NEW COVER for ALLUSIVE AFTERSHOCK

Presenting New cover for ALLUSIVE AFTERSHOCK!!

Title: Allusive Aftershock

Author: Susan Griscom

Publisher: Amber Glow Books

Release date: January 29, 2014

Available on Kindle, Nook and Paperback. 

Also available as an Audiobook from audible.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. 

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking. 

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict. 

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?

Buy Links:

Amazon USA, UK, and Canada

B&N

Uninvited #1 Uninvited

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! Presenting Uninvited #1 Uninvited by Sophie Jordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

'Uninvited' marks my first Sophie Jordan read. I had heard a lot of her and have the first two books of her Firelight series but haven't been able to get to them yet. So this will be my first read from her and I am thankful to edelweiss and the publisher's for accepting my request.

The first book of a new series from the author, this is one of those unputdownable addictive ones that you can't help but feel one with as you read and feel what the characters or situations illicit in you. This is a pure contemporary dystopia. The government has made testing for HTS (Homicidal Tendency Syndrome) or the common term 'kill gene' compulsory, that supposedly spurns people to commit crime and do unlawful acts. If found positive, you are shunned your whole life, none of the institutions accept you and you are monitored by the government and if found guilty then the life you know will take you from bad to worst and you won't be able to anything because you are powerless.

Beautifully rendered by Jordan as she tells the story of Davy Hamilton, a music prodigy with the perfect life which takes the tumble when she is tested positive as an HTS carrier. Dumped by the boyfriend, betrayed by the friend, family helpless and her perfect plan to go to Julliard rejected. She struggles to accept. Accept the sudden changes that seems to be her life. At time she feels naive, thinking it only a fluke but little by little, she adapts to her surrounding and strives to not let the HTS define her.

Sean, the male protagonist and a male carrier is the only one who seems to understand what Davy is going through and helps her whenever she is in a predicament. He is the strong, silent bad boy with the killer good looks. Brought up in a foster home, his background is largely still a mystery. But Davy and him made for quite an interesting pair. Hot and cold and late passionately swoonworthy. A breathless romance like no other.

You can actually feel for them at the injustice to them all. I actually cried during the time when Davy's (supposed) BFF got her turned in just because of a slap getting her into more trouble. The anger, betrayal, broken trust, the helplessness, the friendship, the adrenaline, of new chances, and all the action; Uninvited is definitely one of those book you can't help not miss out on.

"An action-packed and intriguing new arrival from Sophie Jordan"

Genre :      Young Adult, Contemporary, Dystopia, Romance

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: 28th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Cruel Beauty

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! Presenting Cruel Beauty Universe: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge.

Here is the summary of the book:

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

HOLY HELL THIS IS ONE AMAZING STORY!!  I try to go into books  with the least amount of expectations as possible and when they prove their wort, LIKE THIS ONE did then I get the most satisfactions out of it as possible. The synopsis compares it to a mix of 'Graceling' and 'Beauty & the Beast' but since I haven't read Graceling...... I'd go with 'Greek Mythology' meets 'Beauty & the Beast'.

Nyx and the Gentle Lord. They definitely were a pair. Nyx for her part was the quite and reserved person, trained all her life to destroy her to-be husband, the Gentle Lord, the Lord of Bargains and land of the presence of evil and bring back the clear blue skies. She is stubborn, quite determined. She may have never desired anything from others but a part of her does crave..... crave the love and adoration that her younger sister got. But one thing I liked of her..... she is compassionate.

The Gentle Lord, Ignifex (as he is called) on the other hand is every bit mischievous, dark devilish and of course beguiling as you would expect him to be. But as we see Nyx and him interact and gradually come to know each other. We find that there is a bit of vulnerability to him as well and their gradual love and passion actually felt more real than ever. Its palpable enough to make us swoon and diligently root for them to be together even if the situation feels more bleak than ever.

Most of all I liked the way Hodge blends Greek Mythology throughout the story to make it look even more fantasy-like. And the jaw dropping twists & turns and how our characters deal with deceptions throughout the stretch of it,  that gave it a new meaning. Rosamund Hodge's debut surely makes it with the big names out there...... This is a fairytale re-telling I recommend you would love and covet.

"A perfect blend of Greek Mythology and Beauty & the Beast. Fans of Alex Flinn will definitely love this"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fairytale re-telling, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: 28th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

The Madman's Daughter #2 Her Dark Curiosity

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! Presenting The Madman's Daughter #2 Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd.

Here is the summary of the book:

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Not a bad sequel, this one but slight traces of second book syndrome could be seen. It even works almost as a standalone but if i am to compare the first and second, i'd definitely declare the first best of the two. The reason it gets 2 rates less.

I admit the prose was good, Shepherd's writing style was good, the mystery, the dark side of science, London of that era and the atmosphere & the way the consequences of book 2 were explored and new evils wrought out..... But the thing is..... The major point where it all fails.... The characters.... or rather the characters and that wretched love triangle.

Juliet, Montgomery & Edward. Frankly this is one one love triangle that is not needed at all in any way. In the first book where everything was being layed out, using it there actually did well there but this time it was plain annoying. Edward is just his usual beast self and when not then seducing Juliet. Montgomery was just plain Montgomery.

Juliet on the other hand felt plain and simple annoying. She whines the entire time. About Montgomery. Just because Edward was there when Montgomery wasn't doesn't mean you jump in the sack with him, for GOD's SAKE he is literally a beast and just had had killed somebody before she decides to do the deed with him..... Just how thick can someone be.

Another factor, she is rather naive for her own good. OK her condition isn't that serious, so a cure could be formulated. But she thinks that just cause she got cured, then there could be one for him too, when it is evident enough that he is beyond help.

But other then that I had no other problems with this book and enjoyed the mysteries, tragedies and sciences explore. I am surely checking the next book out, the conclusion here provided some too good to pass story arc coming in the series and I am excited for it.

"There is darkness and a curiosity but not the sequel to date"

Genre :      Young Adult, Gothic, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: 28th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 The Madman's Daughter

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Under the Never Sky #3 Into The Still Blue

Presenting Under the Never Sky #3 Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi.

Here is the summary of the book:

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Timesbestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Began with a bang and ends in subtlety. Veronica Rossi's post-apocalyptic dystopia paints a scenario of the apocalypse due to the shifting magnetic polarity of the Earth and the resulting aether clouding the sky. Got to give it to her with all the zombies, aliens, virus breakouts, mass genocides or evil AIs and mayan apocalypse stories out there, using magnetic polarity shift is pretty much a new and fresh concept to implement.

Not to be outdone by the rest, this is one satisfying and very well done conclusion to the Under the Never Sky series. The story begins just where Though the Ever Night ended. The Tides have lost their home. Cinder had been captured by Hess and Sable, as he is the only one who can control the aether and give them safe passage to the 'Still blue', the land of clean blue skies shielded by a thick wall of aether...... And Aria and Perry must brave the storm coming towards them at an even faster pace if they are to save their people as well.

All in all while the book served as a conclusion to the journey but it was one heck of a character oriented drama. The action, drama, and all the twists & turns driven by the powerful characters here make this even better. yes, a few instances were a bit slow but overall  I loved it.

Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder, Soren, Brooke, Reef, Willow, Bear, Caleb and the other. It is their story that makes this rock. The emotions, the sorrow, the tragedy; of humor, love and new life. It is these emotions that kept it all real and the author strings it all along for the adventure. The fight towards the end with Sable and the ending felt a bit rushed. But seriously I have no complaints. None whatsoever.

"A stunningly epic conclusion"

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

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: 28th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Books in the series (review link):
                 #1 Under the Never Sky 
                 #2 Through the Ever Night

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Owl Post #15 [January, 2014]

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

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

1. Just like my IMM posts, this will not be done every Sunday but on the last Sunday of each month... the reason why you'll see a lot more books in here than normal.

2. This first Owl Post will have all the books that I received in January, 2014.

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

4. You are all welcome to share what you all got in the comment section below....i'd love to visit....

For Review

Netgalley

The Secret Diamond Sisters #1 The Secret Diamond Sisters - Michelle Madow

Grim - Ellen Hopkins, Amanda Hocking, Julie Kagawa, Claudia Gray, Rachel Hawkins, Kimberly Derting, Myra McEntire, Malinda Lo, Sarah Rees-Brennan, Jackson Pearce, Christine Johnson, Jeri Smith Ready, Shaun David Hutchinson, Saundra Mitchell, Sonia Gensler, Tessa Gratton, Jon Skrovan

The Book of Ore #1 The First Book of Ore: The Foundry's Edge - Cam Baity, Benny Zelkowicz

Project Paper Doll #2 The Hunt - Stacey Kade

Ashfall #3 Sunrise - Mike Mullin

Edelweiss

The Taking #1 The Taking - Kimberly Derting

Eighth Day #1 The Eighth Day - Dianne K. Salerni

After the End #1 After the End - Amy Plum

Bought

The Shadowhunter's Codex - Cassandra Clare, Joshua Lewis

Falling Kingdoms #1 Falling Kindgoms - Morgan Rhodes

Everneath #3 Evertrue - Brodi Ashton

The Reaper Diaries #2 Unchosen - Michele Vail

Bloodlines #4 The Fiery Heart - Richelle Mead

Recap Links

2014 Reading Challenge
The Baskerville Affair #1 A Study in Silks - Emma Jane Halloway
The Baskerville Affair #2 A Study in Darkness - Emma Jane Halloway
The Baskerville Affair #3 A Study in Ashes - Emma Jane Halloway
Absent - Aktie Williams
A Gift to Remember - Melissa Hill
Perfect Chemistry #1 Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles
Hourglass #3 Inifinityglass - Myra McEntire
The Copernicus Legacy #1 The Forbidden Stone - Tony Abbott
The Heroes of Olympus #4 The House of Hades - Rick Riordan
The Madman's Daughter #1 The Madman's Daughter - Megan Shepard
Starbound #1 These Broken Stars - Amie Kaufman, Megan Spooner
Avalon #1 Avalon - Mindee Arnett
Doctor Who: Time Trips #1 The Death Pit - A.L. Kennedy
Healer #3 Taste of Darkness - Maria V. Snyder

Healer #3 Taste of Darkness

This is another mind-blowing series that ends with this mind-blowing finale. Presenting Healer #3 Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder.

Here is the summary of the book:

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

High Fantasies always need much more detailing than most. You need everything spelled out. From the world building down to every minuet detail about the characters.... and there are always more than one leads of this genre.... You are literally building a new world in this genre story and if not done well, readers loose interest.... But Snyder's high fantasy Healer series, maintains its distinct identity throughout.

Taste of Darkness starts off slow, just where the 2nd book ended but gains momentum quickly. Avry, Kerrick, the Monkeys, Flea and Bear are all in here. Even Tohon and all the baddies as well..... But this is Avry's crowning glory. She is still very stubborn, still insistent on risking herself and putting the life of others before her. She has matured considerably throughout the series. When Kerrick goes missing she remains steadfast that he will return. Openly defiant to Prince Ryne and still passionately and hopelessly in love with Kerrick. Got to say she is one ass-kicking heroine.

Kerrick.... A worthy male protagonist. His chemistry with Avry truly works wonders for the saga. He is strong, brooding, romantic, selfless and passionate adding his forest magic powers as cherry on top. Belen, Loren & Quain, and Flea made some considerable appearances, Flea specially what with discovering his powers as a death magician. Tohon of course rears his head, haunting Avry's dreams and there is a new enemy on the horizon too, the cannibalistic Skeleton King.

This is an intricate world with intricate magic woven like beads throughout the length of the rope..... Even the Lily comes alive - Giant man size ones capable enough to swallow a person whole and even develop a consciousness  too. Even the forest has a voice. Combine that with the final battle, the romance and the unraveling and you get this marvelous Healer saga. Well done!

"An action-packed and romantic conclusion to Maria V. Snyder's Healer series. Definitely does not disappoint"

Genre :      Young Adult, High Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Release Date: 31st December, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Touch of Power
              #2 Scent of Magic

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Time Trips #1 Doctor Who: The Death Pit

Presenting Time Trips #1 The Death Pit by A.L. Kennedy.

Here is the summary of the book:

Something odd is going on at the Fetch Brothers Golf Spa Hotel. Receptionist Bryony Mailer has noticed a definite tendency towards disappearance amongst the guests. She's tried talking to the manager, she's even tried talking to the owner who lives in one of the best cottages in the grounds, but to no avail. And then a tall, loping remarkably energetic guest (wearing a fetching scarf and floppy hat) appears. TheFourth Doctor thinks he's in Chicago. He knows he's in 1978. And he also knows that if he doesn't do something very clever very soon, matters will get very, very out of hand.

Till now regarding DOCTOR WHO. I have watched all the episodes of the 9th Doctor till the 12th one and from the classic series covered the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd and just began with the Tom Baker (4th) episodes. And as far as the literature goes, only some graphic novels and WHO-OLOGY..... So this is a new experience for me..... I do plan on reading the other books, the story already in the market and if possible the BIG FINISH audio dramas too if I can get them....

Time Trips. The name of the new series from BBC. Novellas containing adventures of the Doctor (almost all the regenerations), in no specific order. This 1st one is a 4th Doctor adventure..... and while I am still scratching the surface with his stories I must say that Kennedy did a perfect job of establishing him through this novella. Although the other prominent characters Bryony & Putta were pretty good enough too but the plot had quite a few chinks in the armor..... On the whole it was quite a good start.

"He grinned with rather more teeth than one person should have. He appeared to have been dressed by a committee, possibly a drunk committee: wing collar and something that might once have been a cravat, baggy checked trousers, brown checked waistcoat, long purple velvet frock coat with bulging pockets, raddled shoes... an immense and disreputable scarf with a life of its own..."

I was going to give it a 3 star but the above description of this regeneration was spot on.... so 4 stars couldn't hurt. While the alien entity, the golf bunker, was definitely well put, but it still did not explain its placement there or the erratic behavior of old lady Julia Fetch and the twins.... They felt like they were important  but were very much underdeveloped.. There was much of an action-sequence....... Yes there was the battle with the creature but following the level of the classic series in terms of the today's Doctor WHO episodes.... it was quite good. Looking forward to the next one.

"A good start to a new DOCTOR WHO series"

Genre :      Tv tie-in, , Sci-fi

Publisher: BBC Digital

Release Date: 5th December, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon

Avalon #1 Avalon

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! Presenting Avalon #1 Avalon by Mindee Arnett.

Here is the summary of the book:

A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett.

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Avalon is the perfect fit for teens new to sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers looking for more books in the YA space-and a great match for fans of Joss Whedon's cult hit show Firefly.

A marvelous sci-fi. A dangerous heist. Treachery and Deception and Crime Lords and their crimes at play and a lethal play to be free of the dark side, it is rather rare you see a story with all these points and it rare that the author knows how to manipulate all of them and present a coherent and an action-packed extravaganza ..... And Mindee Arnett's AVALON definitely fits the bill and is an exceptionally fine specimen of a book.

Set in a time in the far future when travel from one planet to another or star system is a common practice and the autonomous body ITA (Interstellar Transport Agency) rules it all. It is in this time that Jethro Seagrave, pawn at the hands of the ruthless crime lord Hammer Dafoe, alongwith his motley crew of teenage expert mercenaries take on a untoward heist, so that one day he can make enough to get ownership of his spaceship AVALON, the last remaining piece of his parents back.

Jeth and his crew Lizzie, Celeste, Shady and Flynn provided some very dynamic characters. They are resourceful and proficient but most of all have a good head on their shoulders, and support Jeth in every way they can. It is their retrieval mission in the mysterious Belgrave Quadrant (....which is everything you expect space to be - silent, mysterious, creepy.... and a certain likeness to the tales of the Bermuda Triangle.....) and the resulting meeting with Sierra, Vince and the adorable Cora that sets this whole affair on the go. There are secrets & conspiracies, the government and even crime lords like Hammer would kill for and it makes for an interesting read as we see Jeth and his crew deal with the upheavals and the resulting consequences.

There is not one slow bone to this book at all. Every line, every sentence, every paragraph, every page and every chapter helps to further the action. And for the most part, the pacing of the events too is very well put, always giving us chance to sink it in. There is intrigue. There are unimaginable discoveries. Space & Spacecrafts and mysterious quardrants in space-time. A fight for what is right or wrong. Brilliant and graphic action sequences...... But most of all, it is and unputdownable book and I highly recommend that you all go and get it because Mindee Arnett produces a power-packed space adventure helped along by a gorgeous cover on the front.

"Intriguing and fast-paced. Sci-fi fans will surely love the non-stop action"

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

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: 21st January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Starbound #1 These Broken Stars

A love story in times of space travel. Presenting Starbound #1 These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner.

Here is the summary of the book:

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

A tale of the space age. This is sci-fi, with a big survival focus in there, and a big classic romance with the dazzling and eye-catching cover setting things off perfectly. Literally.... Jaw-droppingly swoonworthy..... A gripping and recommended debut to the Starbound series.

Lilac & Tarver. Find themselves stranded on an unknown planet by Icarus, the luxury space liner destroyed killing everyone on board. Started out as hating each other's presence but slowly seeing and assimilating the benefits of co-operation on a strange planet as they want to be rescued. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man of the galaxy and Tarver is the decorated war hero, quite the tabloid and holovid fodder but not of a high social ranking. But these two creatures at odds grudgingly join hands to face the unknown and somehow fall truly and irrevocably in love with each other.... *squeals*

One of the major points to this story is the gradual character development that takes place throughout the book. You see them squabbling for control, be wary of each other, but slowly coming to an understanding, a shared load of pooled talent needed to comb the planet and hope for rescue. And that planet sure has its share of mysteries too, the strange inhabitants of the planet.

'These Broken Stars' is a journey like no other. I truly enjoyed Lilac and Tarver and their sizzling chemistry. The romance between them does take time to build up making it an even more of an interesting journey. It is circumstances that got them together and pitted on an unknown planet and it is these circumstances that give them the strength to battle all the twist and turns thrown their way as they become much stronger and much more in love than when they first began......

"A captivating and enticing sci-fi survival tale helped together be the love story of the millenia"

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

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 10th December, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Madman's Daughter #1 The Madman's Daughter

Presenting The Madman's Daughter #1 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepard.

Here is the summary of the book:

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

Based on H.G. Wells' famous gory saga, The Island of Dr. Moreau, this dark and immensely creepy representation from Megan Shepard definitely does it justice..... I had heard of the original tale but haven't had a chance to go through it yet so I can't compare it but from where I am standing The Madman's Daughter does its dark and sinisterial work perfectly.

I've read a fairly less number of the horror genre, so the one's that do find themselves to me are definitely enough to give me the goose-flesh and i'm adding this one in that category. Definitely.

Juliet Moreau's story and her character really won me over. She is a girl born in riches but for whom fate had dealt a heavy hand and must now work hard to stay off the streets. With a dead mother and a mad scientist for a father, and no living relatives or money what so ever, she maintains a stubborn disposition. And that dark side, it takes over when you least expect it. It is this side of her that gives her a dynamic character and the strength to put a live cut open rabbit to rest when even the boys were finding it very difficult to.

And then there were two. Montgomery and Edward. Two love interests. A love triangle. The former a childhood crush and the servant of her father and the latter a mysterious castaway found drowning in the waters as they neared the island. The former able to get her warm and tingling to her core and the latter part of her cold, dark and sinister dreams upon that cursed island...... I don't think I need to explain more. I was already rooting for Juliet and Montgomery since he entered the scene. There is an undeniable and passionate chemistry there that can't be missed.

And then there is Dr. Moreau and his island full of creatures. This was definitely the heart of the story. "Science leads" our resident time lord, the Doctor said. But science is just the tool, it is how you use it that matters. The hunchback, the beastlys', the horned one and the animalistics. That island is filled with enough dark and mangled creatures to fill a lifetime. While yes Dr. Moreau is definitely a madman to experiment on humans and animals and the chaos is enough to keep us interested, but there is order too. An almost dictatorial order. Somehow all these creatures stay focused on track and maintain an almost sense of peace.

Got to hand it to Shepard, her way of presentation and ghostly environment of the book is what sets this thing off. But the beauty of it all..... the evident character building seen throughout the entirety of the book. There is no clear cut good and evil here, just the gray. Almost all of them have a dark side and there are secrets shrouded among layers and layers of soot. Good on to the author, your Gothic thriller sure gave me the creeps. Excited to begin the next leg of this creepy and dark journey with 'Her Dark Curiosity'.

"Dark and sinisterly creepy with a disturbingly graphic plot-line to keep you on the edge of your seats"

Genre :      Young Adult, Gothic, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: 29th January, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Heroes of Olympus #4 The House of Hades

This is another one of those masterpieces. Presenting The Heroes of Olympus #4 The House of Hades by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

A masterpiece in a long line of masterpieces..... If you are privy to Rick Riordan's books, then you know what I am talking about.The mythology, the godly action, the quests and the humor..... If you don't know what I mean, well I suggest you go and buy his book because I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

..... Alright I AM STUMPED..... I have no idea where to start..... Rick Riordan keeps improving and amazing with that brain of his with his every release. Notably this is much darker and much more serious of a book than the previous one. Well expected since Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus at the shocking cliffhanger ending of the previous book and the others must follow the original plan and hope their fallen comrades can fight their way through from the other side in time to be saved.

This is a big and a rather heavy read with many perspective changes and a crew of protagonists but not complaining since Riordan balances them all equally - they all get equal and a fair chance to sine and impress and they all bring equally something new to the plot of the book..... Big character development can be seen throughout the lines of the plot.

Percy & Annabeth's harrowing journey through Tartarus surviving on fire and help from Titan, Bob. Jason's character bit more explored. Piper kick-ass. Leo and Calypso hitting it off. Hazel and Frank discovering their worth and maturing considerably.... BUT MAN...... NICO STOLE THE SHOW...... His is one character development I did not expect...... Although now that you think of it...... a lot of his actions make sense..... POOR GUY.....

EPIC STORY...... EPIC..... I can't even pic any faults in it because it was done so beautifully.....All said and done.... NOW BEGINS THE EXCRUCIATING WAIT FOR 'The Blood of Olympus' after a much calmer ending this time. 

"Another epic chapter in the lives of our favorite demigods"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: 8th October, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 The Lost Hero
              #2 The Son of Neptune 
              #3 The Mark of Athena

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Copernicus Legacy #1 The Forbidden Stone

Presenting The Copernicus Legacy #1 The Forbidden Stone by Tony Abbott.

Here is the summary of the book:

Rick Riordan meets Dan Brown in this exhilarating and adventurous new tween series from beloved and bestselling author Tony Abbott.

The Copernicus Legacy has everything middle-grade readers love-an international adventure, a compelling friendship story, and a mission that draws on history and astronomy. Readers who loved Percy Jackson will be eager to follow our heroes on this six-book, six-novella journey and excited to enter a sweepstakes to participate in a real-life scavenger hunt hosted by Tony Abbott that lets the reader become part of the story.

It all began when four friends-Wade, Lily, Darrel, and Becca-received a strange, coded email from Wade's uncle Henry shortly before the old man's sudden death. They set off for Germany to attend the funeral with Wade's father, Roald, and discover that Uncle Henry left them yet another baffling message that they suspect is the key to figuring out how and why he died.

The message leads to a clue, and the more clues they discover, the farther they travel down a treacherous path toward an ancient, guarded secret. Soon they are in a breathless race across the globe, running for their lives as a dangerous shadow organization chases them around every corner. Their only hope of saving themselves-and the world that they know-is to find twelve magical relics from a hidden past that will unlock the Copernicus Legacy.

A conjugation of Dan Brown and Rick Riordan? Totally. I got this from edelweiss and I must tell you, you just won't be able to keep it down at all..... This is a smart read..... I love a smart read..... do you love a smart read. That gives you the perfect balance between real and fiction, forces you to study the facts yet still keep it action-packed and adventurous? Well you should definitely get down to reading this book.

Astronomy form the core of the series. As such it is named The Copernicus Legacy after Nicholaus Copernicus, who was famous for establishing that it in fact the Earth that moves around the sun and not the other way around.This is one globe trotting action you don't wanna miss out as the author Tony Abbott masterfully combines history, astronomy and science (yes there are the formulas and the scientific instruments to keep us on our toes) as four unlikely teenagers and one adult, unwittingly get drawn into centuries old cults and Orders and a race around the globe to keep the bad guys from getting the artifacts.

Wade and Darrel. Step brothers. But I loved their dynamics.Wade is the science geek, loves maths and particularly astronomy. Darrel on the other hand only dreams of sleep, food and music. Lily is the tech geek and rather resourceful with her Ipad and Becca loves to study anything she can get her hands on. All 4 may be as different as day and night but when they pool their resources together, well they have the makings of an efficient team. And Wade and Darrel's father Dr. Kaplan is the key to this chase.

MAN WHAT AN ADVENTURE..... Clues.... Clues everywhere, of chases, of riddles, around the globe, to protect a centuries old guarded secret and keep it from the treacherous hands of the bad guys. The Forbidden Stone lays down a solid foundation for this brand new and fresh series packed with breadth taking action and pencil sketched illustrations.... What I am trying to say is - I loved this book and I will definitely come back for more!

"Tony Abbott's Ode to Copernicus - A globe trotting, action-packed, thrilling and an unputdownable ride, he better come up with the next one soon" 

Genre :      Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-fi

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Release Date: 7th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Hourglass #3 Infinityglass

A good end to a marvelous series..... Oh I hate endings...... Why did it have to end.... Presenting Hourglass #3 Infinityglass by Myra McEntire.

Here is the summary of the book:

The stakes have risen even higher in this third book in the Hourglass series.

The Hourglass is a secret organization focused on the study of manipulating time, and its members — many of them teenagers -­have uncanny abilities to make time work for them in mysterious ways. Inherent in these powers is a responsibility to take great care, because altering one small moment can have devastating consequences for the past, present, and future. But some time trav­elers are not exactly honorable, and sometimes unsavory deals must be struck to maintain order.

With the Infinityglass (central to understanding and harnessing the time gene) at large, the hunt is on to find it before someone else does.

But the Hourglass has an advantage. Lily, who has the ability to locate anything lost, has determined that the Infinityglass isn't an object. It's a person. And the Hourglass must find him or her first. But where do you start searching for the very key to time when every second could be the last?

The cover blurb proclaims this one to be 'Doctor WHO in YA Package'... I totally agree. It has a story definitely good enough to parallel a solid WHO arc....  and just like the resident regenerating timelord from Gallifrey, I detest endings too. I know everything has an ending. Without an end there is no beginning but seriously I hate it when a good series ends. Maybe that is why I read it so late when I actually got a review copy from Netgalley around the time it was released..... *sighs*

Well no use whining now.... back to the story. McEntire follows the same pattern from the last two books. Hourglass introduced Em & Michael. Timepiece got Kaleb & Lily. Now Infinityglass does it with Dune and Hallie. Introducing new characters as protagonists per book in a series is always a risky business because we readers spend a considerable amount of time with one set of characters and then changing the focus for the next book or series can sometimes be quite jarring and many lose interest. But hats off to Myra McEntire. Not only does she introduces new characters every book but she does it with enough substance that us readers can't help but fall in love with each and every character and enjoy their leg of the journey to the fullest.

Dune & Hallie. This book belongs to them.... and Poe too. Dune...... well..... I like him. He is a brainiac, a well established one and equipped with a cool ability too. But what actually shines through about him.... his compassion. That raw passion..... AND BLOODY HELL....... WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN HE WAS SUCH A DEEP THINKER AND A PASSIONATE ROMANTIC. There was stubborn too, now that I think of it and a vigor to learn as well.

But  the highlight was totally the climax and his strong chemistry with the sassy and snarky Hallie. Where Dune has the ability to control the tides, Hallie can transmutate. She can will herself to look like anybody she wants to be. And I definitely liked the slow build up of romance between Hallie and Dune, strong enough to even take us readers in its throughs as things progressed.

Then there was Poe. We saw him in Timepiece with that mysterious guy look. His friendship with Hallie really defines him. It is clear enough that he would do anything for her to keep her happy..... totally feeling the dynamics of the Doctor & the companion there, with a vortex manipulator.

And the author adds every little detail to the max. Each and every twist & turn. All the paranormal action & exhilaration and the romance of our lead couple..... a perfect ending....... a perfect ending..... Oh Emerson & Michael and Lily & Kaleb were in here too if you are wondering and loving every bit of it.

"An action packed and exhilarating finale to this wonderful series that began with Hourglass"

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Egmont USA

Release Date: 6th August, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Hourglass
              #2 Timepiece

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository