Friday 27 June 2014

The Game #2 Push

Presenting The Game #2 Push by Eve Silver.

Here is the summary of the book:

It’s either break the rules or die.

Miki Jones lives her life by her own strict set of rules, to keep control, to keep the gray fog of grief at bay. Then she’s pulled into the Game, where she—and her team—will die unless she follows a new set of rules: those set by the mysterious Committee.

But rules don’t mean answers, and without answers, it’s hard to trust. People are dying. The rules are unraveling. And Miki knows she’s being watched, uncertain if it’s the Drau or someone—something—else. Forced to make impossible choices and battling to save those she loves, Miki begins to see the Committee in a glaring new light.

And then the Game crosses a new boundary, pushes harder into Miki’s and her friends’ lives, and there’s nothing in the rules that can save them now.

Push is the sequel Rush fans will be screaming for.


RUSH showed us a unique take on YA sci-fi dystopia, inside the confines of a war for survival turned into a deadly game strand. And sequel PUSH only serves to expand on such boundaries. Albeit suffering some 2nd book syndrome but none the less an exciting sequel.

While RUSH cleared up the mythos behind the game and the Drau much but details are still murky in PUSH. We are only offered clues, only clues. So hopefully things will be clarified in the third book. But I liked most about this book? It is purely character study. All the characters specially Miki go through some major character development. She met Jackson in the game, falls in love with him and he betrays her by using her as his replacement as team leader to earn his freedom. But at the end of book 1 he comes back to save Miki and gets takes in the process.

There is no love lost between them. Miki is still angry and feeling a little betrayed by Jackson but she loves him and is prepared to take drastic measures to keep him safe. I liked how Jackson and her relationship progressed throughout this leg of the journey. They each share a deep understanding for each other, respect and over-protectiveness in leaps and bounds. There is angst there of course but love is there too, gracious and passionate.

Lets not forget the game though. Exhilarating and action packed, this fight against the resident evil, the Drau grows deadlier by the hour. The committee grows sneakily darker and the Drau grow bolder by each mission breaking boundaries to the real world and endangering the human species and Miki and her team are fighting tooth & nail to save us all.

Still it gets a star less because of the apparent lack of plot progress. Although the action is plenty but still no sense of direction to the overall plot, which I hope will be rectified in CRASH. But good job by Eve Silver and I enjoyed every bit of this emotionally charged action packed adventure.

"An emotionally charged, action-packed sequel"
Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi, Paranormal, Romance, Dystopia, Survival

PublisherKatherine Tegen Books

Release Date: 10th June, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Rush

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Steampunk Chronicles #4 The Girl with the Windup Heart

Presenting Steampunk Chronicles #4 The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross.

Here is the summary of the book:

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.


Another great ending to a great series. Steampunk Chronicles, of course its steampunk and the paranormal romance makes it an even more desirable series. Kady Cross has done a really great job in shaping this series and this concludes it with a fitting finale. Although Goodreads mention a 5th novel, so I don't really know if this is the last one yet.

Finley, Griffin, Sam, Emily, Jasper, Cat, Jack Dandy and Mila. All of them paired off and all of them getting their happily ever after. Hard to believer at first but that is the truth and I totally love all the pairs. So, 'The Girl with the Windup heart' literally tells two stories. Divided equally with Dandy and Mila on one side and our resident steampunk-y motley crew of Griffin, Finley, Sam, Emily, Jasper and Cat finally taking on the Machinist in the final showdown.

Perfectly well balanced and well balanced with just the right amount of drama, romance and action, Cross manages to successfully pulls us into her perfectly constructed 1897 steampunk London. Of course, their is no shortage of strong characters evidencing strong character development. I really don't want to say anything more because then i'll be spoiling the story for those who haven't read it yet, so I strongly recommend that you all check this out and if you haven't begun the series yet, then definitely do so.

"A well balances, action packed and unputdownable steampunk saga"

Genre :      Historical Fantasy, Steampunk, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

PublisherHarlequin Teen

Release Date: 27th May, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #0.5 The Strange Case of Finley Jayne 
              #1 The Girl in the Steel Corset 
              #2 The Girl in the Clockwork Collar 
              #3 The Girl with the Iron Touch

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Friday 20 June 2014

The Three

Presenting The Three by Sarah Lotz.

Here is the summary of the book:

Black Thursday. The day that will never be forgotten. The day that four passenger planes crash, at almost exactly the same moment, at four different points around the globe.

There are only four survivors. Three are children, who emerge from the wreckage seemingly unhurt. But they are not unchanged.

And the fourth is Pamela May Donald, who lives just long enough to record a voice message on her phone.

A message that will change the world.

The message is a warning.


'Really wonderful' Stephen King

'You'll come up gasping' Lauren Beukes

'The finest thriller I've read in years' Sarah Pinborough


This is the second epistolary styled novel or documentary styled novel I have read after World War Z and I liked it very very much. There is this sort of an ingrained quality about this style of writing - It  makes the fiction sound so convincing and the accounts so like-like that you are almost convinced that the events actually happened. And of course a perfectly structured dystopic thriller it is too.

4 simultaneous plane crashes. In 4 different continents and only 3 survivors, 1 from three of the crashes too. So naturally everyone is curious. A religious propaganda, political propaganda, the coming of the 4 horsemen of Apocalypse and alien abduction theories and not just the family of the survivors but the world too is in disarray.... and the only question on everyone's mind, how did those kids really survive and why are they the only survivors at all.

I can't really put into exact words the beauty of this story. This is a book you much read yourself to appreciate the epistolary and the hard-work Sarah Lotz put in to create such a perfect spine-chilling dystopic thriller.

"A perfectly structured and stacked dystopic thriller"

Genre :      Sci-fi, Dystopia, Mystery, Thriller, Epistolary

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Release Date: 22nd May, 2014

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Thursday 19 June 2014

The Selection #3 The One

Presenting The Selection #3 The One by Kiera Cass.

Here is the summary of the book:

The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth'sDivergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!


Its judgement day. Its the conclusion. America must choose who that one would be. Maxon must choose who that one would be. Amidst intense drama, romance, of tragedies, new friendships, of sadness and new revelations. The One provides the perfect conclusion to this best selling series that not only the series but we we as readers deserve.

Of course on a certain level, we all knew who would be selected at the end but aside from the predictability on that front I adored the journey the characters took to reach such a conclusion. Only four left and competition to finally win Maxon's heart had grown tougher and even meaner.

America Singer has finally decided she wants Maxon and is prepared to fight to win his affections and trust back. And while she has this inherent quality of irritating is to no end, you have to agree that she is quite stubborn and knows to fight for hat she wants. While I did not like her hiding her feelings from Maxon on the count of the possibility of not being chosen, a lot of the drama could have been avoided if she had been forthcoming with her feelings but she is brave and very kind. I loved the development she went through throughout the competition and for all instance and purposes I adored and admired her character, all the flaws included.

Maxon, really defined the meaning of Prince Charming through his character. He is also not without flaws but he is fair in all his actions. He tries to do right by with what he is given and of course exudes positivity in the process. Choosing the one meant for him from a throng of so manis a daunting task and I liked that he tries to do right by them all. And of course his instant chemistry and gradual romance with America was swoon-worthy. Of course Team Maxon for this win!!!

Aspen on the other hand i'm not sure how I can explain how I felt about him. He is loyal, brave, stubborn and would do everything for the person he cares about. In other words very much like America. I didn't really like him in the first two books but he redeemed himself in this book to me and I loved that he understood America enough to know what she needed and decided to become friends at the end.

On the whole, a lot full-filling conclusion. Kiera Cass has done a great job tying up the loose ends. Of course it was a predictable end and felt a little rushed but I enjoyed every bit of it. Will definitely be looking forward to what Cass comes up with next.

"A full-fulling and an enchanting finale"

Genre :      Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

PublisherHarper Teen

Release Date: 6th May, 2014

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 The Selection 
              #2 The Elite

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Monday 16 June 2014

Dark World #1 The Dark World

Presenting Dark World #1 The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz.

Here is the summary of the book:

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

A sweet adorable and kick-ass paranormal romance. Not to forget action packed and fast paced too. There is the human world and the dark world and Cara Lynn Shultz's new series illustrates the perfect story on it.

Paige Kelly is the social pariah of her school because they think that she talks to herself..... because they think that she is a nutcase. Of course in reality, she can see ghosts, an ability she attained after she saved a little boy and died herself for a short period of time before she was resuscitated. But the shy and good looking new boy, Logan Bradley thinks otherwise. Now demons are after her and their is an other set of reality that is being made known to Paige where the vicious of beasts roam free and Logan will do everything possible to keep Paige safe.

Although American High School are way more different than the education system of India because we don't usually see bullies or acts of hazing until a person enters university but got to five it to Paige. She made for a relate-able protagonist. Her peers taunt and bully her but she still keeps her head held high, she is pretty strong like that.

And Logan is in awe of this uplifting quality of hers. Shy and adorably cute on the front with the heart of a warrior, Logan's charming personality definitely wins him hearts. Both Logan and Paige respect each other on some level and a strong sense of over-protectiveness too resulting in an equally appreciated strong chemistry to boot.

While the action packed part of the story remains fairly less, the author actually manages to keep the plot well balanced and concise. A marvelous world building coupled with the sweet romance and the drama that ensues have made The Dark World a favorite and I am eagerly anticipating the next.

"An enticingly adorable paranormal romance"

Genre :      Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

PublisherHarlequin Teen

Release Date: 27th May, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Other Books by the Author (review links):
              Spellbound #1 Spellbound 
              Spellbound #2 Spellcaster

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Bloodlines #4 The Fiery Heart

Presenting Bloodlines #4 The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead.

Here is the summary of the book:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.


A big giant emotional roller coaster ride is what this is. If you thought the third book was the 'IT', then think again because Richelle Mead has upped the scales with The Fiery Heart and of course the cherry on the top being.... finally Adrian's POV. 'Sydrian' all the way....

Maybe that is the reason the ending hurt so much.... How could they do that to my (our) poor 'Sydrian'.... The horror..... Oh THE FEELS!.... Back to point. Let's talk Sydney and Adrian. After the conclusively happy ending turn of events of the third book, Sydney has finally embraced her feelings for Adrian. Aren't there two just perfect together... She openly expresses her feelings for the hot moroi, well as openly as possible without Alchemist interventions. A far cry from the Sydney we saw in the Vampire Academy series or at the start of the Bloodline series. And I am sure we all appreciate the changes we see in her.

Adrian is still the charming witty guy and still the focus of our (ahem!ahem) fantasies. His chapters bring out his feelings even more conclusively. He is a spirit user and this brilliant insight in his mind showcases all of his highs and lows, his passionate feelings of love for Sydney and his struggles to do right by her. And of course the 'Sydrian' hot and heavy scenes truly become hot and heavy as we experience what those two hot and in love are feeling at those moments.

Jill, Eddie, Angeline, Trey and new guy Neil also proved themselves. Zoe although, has a kill order on her head. She was just so annoying.The proverbial road block between Sydney and Adrian. I understand that she grew up an ardent follower of the orthodox alchemist ways. But she and her father played an awful role in the awful ending to his part of the story. So no she doesn't get no brownie points from me. No body, I repeat no body breaks the 'Centrum Permanebit'.

Mead had surely outdone herself with this one. It has everything that a perfect plot needs. The emotional roller coaster, a strong plot, strong and fledgling characters, kick ass action, passionately swoon-worthy romance and of course a heart breaking cliffhanger. Silver Shadows is what I need now to sooth my breaking heart.

"A right proper roller coaster of passionate emotions"

Genre :      Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: 19th November, 2013

My Copy Bought(ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in Series (Review Links):
            #1 Bloodlines
            #2 The Golden Lily 
            #3 The Fiery Heart

Other Books by the Author (Review Links):
            Vampire Academy #6 Last Sacrifice
              (Only books I reviewed on the blog)

Sunday 15 June 2014

Injustice: Gods Among Us (Vol. 1 & Vol. 2)

This is a combined review of Vol 1. & Vol. 2 of Injustice: Gods Among Us.


I am not a hard core gamer neither am I a comic book nerd. But I do enjoy a great story. So color me surprised when I find out that this is based on the game by the same name. I'll be checking it later but this is it for now.

But gotta admit this is one epic-ly dark story here with the full DC Superheros roaster in the mix. So Joker tricks Superman into killing his very much pregnant wife Lois Lane and resulting in razing Metropolis from the face of the Earth.

Raked with guilt and the loss of loved ones, the usually sunny-disposition Superman has decided that enough is enough and that no crime should go unpunished anymore and decides to use his powers and those of his fellow Justice League members to police the world. Using extreme measures if necessary. Of course Batman is there to slap some sense into him.



Lines blur between the notions of right and wrong and as Superman and Batman are at odds with each other. The Justice league members have much to decide on.

And If you think Vol 1 was explosion then think again because Vol. 2 takes it to the next step. Lex Luthor, the only survivor of the Metropolis blast has now embraced Superman's new ideals and has his own ideas to better the world. Of course many important characters see their untimely end and of course Superman seems to have fully adopted to his dark side and enacted on his ultimatum.

Yes, the graphics and the illustrations aren't top-notch but the intent is clear. Going away from canon and spicing things up both Vol. 1 & 2 are a feast for the eyes and very much emotionally riveting. Eager for Vol. 3 now.

"A tantalizingly darker take on Justice League with a full DC Superheroes roaster" 

Genre :      Graphic Novel, Tie-in

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: 19th November, 2013(Vol. 1)
                        1st July, 2014(Vol. 2)

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon (Vol. 1)  | (Vol. 2)
                 Book Depository (Vol. 1) | (Vol. 2)

Friday 13 June 2014

Tourz de Codex: "Wake Up! We're No Longer Dead" by Mindy Larson [Guest Post & Giveaway]


Hosting Mindy Larson's Wake Up! We're No Longer Dead with an inquisitive guest post and an exclusive giveaway.


About ''Wake Up! We are no longer Dead'' (Pre-Earth #2) :-


Hadley and Dominic seem to have it all. Each other. A beautiful little girl named Piper. Endless amounts of time. Fulfilling assignments as spirit guides.

But Piper is not like the rest of them.

What would you risk? What would you give up to secure your loved ones safety?
Fear drives Dom and Hadley to give up everything when they leave Piper behind on the only place the Masters can't go. The Purple Planet.

Piper may look the part, gifted with the soothing tones of lavender, her eyes, hair, even her skin is kissed with a purpled glow, but she's different. She is special. She's alive. Fitting in, in the afterlife, proves to be more than difficult, even after she finds her soul mate, Aiden Hall. He is not only a resident but he runs the bar next door. Just when they reconnect and despite everything Hadley and Dominic gave up, Piper doesn't stay hidden long.

The Masters are back and Piper is taken where she belongs to Pre-Earth.
Attempting and failing at making contact with Piper from the other side, Aiden feels as if there's no other choice but to follow his heart. All the while knowing the risks are great.

Struggling with their reality neither Piper or Aiden remember a thing past waking up. Both feel as if they should remember something. Someone. But what? And who?

Will they end up together once more? Or will they choose to follow an easier path?


About "This Morning I Woke Up Dead" (Pre-Earth #1) :-


What would you do? What rules would you break to be with your soul mate? This morning Hadley Christensen and Dominic Morris woke up living their dream lives. They are engaged and each has promising careers in the medical field. They are happier and more fulfilled than they have ever been, and they are ready to begin their happily ever after.

Sadly, on her way to work, Hadley is in an accident. Before taking her last breath, she realizes she is already dead - and everyone on Earth is too. Now Hadley and Dominic must each find a way to live without one another. How do they continue when they are two parts of one flame?

Hadley is given permission by the Masters to contact Dominic in the hopes he will also realize he is already dead. If Dominic can open his mind to hear Hadley they can be together forever. Is Dominic ready to give up life the way he knows it?




About "The Beginning of the Dead" (Pre-Earth Prequel) :-

In the Prequel to This Morning I Woke Up Dead, we meet Emerson Morris and her boyfriend Logan; soul mates on their path to forever after. Logan soon learns the secret to Earth and must leave Emerson behind. While Logan is hoping Emerson learns the secret too, he must fight his need to contact her or face the wrath of The Masters.

While Emerson is moving on with her life, her brother Dominic falls in love with Hadley Christensen. Hadley has a special bond with each of her Alzheimer’s patients and soon starts to have a glimpse into The Secret. 

She is fighting against this knowledge, but will she succeed?
Find out in “The Beginning of the End”.



About Mindy Larson :-


Mindy Rae Boyer Larson was born in 1977 in Provo, Utah. She is the eldest of four children and only daughter. The family moved to the salt lake county in the early eighties when her father got a job at the USPS.

With a very vivid imagination storytelling came only natural. Often she entertained her younger brothers with evening story tales. Her strong passion for reading and a desire to write her own fairy tales led her to write her first book at the tender age of seven. It remains locked up in a box for safe keeping.

At the age of fourteen she baffled her classmates when she looked forward to her honors English homework rather than heading off to the movies or to canyons with the rest. Mindy often completed twenty page book reports on the day they were assigned and rarely got less than A's on her writing assignments.

She has written dozens of kids’ books, short stories, and many other works “This Morning I Woke Up Dead” is her first published novel. Currently Mindy is working on the sequel and has plans to publish numerous more and to never stop writing.

When Mindy isn't writing she is looking after her four kids, cats, and dog. Being a passionate person her other favorite pastimes include; working out, playing disc golf, cooking, baking, traveling, and exploring.

After a long search, she has finally found her true love and lives happily ever after in South East Idaho with her four kids, two girls and two boys, and the love of her life.


Some very important Links :-



Buy: Amazon  |  B&N  |  iTunes  |  Kobo


A Guest Post just for you all ....


My first experience publishing

After eight months of pouring my heart into my book, This Morning I Woke Up Dead, I typed the words, The End. The most powerful words I'd ever written. Many emotions overcame me. Joy. Relief. Excitement. I was even a little sad that it was over. I remember, gazing at the words in complete awe. It felt similar to having just had a baby. It took nearly nine months. I fell in love with my book, just as I did with my babies. It was a lot of work. It was painful at times. Knowing my job as as the author was finished, and that I had a responsibility to my beloved characters, Hadley, Dominic, Logan and Emerson, I wanted to share their story with the world.

First of all, you need to know one thing about me, one of my flaws is that I'm impatient. This gets me in trouble from time to time. I'd like to think I've gotten better at 'playing the waiting game' as I've gotten older, but I'd also like to think I don't look a day over twenty five either. Anyhow, in March of 2013, and in my haste to get my book 'out there', I self published. Mistakenly, I never bothered to write a single inquiry letter to an agent or publishing house - until later on and I'll get to that- but first, back to my adventures in self publishing. Head first, I dived right in! I created an account on createspace.com and they walked me through the process. It was super easy. My nine year old could do it. This is one reason why the business I am in is so difficult to be a part of. Its flooded and hard to shine amongst all the others.

Anyone and everyone can now be a published author.

After I created my account, I uploaded my document and it was approved in about 48 hours. All that was left was to do was hit the submit button. It was live within a day. Wow! My story, my words are now out there for the world to see!

What a shame no one knew.

And that no one cared.

I sold one copy the first day and I'm pretty sure it was to my brother! A week went by. Two weeks. Three. And I had only sold two copies. Two!

Somewhere along the line, I joined lots of groups on Goodreads.com. In hopes of getting others to read and review my book, I posted in numerous forums saying I was seeking reviews and in exchange I would send them a copy of my book. Luckily, my title and the premise of my story stood out and people took notice. I met a lot of great people; readers, bloggers, and other authors. Most of the people I met, I'm still friends with today. (Jen being one of them.) From here I did a few book giveaways on Goodreads and gained more exposure. Over 800 people entered to win a signed copy and nearly all of them added it to their reading list. I found out later that it doesn't necessarily mean they will in fact read my book, let alone buy it.

In late April of 2012 I contacted my local radio and news stations and I got spots on their morning shows. If you ever get the chance to be on the news or the radio, I highly recommend it! What a rush! I was also fortunate enough to do a few book signings in my hometown. No one really knew who I was. Most didn't care enough to ask. A few were kind enough to stop and chat with me about my book. All the same I had a blast. By this point in the game, I might have sold in upwards to twenty or thirty books.

The months went on.

And on.

And on.

Besides promoting on my Facebook, Goodreads, twitter, and Pinterest accounts, I was at a loss as to what to do next. I knew I had a good product but what I didn't know was how to get it in the right hands. Not to mention, I was spending more time trying to spread the word than doing what I loved, writing. In the day after my book was finished, I started a sequel but it wasn't getting the attention it deserved. Part of me wanted to throw in the towel. The only thing that kept me going was all the great reviews that kept trickling in. They kept me positive and told me I was on the right path.

Talk about validating!

Another thing I did in my pursuit to becoming noticed, I participated in a lot of Facebook love fest's; I liked others pages and in return they liked mine. It was fun to see the numbers grow from 200 to over 800 in just a few days. And again, I met a lot of people this way. Readers. Authors. Reviewers. Bloggers. And even publishers! Bingo! There it is.

Things changed for me when I liked a new up and coming publishing company, Lavish Publishing LLC. I remember it was a Saturday afternoon and, for whatever reason, I was feeling gutsy. I sent a private message to Lavish; I told her a little about my book. She was intrigued and messaged me back quickly, saying she was interested and wanted to read it! I sent her a copy of my book that minute and by late Sunday night, she emailed me back. She was in love with my vision and wanted to work with me! Little ole' me. Just a stay at home mom, turned author. The feeling was empowering. Thrilling. Exciting. I had no negative emotions about it at all. This is how I knew I was, once again, on the right path.

On November 11th 2013 I signed a contract with Lavish Publishing LLC. It felt great to be a signed author and to no longer be going at things alone. Before my book was re-released, changes were made. Things were revamped. I wrote fifty or so extra pages including a new expanded ending, received a beautiful new cover, a press release was written, a book trailer was made, a virtual book tour was in place, and websites and bloggers were contacted. My reviews, number of fans, and networking circle grew.

So have I hit it big yet? No. Do I just sit back and let my publisher do all the work? No. I still do a lot of marketing and networking on my own. But I no longer do it all alone. Michelle and I are a team. She bounces ideas off of me, and always has new things up her sleeve for us to try. The best part is that I have more time to write. I've learned to do my thing, let things be, and allow things to unfold as they will. My motto is always believe and never give up!

Thanks for reading about my publishing experiences!! Best of luck to you and I hope you'll follow your dreams as well!

Giveaway :-

Giveaway will include $25 Amazon Gift Card and an e-copy of Wake Up!...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Ashfall #3 Sunrise

Presenting Ashfall #3 Sunrise by Mike Mullin.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever — and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.


Another series that ends this year. Mike Mullin's Ashfall series began with the hauntingly realistic post-apocalyptic dystopia of a world in the after shades of the Yellowstone super volcanic eruptions and the ashen skies and harsher life that follows as our protagonists Alex and Darla fight to keep each other and their loved ones safe.

But out of all three books of the series, Ashfall, Ashen Winter and Sunrise, I must confess the first book is my favorite and manages to make a big impact even more than the following books did. I'm not saying that I didn't like Sunrise, I did but it didn't feel as effective as the first one. There was a certain lack of direction to the plot as the characters do almost the same thing every time making it suffer the lack of momentum. Also the abrupt ending of the chapters just when something was happening felt a bit jarring to say the least.

Alex and Darla still hold a special place in my heart. Darla more than Alex, since it was her brains that helps them survive, the building of the new community, the use of wind turbine, the greenhouses, bikezilla's of course and the ingenious generation of electricity.Alex while still very much the confident leader, felt lost here and seriously his mom was so annoying throughout. Still if post-apocalyptic stories interest you, then by all means give this series a try, I wager you won't be disappointed.

"Sunrise gives a decisive finale to the Ashfall series"

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

PublisherTanglewood Press

Release Date: 15th April, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Ashfall 
              #2 Ashen Winter

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

Poppy

Presenting Poppy by Mary Hooper.

Here is the summary of the book:

England, 1914. Poppy is fifteen, beautiful and clever, but society has already carved out her destiny. There's no question of her attending the grammar school - it's too expensive and unsuitable for a girl. Instead, Poppy will become a servant at the big house. And she'll 'keep out of trouble'. But Poppy's life is about to be thrown dramatically off course. The first reason is love - with someone forbidden, who could never, ever marry a girl like her. The second reason is war. Nothing could have prepared her for that. As she experiences what people are capable of - the best of humanity and the very worst - Poppy will find an unexpected freedom and discover how to be truly her own person.

Of War and friendship and the promise of first love, Mary Hooper's Poppy proves to be a heartbreakingly sweet journey. Circa 1914, a young adult tale in the middle of WWI. This was a year of great many changes regarding Women's right to vote and such. Mary Hooper's Poppy presents it all in its primal glory.

The war had just begun at the start of the tale and as such our titular character is the parlourmaid for the de Veres. Her destiny is mapped out for her, she is clever and with a sheen of innocence and naivete. She was accepted to a local college for further education but couldn't pay for so she has very accepted the position of a parlourmaid as her calling in life. But then one of her old teachers makes her an offer to volunteer in the war effort by becoming a nurse, in turn the teacher would help supplement her income if she accepts.

A daunting and quite a generous offer for Poppy, she is not sure how she would fare against the horror of war and its after effects. It is her affection towards the younger de Vere, Freddie is what seems to be holding her back. But when Freddie enlists, she also decides to volunteer.

An engaging and a very easy to follow and enjoy. Mary Hooper presents a historical young adult complete with rich details of the war and how it came to affect the general public of that era. And I am very glad to proclaim that romance took mostly the back seat here. While it does mention mutual affections from both Poppy and Freddie it didn't feel like that to me. Definitely felt more like a crush to me but maybe that can be cleared in the sequel.

Aside from that this a story brimful of bravery, patriotism, friendship and gory after shocks of war. "Wars are ugly affairs", Father Christmas said in the first Narnia movie and Mary Hooper presents it all in its eternal glory through Poppy's eyes as she experiences first hand what war does to people and the ugly truth of that reality.

"An engagingly heartbreaking tale"
Genre :      Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Chicken House

Release Date: 8th May, 2014

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Saturday 7 June 2014

The Maze Runner #1 The Maze Runner

Presenting The Maze Runner #1 The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

Here is the summary of the book:

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade - a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze. Like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they came to be there - or what's happened to the world outside.

A certified page-turner, James Dashner's The Maze Runner offers a spine-tingling, nerve-wreaking and action packed saga about a group of boys thrown into a giant ever-changing maze with no memories except their names to figure a way out. An unforgettable adventure that will have you clammering to get the sequel to get answers and see what happens next.

Putting young boys together in a ginormous maze to battle it out with no memories of their own, and just the thought of getting out of the hell hole and finding out the truth. Thomas, Chuck, Newt, Alby, Minho, Gally, Teresa and the others. Strong and pliable characters for an even stronger plot with its twists & turns and the dramatic roller coasters.

While the story moves forward with Thomas' point of view, all of the Gladers pitch in their importance throughout. They each have something to offer and they all play their part well. And Dashner provides the perfect mix for it all. Maintaining the right amount of mystery and suspense that will have you glued on till the end in pursuit of answers and produce an aching to make sure you put the sequel first and foremost in your reading order (must buy.... I must buy it quickly...). Also in no ways similar to Hunger Games at all (as the cover line proclaims). Both are unique and both are mighty capable of standing on their own two feet. And of course excitedly anticipating the movie.

"A certified page-turner that will have you glued till the end and aching for the next" 

Genre :      Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Mystery

Publisher: Chicken House

Release Date: 2011

My Copy: bought (paperback)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Friday 6 June 2014

Tease

Presenting Tease by Amanda Maciel.

Here is the summary of the book:

A gripping, controversial debut about the nature of bullying.

Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.

At least, that's what everyone seems to think when Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. But Sara is sure she hasn't done anything wrong, because Emma brought it on herself. Sara is adamant that she was the victim - not Emma.

Inspired by a true story, TEASE is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt you long after the last page.


A heartbreaking tale of the consequences of bullying through the eyes of the perpetrator. In case in point of bullying and stories based around such acts, we usually get to read the happenings from the victim's point of view. So brownie points to Maciel for using the instigator instead. Regrets and forgiveness abound, Amanda Maciel's Tease is brim full with heavy societal topics that raises a lot of questions.

Alternating to and fro between past and present, Tease tells the story through the accused, i.e., Sara Wharton's perspective. She and her friends are charged with bullying the depressed teen Emma Putnam that eventually led her to her suicide. Sara of course proclaims she is not the one at fault because it was Brielle who executed the crime and she just followed through. According to Sara, Emma had it coming for her what with sleeping with everybody's boyfriends like that.

As we progress we see exactly why Sara thought she was not the one at fault and experience how she deals with everyone and everything after Emma's suicide/ At first Sara exhibits a cold indifference towards her plight, staunchly attesting that it was Emma's fault for leaving such a mess behind. But through the course of the novel we get to see her change and begin to accept what she did and who Emma was and must say I really enjoyed reading about it.

Every character here have their personality. Sara slowly made her own impression on us. Brielle of course was brash and rude. Dylan was the kind and naive boyfriend. Carmichael, out of all the characters I loved him the best. He was a truly understanding kid and considerate. He proved to be the best person out of all of them and the real friend and love interest Sara needed in her life.

Emma Putnam on the other hand was the crux of the story. But I still wouldn't know how to categorize her. We didn't get to actually see how her mind worked. About why she did what she did and why she was so depressed. Sara printed a rather unappealing version of her as the boyfriend stealing, spoiled freak. So, the kind and depressed Emma kinda got lost in translation. While I enjoyed the story, a little bit from Emma's perspective would have had me giving it that 1 more star it deserved to make it a 5 rather than a 4 star at present.

Based on a true story, Amanda Maciel creates the perfect attention grabber in the form of Tease. Bullying is a heinous crime and Maciel's story taken from the viewpoint of the bully raises a perfectly amazing moralistic story that everyone show read at least once.

"Heartbreaking and thought provoking page turner"
Genre :      Young Adult, Contemporary

Publisher: Hachette Children's Book

Release Date: 1st May, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

After the End #1 After the End

Presenting After the End #1 After the End by Amy Plum.

Here is the summary of the book:

"I have no idea what is truth and what is fiction. I'm all I've got now. I can't trust anyone."

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.


A Powerful start and a flat finish.I expected a bit much from After the End, after a success like that of the Revenant series. I am not saying the story is bad, but it was Ok with its own share of the good and bad. A great dystopia concept with two unreal and weak characters.

Juneau's situation was believable. All of her life she had believed the lie that WWIII destroyed the world and her tribe are the last known survivors. So I can understand the confusion, her naivety, the feeling of betrayal and her loss of faith that courses through her mind. But still persists in finding her tribe.

And then there was Miles. The ignorant rich boy. He was a very shallow character and rather dumb at times. It was actually fun to see Juneau, who had lived her entire life in seclusion believing the world ended interacting with Miles, in all his city rich attitude. Make no mistake together they were interesting but apart they felt flat.

They didn't really like each other at first to fulfill their own selfish needs and then just like that they kissed. This was no insta-love but their didn't look to be any apparent build-up either. Then there was the other unbelievable part of her driving a car just like that, out of the blue. I get that she is super smart and psychic but driving a car is not something you can learn by watching someone do it and picking it up like a pro in a short amount of time.

I like the concept of the Yara though. Of course the concept is not actually original, drawing similarities to the consciousness of all things in the world, be it living or non living has been done before but yes that was the only part of this book I actually liked. Aside from the fact that this portion felt like an info-dump.

The only redeemable factor was the pure use of dystopia by Amy Plum. Also the abrupt ending leaves a lot of questions to be answered. So I am sure you can understand why I gave it a 3 star. I am not too psyched about the sequel but I will check it out and see how it goes.

"A lite-dystopia from Amy Plum"

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

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: 6th May, 2014

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository
 

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