J. Barton Mitchell.

Here is the summary of the book:

Holt, Mira, and Max have fled Midnight City with Zoey after watching her repel an entire Assembly army. Zoey's powers are unlocked, but who and what she is remains a mystery. All she knows is that she must reach the Severed Tower, an infamous location in the middle of the world's most dangerous landscape: The Strange Lands, a place where the laws of physics have completely broken down. But the closer they get to the Tower, the more precarious things become. The Assembly has pursued Zoey into the Strange Lands. Among them is a new group, their walkers and machines strangely bereft of any color, stripped to bare metal, and whose agenda seems to differ from the rest. To make matters worse, the group hunting Holt are here, too, led by a dangerous and beautiful pirate named Ravan. So is Mira's first love, Benjamin Aubertine, whose singular ambition to reach the Tower threatens to get them all killed.

Then there's the Strange Lands themselves. They have inexplicably begun to grow, spreading outwards, becoming more powerful. Somehow, it all seems tied to Zoey herself, and the closer she gets to the Tower, the weaker she becomes.


For me this one felt so-so. Yes I actually like the first book more because of its unique setting but must say the story wasn't a memorable one. So I tumbled head first into this one. Yes, the needed element of action and adventure is there but I still got bored with it.

While the concept of the strange lands is very well done, with the almost game like feel to it, like the games where you have to solve puzzles to get to the next level and such..... Holt, Zoe and Mira were in full force as was the assembly and the tone but I still got bored.... And this is definitely the shortest ever review for me..... I know what I need to do, after I finish all of my arc(s) and review copies, i need to read it again with the first book. Maybe then I can actually appreciate it more..... So at the moment it is OK.

"A post-apocalyptic setting that gets complex by the second"

Genre :      Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Paranormal, Sci-fi

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: 19th November, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Midnight City

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Sunday 24 November 2013

Owl Post #13 [November, 2013]

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 November, 2013.
3. Also it will feature a list of recap link at the bottom of the page, which enlists all the review, interviews and tour posts I have done that particular month. Now I expect you all to visit each link and give out a comment here and there(would very much appreciate it) and you all can link your reviews too, i'd love to comment.
4. You are all welcome to share what you all got in the comment section below....i'd love to visit....


For Review


Netgalley



Edelweiss



Bought




Recap Links


 

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