Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 50
May 19, 2018
Lori by Charlene Wexler- Review
Book Name - Lori Author - Charlene Wexler Publisher - CreatespaceBuy books from Amazon
ReviewA woman's life is complicated. Concentrating a novel around a woman is as risky as the proverbial Democles Sword. Finding the right balance is the authors largest challenge. Charlene Wexler has ventured into such an arena and has come out as a winner.
Lori a girl full of life, a woman who is carefree, a lady who doesn't believe in the materialistic beauty and a daughter who had everything but love. The character is all about realism. Lori meets Jerry, a guy who belongs to the working class and whose family is everything that Lori's isn't. Jerry indulges in alcohol, which ends him up as an alcoholic. Blessed with two adorable kids, Lori tries to find balance in her life. At an unexpected hour Lori realises that her daughter Julie has cancer. In all her ups and downs, her childhood friend Adele and her husband Jim stands as a support system. The relation between the four of them is deep complicated yet simple. Further, how Lori deals with the demons of her life is what directs the rest of the book.
The style of narration is what hooks the reader to the book. Each character is given a due space. The readers would not forget any character no matter how small the space given. However the emotional side of Jerry is not explored to the fullest since the whole plot is revolving around Lori. The pace of the book is kept moderate and hence enhances the realistic face of the book.
The book is quite large. Some of the details are delved too much that it might be tad bit lagging for the readers. The character of Rain and the part with her father could have avoided since by then the readers would have been almost done by then. Nonetheless, the readers would be forced to hook on to the book to know what is left for Lori.VerdictLori is a realistic account of a woman who faces the demons of her life with utmost determination.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4.5/5Character : 5/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 15, 2018
Eating the Big Fish by Adam Morgan- Review
Book Name - Eating the Big Fish Author - Adam Morgan Publisher - Wiley IndiaBuy books from Amazon
ReviewAs management students, we have studies numerous gigantic books that have shaped our future through influencing our attitude but through time we learn that the bookish knowledge is not practical and does not help us in the long run. Very few management books have given us the practical aspect of business. Eating the big fish is one of the books the books that could be included in the practical deal.
Author gives a heads up on how one should make themselves ready to become No.1. Author reinforces the importance of being aware of and analysing the points that we should consider as challengers and advises to give a different approach so as to have a lead. Further the eight credos of successful challenger brand is all that one need to know about how to confront your competitor. A major point that author has put forth is that to become No.1, think like No.2.
The book is not only educational and informative, it is inspirational. Author has touched all the aspects of management ,advertising etc and there is nothing left that we should worry about. The book is an all rounder cosmopolitan account of how to lead a business into the No.1 position.
Verdict
Scenario : 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 5 /5Research :5/5
Educative Quotient: 5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 14, 2018
Corridors of time by Vinay Krishnan- Review
Book Name - Corridors of Time Author - Vinay Krishnan Publisher - GJ GroupBuy books from Amazon
ReviewLife is a rollercoaster- This might sound like a cliche but there is nothing else we can say, that defines the book 'The Corridors of Time'. One of the most realistic depiction of someone's life in an old school fashion, yet appealing to the current generation.
The plot revolves around the life of Rohan, carefree boy who is brought up by an ex-army man and a stickler for discipline. Nonetheless the discipline that his father instilled in him was not enough or perhaps had detrimental effect on the character of the boy who turned out to be a good sports person but a weak student. On getting admission to college he starts playing truant and as a results fails miserable in his studies. Meanwhile he meets Shyla and falls head over heels in love with her, despite the fact that she is married. Taking inspiration from her, he joins evening classes to complete his studies.Foreseeing the trouble that they might land up in future, they decides to end the relation. A dejected Rohan joins an office where he secures a job. There starts the second innings in his life. He meets Chandrika who falls for him. He decides to go with the flow. But Chandrika's parents are against the relationship and thenceforth problems come his way one by one.
Wevaed around 90s the tale is a realistic depiction of a boy's life. The tiny bit about Sukumaran's life is informative about the POW's lives during the second world war. Author has mentioned that the bit is taken from the same person's diary and hence is authentic. The relation between a married woman and a bachelor is always depicted with the lust angle and here, eventhough there is a bit of lovemaking, author has judiciously skipped the graphic details. From the point where Roham meets Chandrika, the tale all the more realistic and there wouldn't be any single person in the Indian household who could not relate to it.
There were numerous subplots, and hence the subplots are rushed. Had the author reduced the subplots and skipped some of te irrelevant parts, the book would have been more engaging to read. On a personal note, I believe that the book is a fictional adaptation of the author's autobiography. The climax was unwanted and stood out like a sore thumb. But author has mentioned in his note that the climax is his intense desire to witness a similar outcome, which, in the current scenario is quite relevant. Though written in the 90s the book is relevant even now and is reflective of a middle income family life even now.VerdictOverall the book is a good realistic read with numerous sub plots.Scenario : 3.5/5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Relevance : 4/5
Entertainment Quotient: 3.5 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
For a Girl in a Star by Ratna Chandu- Review
Book Name - Author - Publisher -Buy books from Amazon
ReviewTragedy is the most trending genre these days. However the tale unfold, if there is tragedy, the book will have something that lingers to the reader. The pain of the tragedy will haunt the psyche . One such book which is in the same line is 'For the Girl in a Star.'
Avinash sets out to receive his childhood soulmate Sahas who has come to stay with him and pursue his studies. From a rural village to the busy city, Sahas struggles to find his balance. While in Bangalore Sahas is left to face the demons that he had struggled to bury throughout his life. Meanwhile both friends finds their soulmates. While Avinash is in the throes of love, Sahas finds it difficult to open up to the girl who changed how he views life. While misunderstandings and ego creep in and starts to destroy their beautiful friendship, a tragedy centrifuges their lives irreversibly. Will they solve their troubles? Who will get the girl? What is the tragedy that changes their lives forever?
The story is a simple, friendship an love story that we can read over a cup of coffee. The friendship between Avinash and Sahas is filled with warmth and innocence. Sahas's dark past and his encounter with Dayanand is a distraction from the monotone of the book. How Avinash met Arti is a cliche but the same is dealt with little more life when it comes to Sahas. There are a lot of cliches which could be a turn off if not for the pace with which the incidents move.
The second half of the book is a breather for it is where all the action happens. The graph of the emotions and twists is steep and author has maintained the suspense quite well towards the last part of the book.
The characters are crafted quite well especially that of Sahas and Dayanand. Arti could have been given more space apart from the fantasies of the guys. The book cover is exemplary and coveys a lot about the general mood of the book.
VerdictOverall the book is a simple read with a lot of cliche. I recommend it to those who want simple easy reads.
Scenario: 3 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Relevance : 3/5
Entertainment Quotient: 3/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 11, 2018
An Ordinary Man's Guide to Radicalism by Neyaz Farooquee- REVIEW
Book Name - An Ordinary Man's Guide to Radicalism Author - Neyaz Farooquee Publisher - Westland BooksBuy books from Amazon
ReviewFrom a rural village in Bihar to Jamia Nagar, New Delhi- Neyaz Farooque's journey could not be described in a one line. On the background of an encounter in Jamia Nagar, which killed two students and a police officer, author has knitted a tale that will make any cliffhanger look inappropriate. What deserves special mention is that the book is not a mere tale but the autobiography of the author.
The childhood and the school life of the author which dominates the first part of the book is ordinary but author has depicted it in such a way that the reader would be amused to read how a boy who studied in Hindi medium struggled to study in English medium and further how he revived as the studious one after switch to Urdu medium. With the support of a few verses in Quran, author has mocked himself as to how he was framed as a liar and how he lied shamelessly and got away with it, only to be caught later. Further the medical- engineering cliche proves that life is all the same no matter where it sprouts. Unable to get admission to any medical colleges, author ended up joining Biosciences,which is the second best option. The life in Jamia Nagar is portrayed so realistically that we would cringe at the sight of the laptop floating over yellow water containing human excreta, that is overflown from the toilet during the rains.
The crux of the book is invariably the encounter that killed two students who were allegedly terrorists and how the author and his friends lived in never-ending fear of being framed a terrorist since they had common friends and more so since they were Muslims. Author criticises the injustices and discrimination towards Muslims with unveiled dismay. It is intriguing to see authors unique take on not only the encounter but on Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussain and America.
The second half of the book is laden with hatred towards America. Eventhough the double standard and the dominating stand of US is known to all, the observation that Laden was used by them sounds like a burlesque. Nonetheless the fact that the author is a journalist and he knows better is not lost on us. Author on the other hand has seamlessly diverted the chances of controversy by portraying the findings as merely the talks he had during the debate with friends.VerdictThe book is a well written account a common man's take on terrorists, discrimination as well geopolitical scenario but with a lot of prejudice.
Subject : 4.5 /5Narration : 5 /5Research : 5 /5Relevance : 4 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
In conversation with Vinay Krishnan, Author of Corridors of time
Hello my dear readers,
It has been some time since I came up with an author interview. Today we have a new writer on the outset who is at the outset of his writing journey. Let's see what Vinay Krishnan has to say about his writing journey.
A bangalorean student to a builder to a social worker to a writer. How was the journey? Honestly it has been a struggle all along. The most satisfying part has been to be able to pen down my experiences and thoughts.
Are you basically a Bangalorean?A complete Bangalorean. Born, bred and brought up. When did you decide that you should sit down and write a book?I had a very eventful youth and some difficult times. I read about the and suicide of a school girl in Bihar. The culprit was a very senior police officer who went Scott free, hence the climax in the book.
Your book got some great review from eminent people like former chief justice and Deccan Herald editor. How does it feel?
I am very greteful for the kind words.
How was your publishing experience?
Challenging but satisfying.
How important do you think book promotions are?
With the decline in the habit of reading, it's important to promote books and create awareness.
What is your advice to the aspiring writer?
Every time you come across a good idea or witness something unique, immediately write it down for future use.
How can the readers reach you?
I can be reached by mail or Facebook.
So, this was Vinay Krishnan for you. Follow him on facebook and buy his book from Amazon
May 10, 2018
The woman behind the Waterfall by Leonora Mariel- Book Blitz
About the Book:
Heartbreak and transformation in the beauty of a Ukrainian village.
For seven-year old Angela, happiness is exploring the lush countryside around her home in western Ukraine. Her wild imagination takes her into birds and flowers, and into the waters of the river.All that changes when, one morning, she sees her mother crying. As she tries to find out why, she is drawn on an extraordinary journey into the secrets of her family, and her mother's fateful choices.Can Angela lead her mother back to happiness before her innocence is destroyed by the shadows of a dark past?Beautiful, poetic and richly sensory, this is a tale that will haunt and lift its readers.
Book Links:
Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Meet the Characters:
The Setting
Ukraine, a village deep in the countryside. A picturesque, verdant landscape. The houses are beautiful but have few amenities: water is gathered from the well, clothes are washed by hand, and the “outhouse” toilet is in the garden. Life is hard work here, and close to nature.
The Language
There are many Ukrainian words in the novel, especially emphasizing the names of endearment Ukrainian people give to each other. Lastivka is “little swallow”; zaika is ‘little rabbit”; harnenka is “my beautiful one.”
Meet Lyudmilla
Lyuda is a beautiful woman in her early twenties who has suffered some hard knocks early on. Pregnant at just sixteen, she left school and the child’s father moved into their house in the village. Her father died, and her mother soon after, and Lyuda found herself a teenager loaded down with the pressures of a baby, looking after a house, and a man who expected her to cook for him and be the light-hearted girl he fell in love with. Eventually, the situation grows intolerable for him and he abandons her. At seventeen, she is entirely alone with a small baby. She falls into a deep cycle of depression and self-blame, feeling that her life is over and that she is at fault. She doesn’t let anyone close to her.It is only when her daughter Angela is a little older – aged seven – that she starts to notice how sad her mother is. She decides to do something about it.
Meet Angela
Seven-year-old girl Angela has been left alone to do as she likes for most of her life. Her mother makes sure her dresses are clean and her hair is untangled, but she is free to play as she wishes. She has a wild imagination and she sees no boundaries between her thoughts and the world around her: she flies in the body of a bird, she becomes the wind, she enters a storm – she is pure spirit and possibility.When she starts to notice her mother crying every time she is alone, Angela is determined to find out why, and to help her mother regain the happiness she herself feels. At the heart of her investigation are questions that now begin to haunt her: Where is her father? Why does no one come to the house? Why does her mother cry when she thinks no one can see her?When Angela meets the spirit of her grandmother, they come up with a plan to help Lyuda.
Meet Zoryana
The name Zoryana, which comes from the Ukrainian root zorya, means star, dawn, youth, day or spring. Zoryana has returned to the Earth in spirit form after seeing the unhappiness of her daughter and her failure to move past her teenage mistakes.Zoryana feels that she did not prepare her daughter enough for the real world before she died, and she sees her struggling and unhappy. She wants to show her that life has highs and lows and that she must choose a new path for herself. She connects with her granddaughter Angela, who is not daunted by meeting the spirit of a relative, and together they help Lyuda to understand and see the joy in her life.
Meet Kolya
Nicolai, or Kolya, lives next door to Lyuda and brews home-made vodka in his shed. He sells it to her and catches rabbits for her to eat. He was a childhood friend of her mother, Zoryana, and he hates to see her so unhappy. He’d love to help her, but she pushes him away. When he finally makes a terrible mistake, there is a high price to pay.
Reviews for The Woman Behind the Waterfall
“Readers looking for a classic tale of love and loss will be rewarded with an intoxicating world” ~~ Kirkus Reviews“The language is lyrical and poetic and, in places, begs to be read repeatedly for the sheer joy of it… A literary work of art.” ~~ Fiona Adams, The Richmond Magazine“Rich and poetic in detail, it is an often dreamy, oneiric narrative rooted in an exaltation of nature… A lovely novel.” ~~ IndieReader
About the Author:
Leonora Meriel grew up in London and studied literature at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and Queen’s University in Canada. She worked at the United Nations in New York, and then for a multinational law firm.In 2003 she moved from New York to Kyiv, where she founded and managed Ukraine’s largest Internet company. She studied at Kyiv Mohyla Business School and earned an MBA, which included a study trip around China and Taiwan, and climbing to the top of Hoverla, Ukraine’s highest peak and part of the Carpathian Mountains. She also served as President of the International Women’s Club of Kyiv, a major local charity.During her years in Ukraine, she learned to speak Ukrainian and Russian, witnessed two revolutions and got to know an extraordinary country at a key period of its development.In 2008, she decided to return to her dream of being a writer, and to dedicate her career to literature. In 2011, she completed The Woman Behind the Waterfall, set in a village in western Ukraine. While her first novel was with a London agent, Leonora completed her second novel The Unity Game, set in New York City and on a distant planet.Leonora currently lives in Barcelona and London and has two children. She is working on her third novel.
Contact the Author: Website * Facebook * Twitter
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Heartbreak and transformation in the beauty of a Ukrainian village.
For seven-year old Angela, happiness is exploring the lush countryside around her home in western Ukraine. Her wild imagination takes her into birds and flowers, and into the waters of the river.All that changes when, one morning, she sees her mother crying. As she tries to find out why, she is drawn on an extraordinary journey into the secrets of her family, and her mother's fateful choices.Can Angela lead her mother back to happiness before her innocence is destroyed by the shadows of a dark past?Beautiful, poetic and richly sensory, this is a tale that will haunt and lift its readers.
Book Links:
Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Meet the Characters:
The Setting
Ukraine, a village deep in the countryside. A picturesque, verdant landscape. The houses are beautiful but have few amenities: water is gathered from the well, clothes are washed by hand, and the “outhouse” toilet is in the garden. Life is hard work here, and close to nature.
The Language
There are many Ukrainian words in the novel, especially emphasizing the names of endearment Ukrainian people give to each other. Lastivka is “little swallow”; zaika is ‘little rabbit”; harnenka is “my beautiful one.”
Meet Lyudmilla
Lyuda is a beautiful woman in her early twenties who has suffered some hard knocks early on. Pregnant at just sixteen, she left school and the child’s father moved into their house in the village. Her father died, and her mother soon after, and Lyuda found herself a teenager loaded down with the pressures of a baby, looking after a house, and a man who expected her to cook for him and be the light-hearted girl he fell in love with. Eventually, the situation grows intolerable for him and he abandons her. At seventeen, she is entirely alone with a small baby. She falls into a deep cycle of depression and self-blame, feeling that her life is over and that she is at fault. She doesn’t let anyone close to her.It is only when her daughter Angela is a little older – aged seven – that she starts to notice how sad her mother is. She decides to do something about it.
Meet Angela
Seven-year-old girl Angela has been left alone to do as she likes for most of her life. Her mother makes sure her dresses are clean and her hair is untangled, but she is free to play as she wishes. She has a wild imagination and she sees no boundaries between her thoughts and the world around her: she flies in the body of a bird, she becomes the wind, she enters a storm – she is pure spirit and possibility.When she starts to notice her mother crying every time she is alone, Angela is determined to find out why, and to help her mother regain the happiness she herself feels. At the heart of her investigation are questions that now begin to haunt her: Where is her father? Why does no one come to the house? Why does her mother cry when she thinks no one can see her?When Angela meets the spirit of her grandmother, they come up with a plan to help Lyuda.
Meet Zoryana
The name Zoryana, which comes from the Ukrainian root zorya, means star, dawn, youth, day or spring. Zoryana has returned to the Earth in spirit form after seeing the unhappiness of her daughter and her failure to move past her teenage mistakes.Zoryana feels that she did not prepare her daughter enough for the real world before she died, and she sees her struggling and unhappy. She wants to show her that life has highs and lows and that she must choose a new path for herself. She connects with her granddaughter Angela, who is not daunted by meeting the spirit of a relative, and together they help Lyuda to understand and see the joy in her life.
Meet Kolya
Nicolai, or Kolya, lives next door to Lyuda and brews home-made vodka in his shed. He sells it to her and catches rabbits for her to eat. He was a childhood friend of her mother, Zoryana, and he hates to see her so unhappy. He’d love to help her, but she pushes him away. When he finally makes a terrible mistake, there is a high price to pay.
Reviews for The Woman Behind the Waterfall
“Readers looking for a classic tale of love and loss will be rewarded with an intoxicating world” ~~ Kirkus Reviews“The language is lyrical and poetic and, in places, begs to be read repeatedly for the sheer joy of it… A literary work of art.” ~~ Fiona Adams, The Richmond Magazine“Rich and poetic in detail, it is an often dreamy, oneiric narrative rooted in an exaltation of nature… A lovely novel.” ~~ IndieReader
About the Author:
Leonora Meriel grew up in London and studied literature at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and Queen’s University in Canada. She worked at the United Nations in New York, and then for a multinational law firm.In 2003 she moved from New York to Kyiv, where she founded and managed Ukraine’s largest Internet company. She studied at Kyiv Mohyla Business School and earned an MBA, which included a study trip around China and Taiwan, and climbing to the top of Hoverla, Ukraine’s highest peak and part of the Carpathian Mountains. She also served as President of the International Women’s Club of Kyiv, a major local charity.During her years in Ukraine, she learned to speak Ukrainian and Russian, witnessed two revolutions and got to know an extraordinary country at a key period of its development.In 2008, she decided to return to her dream of being a writer, and to dedicate her career to literature. In 2011, she completed The Woman Behind the Waterfall, set in a village in western Ukraine. While her first novel was with a London agent, Leonora completed her second novel The Unity Game, set in New York City and on a distant planet.Leonora currently lives in Barcelona and London and has two children. She is working on her third novel.Contact the Author: Website * Facebook * Twitter
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May 9, 2018
Skarlet Kiss by Elise Whyles - Book Blitz
About the Book:
Can one who served the enemy find love in the arms of a condemned man?
Una has spent her life serving Amuliana, the goddess of immortals. Now she stands on the brink of a change, one that can her give back the life she lost to Amuliana's meddling. But the change that comes will shatter the peaceful existence she knows and give her a new understanding of love and life. Unbeknownst to Una, her ancestors were the Forsaken, immortals who were cast out for the crime of a jealous vampire general.
Liam, an outcast among the dragon clans, has spent centuries seeking the one who condemned him for a crime he did not commit. When he comes face to face with Una, he must make a difficult choice - seek revenge or save a pure heart from the darkness threatening their worlds.
The dragon warrior and the human girl will unite to face enemies they've never experienced as a fallen vampire general's army stalks them. As Una gains strength, her immortal gifts are returned and she becomes a threat to the imprisoned general who's seeking power over the immortal world. He can't afford to let Una survive, because her life will ultimately cost him his.
Together, Liam and Una must fight their way back to the vampire world and the safety offered by her sister. Can love survive amid the treachery and danger, or has Liam finally found his mate only to lose her to the evil plaguing their worlds?
Book Link:
Goodreads * Amazon
Read an Excerpt:
"Do not dawdle, Una, our time grows short." Harsh, bitter, Anagor's voice scraped along her nerves as she hurried through the stone corridor. Stale air and dust sat in her throat, gagging her as she scurried among the debris. The sound of claws on stone sent shivers up her spine as some unseen vermin darted from her path. The heavy cloak she wore hid the shimmering fabric of her priestess robes but did little to battle the cold soaking through to her flesh.
"'Tis cold, this place we are being sent." Una shivered and ducked beneath a heavy beam. Her hand pressed against the icy stone as she struggled to maintain her balance on the uneven ground.
"You may think so."
Anagor's sneer pricked at the ready temper she'd struggled to control. Biting her lip, she kept the sharp retort to herself. She glanced up, her gaze falling on the thick wooden door Anagor stood before. He grinned as he gripped the handle and pulled. Dust and pebbles rained down as it creaked and groaned in protest before scraping along the ground to open. Shock ripped through Una as the pale streak of light spread along the frozen ground, wrapping around her with its icy chill.
Snow slapped at the ground, swirling in a maelstrom of white. It blew through the portal into the opening, piling around her sandal clad feet. Teeth chattering, she rubbed at her arms as Anagor stepped back, reaching for her cloak, all but shoving her into the freezing air.
"Duty does not wait for one who whines," he snapped, his grip tightening around her arm.
Bitter winds lashed at her dress, whipping the fabric around her legs. Her cheeks and toes burned, and fog formed in front of her with every breath. Her skin tightened, prickles of heat dancing along the surface. Wrapping her arms around herself, she fought to ward off the chill even as she felt it sinking deeper into her skin.
"My lord, I would hurry, but this wind…it is so cold, I fear I'll freeze."
"Nonsense. Amuliana would not send you forth to freeze. You have served her well."
Una stumbled, her hand catching at Anagor. Pain ripped through her, shredding her heart as she wavered, yet it wasn't her pain. Rather, it was his. His pale eyes stared at her, hate stirring in them, along with something else. Something terrifying.
Backing away from him, Una trembled. Her fingers clutched at her clothes, wrapping them tighter around her. Each step back she took, he advanced two, his eyes fastened on her throat. He grinned, a merciless expression which revealed blackened nubs for teeth and puss filled gums.
"What is this?" Una swallowed, the rising fear pushing any thought but escape from her mind.
"My penance has waited too long, Una. I will have what I seek this night." Anagor licked his lips, his eyes darkening with hunger.
About the Author:
Born in Northern British Columbia, Elise is a small-town girl. She writes in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, m/m in various lengths. Currently, she lives in British Columbia with her husband and son, one dog, one cat, and a gecko. Elise enjoys reading as much as she does writing, with some of her favorite books being read until they fall apart.
She is currently working on the next book in the Forsaken Series, Burning Rain. As well she has a new contemporary she’s working on. For more information on Elise, or to check out her books you can find her on Facebook, twitter, and her website.
Contact the Author: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
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Can one who served the enemy find love in the arms of a condemned man?Una has spent her life serving Amuliana, the goddess of immortals. Now she stands on the brink of a change, one that can her give back the life she lost to Amuliana's meddling. But the change that comes will shatter the peaceful existence she knows and give her a new understanding of love and life. Unbeknownst to Una, her ancestors were the Forsaken, immortals who were cast out for the crime of a jealous vampire general.
Liam, an outcast among the dragon clans, has spent centuries seeking the one who condemned him for a crime he did not commit. When he comes face to face with Una, he must make a difficult choice - seek revenge or save a pure heart from the darkness threatening their worlds.
The dragon warrior and the human girl will unite to face enemies they've never experienced as a fallen vampire general's army stalks them. As Una gains strength, her immortal gifts are returned and she becomes a threat to the imprisoned general who's seeking power over the immortal world. He can't afford to let Una survive, because her life will ultimately cost him his.
Together, Liam and Una must fight their way back to the vampire world and the safety offered by her sister. Can love survive amid the treachery and danger, or has Liam finally found his mate only to lose her to the evil plaguing their worlds?
Book Link:
Goodreads * Amazon
Read an Excerpt:
"Do not dawdle, Una, our time grows short." Harsh, bitter, Anagor's voice scraped along her nerves as she hurried through the stone corridor. Stale air and dust sat in her throat, gagging her as she scurried among the debris. The sound of claws on stone sent shivers up her spine as some unseen vermin darted from her path. The heavy cloak she wore hid the shimmering fabric of her priestess robes but did little to battle the cold soaking through to her flesh.
"'Tis cold, this place we are being sent." Una shivered and ducked beneath a heavy beam. Her hand pressed against the icy stone as she struggled to maintain her balance on the uneven ground.
"You may think so."
Anagor's sneer pricked at the ready temper she'd struggled to control. Biting her lip, she kept the sharp retort to herself. She glanced up, her gaze falling on the thick wooden door Anagor stood before. He grinned as he gripped the handle and pulled. Dust and pebbles rained down as it creaked and groaned in protest before scraping along the ground to open. Shock ripped through Una as the pale streak of light spread along the frozen ground, wrapping around her with its icy chill.
Snow slapped at the ground, swirling in a maelstrom of white. It blew through the portal into the opening, piling around her sandal clad feet. Teeth chattering, she rubbed at her arms as Anagor stepped back, reaching for her cloak, all but shoving her into the freezing air.
"Duty does not wait for one who whines," he snapped, his grip tightening around her arm.
Bitter winds lashed at her dress, whipping the fabric around her legs. Her cheeks and toes burned, and fog formed in front of her with every breath. Her skin tightened, prickles of heat dancing along the surface. Wrapping her arms around herself, she fought to ward off the chill even as she felt it sinking deeper into her skin.
"My lord, I would hurry, but this wind…it is so cold, I fear I'll freeze."
"Nonsense. Amuliana would not send you forth to freeze. You have served her well."
Una stumbled, her hand catching at Anagor. Pain ripped through her, shredding her heart as she wavered, yet it wasn't her pain. Rather, it was his. His pale eyes stared at her, hate stirring in them, along with something else. Something terrifying.
Backing away from him, Una trembled. Her fingers clutched at her clothes, wrapping them tighter around her. Each step back she took, he advanced two, his eyes fastened on her throat. He grinned, a merciless expression which revealed blackened nubs for teeth and puss filled gums.
"What is this?" Una swallowed, the rising fear pushing any thought but escape from her mind.
"My penance has waited too long, Una. I will have what I seek this night." Anagor licked his lips, his eyes darkening with hunger.
About the Author:
Born in Northern British Columbia, Elise is a small-town girl. She writes in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, m/m in various lengths. Currently, she lives in British Columbia with her husband and son, one dog, one cat, and a gecko. Elise enjoys reading as much as she does writing, with some of her favorite books being read until they fall apart. She is currently working on the next book in the Forsaken Series, Burning Rain. As well she has a new contemporary she’s working on. For more information on Elise, or to check out her books you can find her on Facebook, twitter, and her website.
Contact the Author: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
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May 7, 2018
I Owed You One by Madhu Vajpayee- Review
Book Name - I Owed You One Author - Madhu Vajpayee Publisher - Lifi PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
The book opens with the journey of Dev Khanna from Australia to India. Dev is forced to come back to India as he receives a letter from someone who has an important role in his life for he owes her one. The flight gives him time to mull over the past that he has left behind five years back. The childhood and teenage trouble of Dev is depicted with utmost emotions and it's a deeply touching part of the book. The book cannot be rated on the basis of the overall storyline. The book can be considered as the amalgamation of three stories. One- Dev's life before Australia; Two- After Australia; Three- After getting the letter.
First part lacks novelty but the narration has made the part a top-notch one. The second part is a yet another boy-meets-girl love story. The third part is in way a reflection of the undercurrent of dirty communalism in India along with a cliffhanger. This part is the USP of the book, however some glitches spoiled the chance of being the showstopper. The fact that Madhu Vajpayee is an outstanding writer does not need any approval but considering the wide scale of literature, and in comparison to her first book, this one could have flared.
The relation between Dev and the sender of the letter is unique (could not be explained in order to avoid spoiler) and acts as the highlight of the book. This strange relation is a topic that, if not dealt with finesse could have spoiled the whole book and made it over-dramatic. But author has handled it with such panache that whatever negatives we could pick would be overshadowed.
Overall the book is something that could appeal to someone who wants a literary simple yet strong book with substance.
This review is in return of a free book from Authors Channel.
May 2, 2018
Darkstar: The loneliness of being Rajesh Khanna- Review
Book Name - Dark star: The loneliness of being Rajesh Khanna Author - Gautam Chintamani Publisher - Harper ColllinsBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
Born to an aristocratic business family, brought up and spoilt by the familial love, Jatin Khanna had the seeds of ego , narcissism and possessiveness right from the childhood. From his rise as a theater artist, to the winner of an acting contest to the first superstar in the history of Indian cinema to the deepest fall in history, Jatin aka Rajesh Khanna's life has everything that a thrilling blockbuster would ask for.
Author has portrayed the actor's life with the level of reflection that none would dare to. Author has managed to contact practically everyone barring a few to have a clearer idea of what led to what and has succeeded to a great extend. Author has beautifully explained each and every film by the actor right from the plot to the songs to the behind the camera glimpses. If adapted into a movie, the book has everything that the maker would ask for.
The parallel track of the rise of Amitabh Bachan is depicted so subtly that author has put forward the real circumstances that led to the change in graph of the actor at the same time managing to make sure that he did not hurt anyone's sentiments. Deliberately or due to lack of data, author has not delved much into the personal life of the legendary actor, which might be disappointing to an average voyeuristic reader.
While author has put forward the facts to the maximum precision possible, interpretation of some of the actions of the actor, for eg. decision to marry Dimple, were uni-linear and inspired from the assumptions of the third persons, which could have been wrong. But author has made sure not to be too vocal about the same. The book is surely a lesson to every youth as to how one should not get carried away by his/her success. the biography proves that handling success and remembering their base is important to anyone irrespective of the level of success.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to become a winner.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
