Review: Blue Sun by Tracy Abrey

Book Description:

Paperback, 360 pages
Published December 1st 2013 by CreateSpace

A mysterious, secluded island with secrets. A brilliant teenage girl whose driving curiosity leads her to probe too deeply. A detached father who goes missing. Stalkers at every turn marked with a disturbing tattoo. An unreachable castle that holds all the answers.

Genny Hazard is on a plane to the Isle of Man, a curious island in the Irish Sea. Little does she know that she is not only going to be the new kid in a strange, foreign world, but her new life on the island is going to force her to rethink her beliefs, confront her past, and face her deepest fears.

A mysterious urban fantasy for young adults and adults alike, Tracy Abrey’s debut is a fascinating coming of age tale that explores the importance of family, the influence of our past on our present, and our need above all to find the truth. Incorporating and molding existing Manx folklore to create a new, unique mythology, its layered, intricate use of character and plot gives it the complexity and richness it deserves while never losing its pace or inventiveness. Filled with riveting mystery and almost unbearable suspense, Blue Sun is a first-rate page-turner that will leave you anxiously awaiting the next adventure.

Reviewer's Copy: Paperback

Source: Author (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Blue Sun was not what I expected it to be. I had thought that it would be similar, in a way, to The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd. Surprisingly, it was closer to The Accident Season. My first impression was that it was quite atmospheric and had that dark, gloomy vibe reminiscent of Gothic literature. For me, it was a hybrid, born out of the conglomeration of many things that I could not quite pinpoint. But in the length of this review, I will try to tackle each unique characteristic of the book.

The author’s imagery and descriptions were vivid. Each written exploration of the setting pulled me and transported me straight into the story world. The northern island was firmly established in my mind, along with the lapping waves of the sea surrounding it. I am a city girl and have never experienced being that close to see for a long period of time. In loved the atmospheric writing. More than that, the pace of the story was quite fast. It was easy to hop onto and follow throughout the chapters.

Genny as a character was generally likable. She was not overly dramatic and she was true to herself. I did not like how she was impulsive with some of her decisions. She did not take the time to think through some of her decisions. I found that a bit hard to believe, given how much she was exposed to logic with her dad as a scientist. I also found her too accepting of the magical elements in the story, especially when these elements were manifesting themselves in Genny. I would have wanted to see more questioning and perhaps a little bit more worry and panic, which was the logical way of things.

Ken was not your typical YA boy. He was different. Despite being popular on school, being on the swim team and being liked by almost everyone, he decided for himself. He was nice to Genny and actually went out of his way to help her. I liked him enough however, I think he could have done more good, could have explained more to Genny to help ease her growing paranoia. With this aside, he was generally sweet and thoughtful.

The mythology was endemic to the setting. There were glimpses of fairies, legends and prophecies stitched together to make a unique mythology. It dealt with a power that was bound to the island itself. The way the author showed and explained it through the novel left some unanswered questions in my head. I would very much like to find out about the origin of this power in the next installment.

Blue Sun was a breath of fresh air, packed with an exotic flavor of mythology. The book itself had its own magic and I remember breezing through the book in just one sitting. I recommend this to readers of mythology and travel/contemporary.

Rating:

3.5 Cupids = True book love.
Slightly flawed but I liked it!

Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway: Before He Was Famous by Becky Wicks

Today, I am reviewing my most precious discovery as part of a blog tour: Before He Was Famous by Becky Wicks. I was amazed and stunned at this gem of a book. This novel is indie and yet it reads like a bestseller. Stick around for the giveaway, too!

Book Description:

Kindle Edition, 279 pages
Published May 29th 2014

One guy, one girl. One in the spotlight. One in the shadows.

Falling in love with your best friend isn’t always a great idea, especially when he’s Noah Lockton - the sexiest, most famous new talent on the planet. When 21-year-old small-town photographer Chloe Campbell is offered the chance of a lifetime – to join her celebrity childhood friend Noah on tour as an exclusive blogger for a New York magazine – she’s certain both have put what happened four years ago behind them. But his eyes still burn; his voice is still a jackhammer to her heartstrings; all his songs are about her. Is it possible that that night still haunts them both?

The music industry is a machine, spinning hype and rumors as much as his records. It’s not just Noah’s girlfriends who’ve got it in for Chloe (there’s no stopping the Twitter-obsessed, cat-loving pop-star Courtney Lentini for starters). Pretty soon, the jealousy and media frenzy surrounding these so-called-friends takes a life-changing turn and it seems making love means making enemies at every turn. When tragedy threatens to pull the final curtain on their relationship, both Chloe and Noah must make a choice. As much as this world leaves them starstruck, is living their dream really worth living without each other?

A story of lifelong friendships, love and hope, set in a world of celebrity, fame and social media gone very, very wrong.


From International Bestselling HarperCollins Author, Becky Wicks, comes a new adult romance that will leave you starstruck.

***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and mature situations. Not intended for young adult readers.***

Reviewer's Copy: Kindle Version

Source: Becky Wicks(Thank you!!)

My Thoughts:

After reading the synopsis of Before He Was Famous, I knew I just had to read it. It sounded like the kind of story that I would like, in line with American Girl on Saturn. The short story: I was not disappointed.

I was hooked at page one, totally engrossed by the end of chapter one and completely, utterly inlove with the story after a few more chapters. Before He Was Famous had a heartfelt, honest-to-goodness splattering of emotions and thoughts all over the pages. It was metaphorically dripping with the shades and beauty of two people's hearts. The dual perspectives, from Noah and Chloe, allowed the reader to piece together the entire picture, their entire history, line after line and chapter after chapter. Most of all, what really drew me in was the palpable back-and-forth zapping of electricity and emotional and sexual tension between Noah and Chloe. Amidst their interactions, living separate lives and worlds, the hesitation, the desire that could never be completely hidden, the raw love and the buzzing what-ifs, made the story whole. It was as if Becky Wicks was a scientist and she discovered the elements of life and poured it into this book. The writing was beautiful and superfluous,

Chloe was the humble photographer and loyal friend. She was always there for Noah when he needed to wake up to reality and set his priorities (and his mind) straight. Clever, undeniably talented, but generally unwilling to take risks, Chloe was culture-shocked with the fame game of the music industry. She tried to stay at the "safe" side at all times. Though I admit that I found her a bit naive when it comes to accepting Noah's feelings for her, she was decidedly clueless for a reason: she wanted to protect their friendship.

Noah was always with a girl. From what I deduced, he was almost never single. But Noah was lost without Chloe and he was man enough to admit that in front of her. I liked reading about how his life changed from average and being a barista at Starbucks to being ultra-famous and under the spotlight and being stalked by paparazzi. The musical element of the book was also something that I enjoyed thoroughly. Though I couldn't actually hear the songs, I could feel it in the lyrics.

The blurred lines between friendship and something more involving friends from the opposite sex were tackled and thoroughly explored in Before He Was Famous. If a person was too involved with his friend, to the point that he was emotionally and mentally tied to the other person, leading him to rethink their status, going over every interaction and making his heart thump and his body extra-aware of the other person? That was what Noah and Chloe went through. For readers who are looking for hot bits, you would find what you're looking for in this book. Cut and trimmed for older teens, Before He Was Famous has passionate and steamy scenes and eye-opening scenes related to the dirty, messy side of the fame game.

Before He Was Famous was a brilliant gem in the field of self-published YA/NA; it has my favorite elements: music, colorful history/past, relationship-development, realistic characters, lively backdrop and setting, unpredictability, fluid writing and wave after wave of raw emotion. Glued-to-your-hands-level-of-unputdownable, beautifully written, steamy, unforgettable and heart-wrenchingly good, Before He Was Famous will keep you up all night and wanting for more. The writing was simply decadent and delicious, I couldn't get enough of it. I highly, highly, highly recommend this to readers of older YA/NA contemporary romance, readers who are looking for amazing indie titles and readers who are looking for fame-related/celebrity-related stories.

Rating:

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never, ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!

Giveaway Time! Becky is so generous and so awesome to sponsor this giveaway. There would be three winners of the released books of the Starstruck Series: Before He Was Famous and Before He Was Gone. This is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Indie Spotlight Review: The Silent Deal by Levi Stack

First of all, I would like to thank Levi Stack for introducing me to his work. I am proud and honored to say that I am the first blogger to review this gem. I don't usually review YA indie novels but I must admit that this novel really impressed me and went beyond my expectations. To the readers who dare to try fresh fiction and to those who are doubtful, give me a few minutes to convince you to read The Silent Deal.

Book Description:

Paperback, 358 pages
May 2nd 2013

When Viktor and Romulus, two peasant boys, dig too deep into their town’s strange past, they awaken the wrath of a mysterious overlord. As the blood brothers struggle to survive, their search for answers takes them through gambling parlors, bare-knuckle boxing matches, and dark forests full of wild animals and men alike. But even with the help of their friends, can they escape the deathly experiments their foe is creating in Staryi Castle?

Enter the bold lands of the Russian Empire where the colorful characters of The Card Game dwell, from the fortune-tellers and fire-jugglers of the Romani Gypsies, to the dangerous criminals that make up the Thieves World, the predecessor of the Russian Mafia.

An explosive mixture of adventure and mystery, The Silent Deal is a young adult novel that will rip readers through the pages. A perilous journey awaits…

Note: On August 10 to 12, The Silent Deal will be free on Amazon.

Source: Levi Stack(Thank you!!)

My Thoughts:

The Silent Deal started out with an otherworldly narrative by Leshy, the spirit of the woods, in the lush, mysterious forest of Russia. Although delivered in English, the Russian vibe was kept alive through delving deep into the waters of Russian culture and mythology. The integration of Russian mythology into the story was one of the reasons why I loved The Silent Deal.

Viktor was a 14-year-old serf under the rule of Master Molotov. His perspective changed after he witnessed a man's hanging for possessing a playing card. Since then, he has wondered and searched for the truth behind the cards. Although daring, he still remained to be the rational one of the duo, weighing the consequences and implications of every move. Romulus, the boy of the forest, was the one who intrigued me more. He was a waking mystery, never failing to tickle my curiosity. Living in the first, he had distanced himself from the society of Aryk. Secrets cloaked him like a second skin. Distrustful, wild and uncontrollable, Romulus always did as he pleased. I loved how Stack delivered good character development in the persona of Romulus and Viktor. From a fearful, rule-following serf boy, Viktor hardened into a freedom fighter, thirsty for the truth. Meanwhile, Romulus softened into a trustworthy blood brother.

The gypsies of Kasta Way, fiery, bold and passionate with their music, art and horseback riding, were part of the reasons why I love The Silent Deal. The Crossbones clan were an entertaining bunch. Everything about them screamed daring and fearless. Belch, who was constantly quoting English plays, appealed to my theater-loving self. He was quirky, weird, and sometimes downright mental. The lot an side by side with the blood brothers Romulus and Viktor in their search for answers. Between two serf boys and gypsies, every little thing was bound to be amusing.

The Leopard was a blackhole sucking me into its darkness and mystery. I kept reading on partly because I wanted to find out who he really was. The mystery was well thought-out, from the past to the present, puzzling me, haunting me and intriguing me beyond expectation.

The plot was like an intricate and detailed tapestry, twists and turns were woven into the heart of the story. It was entertaining, injected with adventure, cryptic suspense, jolts of startling violence and death. Although I initially thought of recommending this novel to middle grade readers and younger teens, it seems that the level of maturity of The Silent Deal surpasses the bounds of Middle Grade fiction.

The Silent Deal is one of a kind, unforgettable and addicting with its well-developed characters, unpredictable and twisty plot and well-crafted, vivid story world. The story world was complex enough that you could lose yourself in its folds. There was never a boring moment for me. Each page promised new secrets to be revealed and more dangers to be encountered. Be prepared to be captivated with a haunting mystery, a chilling history and a perilous search. I highly recommend this for Young Adult historical readers, enthusiasts of Fantasy and mystery lovers. This is the best self-published debut I have read so far.

Rating:

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never, ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!